Diversity, Abundance and Distribution of Sharks in a Multispecies Nursery Area in the Eastern Central Atlantic

ABSTRACT Shark nursery habitats are priority targets for area‐based conservation as they protect key age classes that exhibit restricted area use. However, the lack of detailed, species‐specific biological and ecological data often undermines the efficacy of coastal management strategies. This study employed complementary Baited Remote Underwater Video (BRUV) and longline surveys to assess the diversity, distribution and seasonal use of shark species in a possible multispecies nursery in the Bay of Sal Rei (Cabo Verde), a critical but understudied habitat within the Eastern Central Atlantic (ECA). A total of 132 sharks were identified in BRUV footage, and 198 individuals were caught, measured and tagged for recapture. Size estimates from BRUV footage and maturity assessments from longline surveys revealed possible nursery use by at least 6 shark species. Size ranges indicate that the BSR is likely a primary nursery for milk (35–125 cm), blacktip (60–175 cm), scalloped hammerhead (35–54 cm) and spinner (60–126 cm) sharks, and a secondary nursery for common smoothhounds (61–100 cm) and Atlantic weasel sharks (58.5–135 cm). Possible altered space use between age classes was identified, with spatial and temporal differences in habitat partitioning between the primary and secondary nursery. These results, co‐created with local fishers and practitioners, identify the Bay of Sal Rei as a critical habitat for shark populations in the Eastern Central Atlantic and provide a robust scientific basis for implementing targeted, spatial and seasonal management that both engages and includes local communities.