A marine protected area (MPA) is a section of the ocean where human activities are regulated to prevent or restore damage to ecosystems and species. Threats to the ocean include intensive or destructive types of fishing, mining, oil and gas extraction, pollution, heavy maritime traffic, or unsustainable tourism practices, and are responsible for a decline in the population of many fish, marine mammals, and other sea creatures. MPAs have been established to protect habitats, species and processes essential for healthy, functioning marine ecosystems. Many MPAs allow people to use the area in ways that do not damage the environment, while others impose stricter restrictions. Some prohibit fishing but allow entry, while others prohibit fishing in specific areas. In most cases, since these restrictions were put in place, the numbers of fish and sea life have significantly improved and reflected in the adjacent areas too. 

In Cabo Verde, some of the existing and planned MPAs seek to reduce the impact of threats and protect important habitats and species that play a key role in Cabo Verde’s ecosystem and local economy. For example by reducing bycatch of endangered species such as turtles and seabirds, protecting populations of grouper, a species important to the local economy, and ensuring healthy ecological corridors for migratory species such as humpback whales.