DOI: 10.14286/sjgryq
title: OTN VR2W Loan - Cabo Verde: Nurse and Lemon shark.

description: This is the OBIS extraction of the Ocean Tracking Network and Dalhousie University (DAL) OTN VR2W Loan - Cabo Verde: Nurse and Lemon shark., consisting of the release tagging metadata, i.e. the location and date when the tagged animal was released, and summarized detection events of tagged individuals.
 If readers are interested in the source dataset they may also inquire with the project PIs as listed here or on the OTN web site (https://members.oceantrack.org/project?ccode=V2LCV).Abstract:More than 60 elasmobranch species inhabit the waters of Cabo Verde Island. The assemblage include a wide spectrum of species from large and small coastal species to pelagic species and from highly migratory to resident species, as well as species endemic to Cabo Verde, such as the Cabo Verde skate, Raja herwigi, and semi-endemic species (endemic to West Africa), such as the Atlantic weasel shark, Paragaleus pectoralis. Neonates and adult individuals are present and this wide demographic spread indicates that essential and important, but largely uncharacterized, habitats of elasmobranch are present in this region and it is believed to be one of the last refugees for elasmobranchs in West Africa, and indeed the North Atlantic Ocean. However, detailed scientific information is scarce preventing any science-based management efforts. The high value of this area in conjunction with the ability to study and protect some species within Marine Protected Areas means the region can offer some degree of sanctuary from the world-wide decline in elasmobranch species. This decline is mainly triggered by the high demand for shark fins and flesh and primarily the result of unstainable fishing practices and lacking or inadequate management. There is growing public and scientific concern over the global decline of elasmobranch populations and the consequences of such declines include changes in the structure, function and stability of marine ecosystems. Currently, there is no stock assessment available for any elasmobranch species in Cabo Verde and although marine reserves have been established, their benefit for elasmobranch conservation remains unclear. Hence, more detailed scientific information is needed to allow for a comprehensive and successful elasmobranch conservation strategy in Cabo Verde. Moreover, the characterization and conservation of Cabo Verde elasmobranch populations will contribute to both, the preservation of species diversity and support a sustainable resource for ecotourism and fisheries. Therefore, the Cabo Verde Elasmobranch Research Project aims to improve our understanding of the biology, ecology, and conservation status of elasmobranchs in Cabo Verde waters in order to provide a scientific basis for comprehensive protection and management, aid the science of these species and to benefit local communities and Cabo Verde in terms of fisheries, education and maintenance of biodiversity. The Project is based on an interdisciplinary approach with the goal of bringing together international and Cabo Verdean researchers, government representatives and resource managers, industry, NGOs and local communities, translating scientific information into on-the-water conservation measures and ensuring the effectiveness of management efforts. Canadian, Cabo Verdean and international researchers will collaborate to support long-term sustainability of elasmobranch populations through species assessments, field surveys, collection of fisheries data, telemetry studies, stock assessments, the collection of biological or environmental data, and gathering local ecological knowledge observations. The local knowledge of Cabo Verdeans who use the sea, such as traditional fishermen, will be an invaluable assistance in achieving these goals.