Marine biodiversity in Fazenda Bay, Tarrafal, Santiago

ECOCV and partners continue mapping potential hotspots of marine biodiversity around Santiago Island. The first survey in the bay of Fazenda, north of the island allowed to collect data on species diversity in the bay. More detail studies are needed to assess abundance and the state of the habitats, also in other parts of the bay, but first data shows a high diversity marine life for a small area. Among species recorded: trumpetfish, soap-fish, damselfish, endemic Caboverdean mullet, amberjacks, parrotfish, moray eels, seabreams, several species of sea stars, tunicates and at least six species of corals including the endemic sun coral and black coral and healthy concentration of Porites asteroides coral.