A passionate marine biologist and the Founder of Elasmobase Azores—a new-age initiative dedicated to gathering essential data on the sharks and rays of the Azores archipelago to inform effective conservation strategies—Fátima does not back down from a challenge. Originally from a small farm town in mainland Spain, Fátima’s lifelong love for the ocean guided her away from the countryside and into the waters of São Miguel Island in the Azores. Her journey to study marine life led her to embrace both a profound respect for the natural world and a deep understanding of the vital, interconnected roles that various species play in sustaining ocean ecosystems. And, ultimately inspired her to build her own non-profit dedicated to filling scientific gaps in a region that’s highly understudied, far off the coast of Portugal.
Since founding Elasmobase in early 2024, Fátima has spearheaded the nonprofit’s mission to close significant knowledge gaps in the marine biodiversity of the Azores. This remote location, with its unique position in the North Atlantic, boasts an incredible level of biodiversity, drawing migratory species and supporting habitats crucial for nesting seabirds and marine life. Yet, until now, surprisingly little scientific attention had been given to these rich waters. Fátima’s data-driven approach aims to spotlight the archipelago’s importance in the broader ecological puzzle of the Atlantic, with a focus on species like sharks and rays that are often overlooked in conservation efforts.
Elasmobase has quickly gained traction, with local dive centers, whale-watching operators, and even fishermen contributing valuable observations and data. Fátima’s flexible approach to data collection, tailored to each partner’s capacity, has fostered a strong network of collaborators who are heavily invested in the project’s success. Her work bridges the gap between science and the community, enabling tour operators and local stakeholders to engage in hands-on conservation, cultivating a greater awareness and commitment to protecting the ocean. This collaborative spirit has been instrumental in building Elasmobase’s database, which, when fully analyzed, will be shared with government agencies, the local university, and international publications to amplify the findings and support broader marine protection policies.
Looking ahead, Fátima envisions a future where the data collected by Elasmobase not only drives regional conservation measures but also serves as a scalable model for similar efforts in other resource-limited areas. By working closely with the local community and ensuring transparency and accessibility in her findings, Fátima aims to create a lasting, wide-reaching impact. Even though she’s only just getting started, her ultimate goal is extremely clear: to embed a culture of conservation within the Azores, empowering communities to recognize the value of their natural heritage and advocate for its preservation on both a local and global scale.