After such events, large sponges often litter the ground and die because they cannot grow back onto the reef. So far, various cements and glues have failed to provide a fix, and as a result, restoration projects have focused on smaller organisms that are easier to patch.
Using a new technique involving a “sponge holder,” the team removed and then affixed 20 Caribbean giant barrel sponges at Conch Reef near Key Largo, Florida. Almost two-thirds of the sewed-on specimens survived at least another two to three years, during which four hurricanes passed over the area. Most of the sponges naturally reattached to the reef, something that did not occur in previous surgical attempts. ❧
— Jessica Leber"
This is indeed a very novel idea. Sponges play a key part in the aquatic ecosystem because they filter the water, much like oysters. However, in recent years, the population has dwindled because of overharvesting as well as natural causes such as disease. If this new technique will successfully work for years to come, then the waters of the affected areas will be healthy and stable once again.
http://www.conservationmagazine.org/articles/v10n3/sponge-surgery/
This seems like a good idea for restoring the coral reefs. the fact that it reattaches the sponges naturally means it's unlikely to have any harmful effects on the enviroment.
ReplyDeleteThis solution to the sponge population decline seems like a good one. It's helping the sponge population, without effecting the environment itself too much. By the sponges reattaching naturally, it's as if there is no human influence.
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