Deep-sea Sponge Grounds: Reservoirs of Biodiversity

• Main Author: United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre
• Other Authors: Hogg, M.M., Tendal, O.S., Conway, K.W., Pomponi, S.A., Gutt, J., Krautter, M., Roberts, J.M.
• Format: Other/Unknown Material
• Language: English
• Published: UNEP 2016
• Subjects: BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY; MARINE ENVIRONMENT; HYDROCARBON; TECHNOLOGY; REMOTE SENSING; CLIMATE CHANGE; WASTE DISPOSAL; MINING; GEOLOGICAL RESOURCES; CORAL REEFS; BIOTECHNOLOGY; Fiber Optics; MARINE ECOSYSTEMS; ECOSYSTEMS; British Columbia; Canada; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/8579

This report draws together scientific understanding of deep-water sponge grounds alongside the threats they face and ways in which they can be conserved. Beginning with a summary of research approaches, sponge biology and biodiversity, the report also gives up-to-date case studies of particular deep-water sponge habitats from around the world. These include the spectacular giant glass sponge reefs of British Columbia – a relic of the time of the dinosaurs – and the diverse sponge kingdom of Antarctica. Long overlooked, recent research now shows that deep-water sponge grounds form complex, slow-growing and long-lived habitats in many parts of the global ocean. As well as forming local biodiversity centres, deep-water sponges are also storehouses of novel chemical compounds, some of which show promise in the fight against cancer and other diseases. Despite their inherent and biotechnological value, deep-water sponge grounds have been damaged by bottom fishing. This report considers the international policy context in which deep-water sponge grounds can be conserved and concludes with a series of expert recommendations for conservation managers and international policy makers. The recommendations set out a series of actions so that these vulnerable marine ecosystems can be conserved for future generations.