Cabo Verdean researcher earns top honors for shark conservation thesis
Cabo Verdean researcher Jaquelino Varela has received the highest distinction for his doctoral thesis on shark conservation, titled "Impacts of Anthropogenic Pressures on Sharks with a Special Focus in Cabo Verde." The research, conducted as part of a PhD in Climate Change and Sustainable Development Policies, specifically in Environmental Sciences, significantly contributes to understanding and protecting sharks in Cabo Verde, a key marine biodiversity hotspot in the Central-East Atlantic. Varela's work examined the detrimental effects of human activities, including fishing, habitat degradation, and climate change, on shark populations.
The study identified 53 shark species in Cabo Verde, with a concerning 66% listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The thesis highlights the archipelago as a critical region for shark conservation due to its high diversity of threatened species and intense human pressure. Varela also incorporated the ecological knowledge of artisanal fishers from ten communities on Santiago Island, revealing that their activities catch at least 18 shark species, most of which are threatened despite legal protections. Fishers reported a substantial decline in shark abundance over the past 15 years, primarily attributing it to fishing, particularly by international fleets.
Based on these findings, Varela proposes several conservation measures, including expanding marine protected areas, revising protected species legislation, developing a national shark action plan, enhancing fisheries enforcement, and regulating shark-related tourism. He asserts that combining biological, ecological, and traditional fishing knowledge provides a strong foundation for improving marine conservation policies and meeting Cabo Verde's international biodiversity commitments. Varela, originally from Santa Cruz, holds a degree in Biology from the University of Cabo Verde and a Master's from Bridgewater State University in the USA. He has participated in numerous international academic events and conducted blue literacy initiatives to raise awareness about sharks' ecological importance.
This research underscores the critical intersection of local ecological knowledge and scientific investigation in addressing global conservation challenges. The findings highlight a systemic issue where artisanal fishing, while potentially sustainable at lower scales, is compounded by larger international fishing pressures, leading to the endangerment of diverse shark species within a recognized biodiversity hotspot. The proposed solutions, such as expanding protected areas and refining legislation, address governance gaps. However, the long-term efficacy will depend on robust enforcement mechanisms and international cooperation to mitigate transboundary fishing impacts. Future policy must consider the economic dependencies of local communities while prioritizing the ecological integrity of marine ecosystems, especially in the context of evolving climate change impacts and the increasing demand for marine resources.
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