Seamounts, Cabo Verde, biological oceanography, biodiversity, management, conservation, socioeconomics

The deep-sea areas of Cabo Verde, particularly its 14 seamounts, remain largely unexplored but are believed to harbor high biodiversity, from microscopic life to cetaceans. These underwater structures play a key ecological role, yet their biology and ecology are still not well understood. This study reviews their environmental, biological, and socio-economic significance, emphasizing the need for effective marine spatial planning to balance conservation with sustainable use.