the Program
Marine and Sustainable Fisheries
The sea is the soul of Maio, and protecting it means guaranteeing a future for those who live off it and for those who find life in it.
In our Marine and Sustainable Fisheries Program, we work side by side with fishermen and communities to care for the oceans, preserve species and promote more balanced fishing.
We monitor several marine species, use complementary technologies and methodologies to study ecosystems and involve fishermen in data collection – because we believe that those who live off the sea should also be one of its greatest protectors.
We also invest in training and strengthening fishing communities, helping local associations and forming the "Guardians of the Sea", a national initiative that encourages more sustainable fishing practices.
Every little action counts. Together, we are ensuring that the sea of Maio remains blue, alive and sustainable – today and always!
the program
Objective
Protect marine biodiversity and promote sustainable fishing on the island of Maio.
Main actions
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Monitoring of marine biodiversity in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) using technologies such as drones, BRUVs and underwater visual censuses.
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Inclusion of local communities (artisanal fishermen and fishmongers) with training, capacity building and environmental awareness actions.
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Participatory management of marine resources and encouragement of sustainable fishing practices.
Information
This program focuses on monitoring marine biodiversity within the island's Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and other areas of high ecological importance, through the application of innovative and complementary data collection methodologies, such as aerial surveys with drones, one of the most widely used methods currently for monitoring marine megafauna, baited underwater remote video (BRUVs) that allow sampling of the fish community, including sharks, and underwater visual censuses, a method used to monitor shallow reefs.
In addition, the program strongly focuses on the inclusion and participation of local communities, with a strong focus on artisanal fishermen and fishmongers' associations. Through technical training, economic empowerment and environmental awareness actions, the program aims to strengthen the role of communities in the participatory management of marine resources and in the promotion of sustainable fishing practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Through regular monitoring of marine bioindicators (such as sharks, rays, fish, corals, cetaceans and seabirds), control of critical areas (such as breeding and feeding areas), identification of environmental impacts, and training of fishermen and fishmongers in sustainable fishing practices and resource valorization, directly involving the community in conservation.
The species monitored include elasmobranchs (sharks and rays), reef and commercial species, corals and seabirds (Pelagodroma marina).
Monitoring is essential to ensure ecological balance, the regeneration of species populations, the protection of critical habitats and the preservation of species vulnerable to human impacts, such as fishing and pollution.
The “Guardians of the Sea” initiative involves local fishermen in marine conservation and the promotion of sustainable fishing, empowering them to collect data on illegal activities and sightings of marine megafauna. In addition to strengthening community empowerment, it offers material incentives, making fishermen protagonists of the sustainable management of marine resources and the future of Maio’s coastal communities.
The program has a positive impact in Maio, promoting marine conservation and improving the lives of local communities. It protects critical areas, benefits commercial and ecological species, and combats illegal and destructive fishing. In addition, it trains fishermen and fishmongers in sustainable techniques, increasing profitability and ensuring the sustainability of fishing.
Visitors to Maio can support marine conservation through responsible ecotourism activities such as whale and dolphin watching, always with trained local guides. They can also volunteer in monitoring programs, support environmental awareness events, buy products directly from fishermen and fishmongers, reduce plastic use and collect litter on beaches and trails, and share information about Maio's biodiversity and environmental challenges.
The program has achieved unprecedented results in conserving biodiversity and strengthening fishing communities in Maio. It expands participatory monitoring, providing continuous data on illegal activities, megafauna sightings and commercial fish. Standardized databases help to understand species distribution and create effective protection measures. The scientific article "Macedo et al., 2025" provides insights into artisanal fishing in Cabo Verde, and the “Guardians of the Sea” initiative, created in Maio, is being replicated on other islands in the country.
