Jaquelino Varela
Sharks are among the most endangered groups of marine animals, with almost 40% of species facing extinction on a global scale. Overfishing, habitat destruction and climate change are the main threats to sharks, equally affecting all human communities that depend on the sea. Therefore, the protection of critical habitats such as shark nurseries is crucial to ensure the conservation of this group of animals.
Sal Rei Bay, Boa Vista (Cabo Verde), a multi-species shark nursery. © Vasco Pissarra.
In this context, this project aims to monitor the population of juvenile sharks in the first described multi-species shark nursery in the whole of Atlantic Africa, located on the island of Boa Vista, Cabo Verde. It also aims to raise awareness in the population of the importance of sharks for a healthy ocean and engage them in conservation efforts.