true

ISRA FACTSHEETS

EUROPEAN ATLANTIC

ISRA FACTSHEETS

EUROPEAN ATLANTIC

Cabo de São Vicente ISRA

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Cabo de São Vicente ISRA

Cabo de São Vicente

Summary

Cabo de São Vicente is located on the coast of southwest Portugal. The area is characterised by a narrow continental shelf and the presence of rocky reefs, and sandy substrates with patches of calcareous algae. Upwelling in the boreal spring and summer produces plankton blooms. The area overlaps with an Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Area, a Key Biodiversity Area, and a protected area. Within this area there are: threatened species and feeding areas (Basking Shark Cetorhinus maximus).

Cabo de São Vicente

Cabo de São Vicente

DESCRIPTION OF HABITAT

Cabo de São Vicente is located on the coast of southwest Portugal. The area extends from Sagres in the west to Alvor in the east and encompasses the Martinhal islets. It is characterised by a narrow continental shelf and the presence of rocky reefs and sandy substrates with patches of calcareous algae (Gil Fernández et al. 2016).

The area lies along the Gulf of Cádiz, where Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea-influenced currents create dynamic oceanographic conditions (Relvas et al. 2007; Sánchez & Relvas 2003). Oceanographically, the region experiences seasonal upwelling in the boreal spring and summer driven by northerly winds, which brings nutrient-rich waters to the surface, fuelling plankton blooms (Fiúza 1983; Moita et al. 2003). Upwelling events enhance productivity, attracting marine megafauna (Garrido et al. 2008). Spawning aggregations (e.g., sardines in spring/summer) create transient prey hotspots for marine mammals and seabirds (Garrido et al. 2008).

The area overlaps with the West Iberian Canyons and Banks Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Area (EBSA; CBD 2025), the South-west coast of Portugal Key Biodiversity Area (KBA 2025), and the Natural Park of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine coast (UNEP-WCMC & IUCN 2025)

This Important Shark and Ray Area is pelagic and is delineated from inshore and surface waters (0 m) to 100 m based on the bathymetry of the area.

CRITERION A

VULNERABILITY

One Qualifying Species considered threatened with extinction according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species regularly occurs in the area. This is the Endangered Basking Shark (Rigby et al. 2021).

CRITERION C

SUB-CRITERION C2 – FEEDING AREAS

Cabo de São Vicente is an important feeding area for one shark species.

Basking Sharks are reported to regularly occur in southern Portuguese waters during spring and summer (Couto et al. 2017; Doherty 2017). Within the area, individuals are regularly observed by tourist operators specialised in dolphin and whale watching or research on marine mammals (Mar Ilimitado unpubl. data 2025). Based on 14,585 hours of trips conducted in the area between 2010–2025, 28 Basking Sharks were opportunistically observed swimming at the surface. Individuals were regularly observed with their mouths open confirming feeding occurs in the area. Most sightings occurred during spring and summer (n = 26). Further, three individuals were incidentally caught by benthic trawlers operating in the area between 2021–2024 in summer. The seasonal presence of the species may be related to upwelling events. On the southwest coast of Portugal, seasonal upwelling during spring and summer enhance phytoplankton biomass blooms (Abrantes & Moita 1999; Relvas et al. 2007). These upwelling events are considered an important source of inorganic nutrients for primary production in the area and produce zooplankton blooms (Abrantes & Moita 1999). Similar patterns between high productivity areas and Basking Shark feeding have been recorded elsewhere (e.g., Sims & Quayle 1998).

Cabo de São Vicente

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