Mega-Planktivore Monitoring Boavista, Cabo Verde

We have monitored the seasonal abundance and distribution of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) and oceanic manta rays (Mobula birostris) around the island of Boavista, Cabo Verde, since 2015.

Fisher and boat-based surveys with traditional artisanal fishers have revealed the SW quadrant to be the seasonal focus of mega-planktivores between June and October. Trained in-water observers collect identification images and deploy towed SPOT tags (Smart Position Only Tracking satellite tags) to add to an expanding catalogue of the visiting populations and a growing understanding of the spatial ecology of whale sharks and manta rays in the tropical Atlantic Ocean.

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