Cape Verde is a hotspot of shark diversity and a priority area for the conservation of these species in the Eastern Atlantic. This is the conclusion of Jaquelino Varela, a Cape Verdean researcher who has completed his PhD at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (Ciências ULisboa) with the highest classification of merit and distinction, awarded unanimously. More than an academic achievement, the researcher believes that this distinction recognises the quality of the scientific research produced by Cape Verdean scientists and demonstrates the contribution that a small island state can make to global scientific knowledge. In this interview, he shares the main findings of his research and his vision for the future of marine conservation in Cape Verde.
Jaquelino Varela finishes PhD with the highest distinction and highlights Cape Verde's role in shark conservation
Jaquelino Varela, a Cape Verdean researcher, completed his PhD at the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon (Ciências ULisboa), graduating with the highest distinction, unanimously awarded with merit and distinction.
Your doctoral thesis received the highest classification, awarded unanimously by the jury of CIÊNCIAS ULisboa with merit and distinction. What does this recognition mean to you and, above all, to scientific research produced by Cape Verdeans?
I received this distinction with immense gratitude and humility. This achievement recognises years of hard work, dedication and commitment to research focused on issues of great importance to Cape Verde. It also acknowledges the outstanding supervision provided by my supervisors, Professor Rui Rosa and Dr Tiago Repolho, without whom I would not have achieved this distinction. This accomplishment is particularly meaningful considering the context from which I started, where reaching this level might once have seemed unlikely. I firmly believe that Cape Verdeans are capable of producing scientific research of the highest quality, carried out with rigour and recognised internationally. I hope that this recognition will inspire other young researchers in our country to believe in their potential and to continue investing in knowledge as a tool for transformation.
"This achievement recognises years of hard work, dedication and commitment to research focused on issues of great importance to Cape Verde."
What do you consider to be the main scientific contribution of your thesis, and how do you believe this work could influence future conservation policies in Cape Verde and the wider region?
One of the most significant contributions of this research was demonstrating, based on scientific evidence, that Cape Verde is a hotspot of shark diversity and a priority area for shark conservation in the Eastern Atlantic, where these species face increasing pressures from industrial and artisanal fishing, the degradation of coastal habitats, and climate change. The research also incorporated the local ecological knowledge of artisanal fishers, showing that science can, and should, engage with the knowledge held by local communities. The thesis highlights the importance of areas such as Sal Rei Bay, on the island of Boa Vista, which was identified as a nursery ground for threatened shark species, and underscores the urgent need for its protection. At the national level, the findings support the development of an Action Plan for the Conservation and Management of Shark Species and provide scientific evidence to inform the revision of legislation related to shark conservation. At the regional level, the research identifies priority species for coordinated conservation actions among the archipelagos of the North Atlantic.
"Cape Verde is a hotspot of shark diversity and a priority area for shark conservation in the Eastern Atlantic"
To what extent was the knowledge of artisanal fishers instrumental to the conclusions of your thesis?
Conducting this research allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of my country, particularly the island of Santiago, by putting myself in the fishers’ position and gaining a better appreciation of their perspectives and challenges. I realised that socioeconomic factors are fundamental to the success of conservation initiatives. Management measures will only be truly effective if they take into account the realities and needs of the communities that depend directly on marine resources. The knowledge of artisanal fishers was instrumental, especially in a context where significant gaps in scientific monitoring still exist. In Cape Verde, where long-term datasets on sharks are lacking, listening to those who spend their lives at sea provided access to information accumulated through many years of direct observation. This knowledge proved essential for understanding which species are most frequently caught, how shark abundance has changed over time, and for guiding future research and conservation priorities.
In Cape Verde, where long-term datasets on sharks are lacking, listening to those who spend their lives at sea provided access to information accumulated through many years of direct observation.
What does it mean to you to demonstrate that a small archipelago can make such a significant contribution to global science?
It has a very profound meaning, because it shows that scientific relevance is not determined by a country's geographical size, but by the importance of the questions it asks of the world. Cape Verde is located within an oceanic region of enormous ecological and strategic value, which gives it unique conditions to contribute to global knowledge on marine biodiversity and conservation. Studying Cape Verde is also a way of helping to better understand the global ocean. It also challenges the notion that excellence in scientific research can only emerge from major scientific centres. Island nations, African countries, and states with more limited resources can also produce original, rigorous research with international impact.
Cape Verde recently captured the world's attention through its national team's performance at the World Cup, but there are also Cape Verdeans raising the country's profile through science. Do you believe we are witnessing a new generation that is showing the world a Cape Verde defined by talent, knowledge and innovation?
I believe we are witnessing a generation that is broadening the world's perception of Cape Verde and showing that the country is recognised not only for its sporting and artistic talent, but also for the quality of its researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals. What has been happening across different fields reveals a Cape Verde that is ambitious, capable and determined to earn its place in the world through merit. This new generation is increasingly connected to the wider world, while remaining closely linked to its roots and to the challenges facing the country. In science, this means producing knowledge of international quality that is also useful in addressing Cape Verde's real-world challenges. The talent is there. What we need is to continue creating the conditions that allow that talent to flourish and be transformed into development for the country.
"I believe we are witnessing a generation that is broadening the world's perception of Cape Verde and showing that the country is recognised not only for its sporting and artistic talent"
Sharks are still viewed by many people as dangerous animals. After years of studying them, what is the biggest myth you would like to dispel?
The biggest myth is the idea that sharks pose a constant threat to humans. This perception has been fuelled largely by films and sensationalist media coverage. In reality, shark attacks are extremely rare, and the vast majority of shark species do not pose any danger to people. Over the past few years, I have led a number of environmental awareness campaigns aimed at fishing communities and students, but there is still a long way to go in changing public perceptions. Sharks play a vital role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems. When they disappear, they trigger imbalances that affect the entire food web. Protecting sharks means protecting the health of our oceans and, ultimately, the wellbeing of human communities themselves.
Your research shows that two-thirds of the shark species identified in Cape Verde are threatened with extinction. What consequences could this have?
If this trend continues, the consequences could be very serious for Cape Verde and for the ecological balance of the Atlantic Ocean. One of the main consequences is the disruption of food webs, with cascading effects throughout the entire ecosystem. In addition, ecosystems become more vulnerable to overfishing, habitat degradation and climate change. For Cape Verde, this could result in impacts on biodiversity, fisheries productivity, food security and even nature-based tourism.
"The biggest myth is the idea that sharks pose a constant threat to humans. This perception has been fuelled largely by films and sensationalist media coverage. In reality, shark attacks are extremely rare"
One of the most interesting aspects of your thesis was the integration of artisanal fishers' knowledge with scientific research. What is the main lesson you have taken from that experience?
I learned that fishing communities possess extremely valuable knowledge about the sea, built through daily experience and observation. Good science, particularly when applied to conservation and development, needs to engage with people, local experience and the ecological memory of communities.
What responsibility do you feel in representing Cape Verde at international scientific forums?
I feel that, when participating in these forums, I am representing not only my individual journey but also Cape Verde's capacity to produce high-quality scientific knowledge and contribute to major international debates on the ocean, climate change and sustainable development. It is both a source of pride and a commitment: to be well prepared, to conduct rigorous research, and to demonstrate that the country has valuable contributions to offer the world.
Can Cape Verde become an international reference in ocean protection and the blue economy?
I believe it can. The country has many favourable conditions: a strategic location, a vast maritime area, rich biodiversity, and a strong historical connection to the sea. However, achieving this requires strong institutions, effective enforcement, investment in scientific research, and genuine coordination between the environmental, fisheries, tourism and education sectors. In the case of sharks, it is essential to expand marine protected areas, safeguard critical habitats, improve data collection on catches, and establish a national conservation plan. If these measures are implemented, Cape Verde could establish itself as an international reference in marine conservation.