Climate change, pollution, overfishing and the periodic appearance of the
sponge disease, dramatically reduced the stock of sponges, the number of species and
the diversity of their forms. Demand continues to grow despite their high prices (150
euros/kg). Price depends on type, quality, necessary processing and geographical
origin. The possibility of producing secondary metabolites & collagen from sponges
makes them a valuable source for the production of raw materials of high added value.
An experimental culture was performed in an integrated aquaculture fish production
unit in Larymna (Greece) on ropes between fish cages (arranged vertically), on iron
frames placed 0.5 m above the bottom (arranged horizontally) and in onshore tanks.
Thus far results from the sea experiments (vertical and horizontal arrangements) have
been encouraging, while those from the onshore facilities have been less so. Three
experiments were performed with two species of sponges in order to develop a suitable
method of sponges’ mariculture in parallel with fish farming with the following
objectives: (a) to study the robustness of the sponges, (b) to investigate the method of
harvesting in order to ensure sustainability of their biotopes, (c) to investigate the
modes of transport from the harvesting areas to the experimental unit, (d) to examine a
biological decontamination technology in closed bays and protected areas thanks to the
high filtration capacity of the sponges.
Keywords: Fish cages, Hippospongia communis, Sponge mariculture, Spongia
officinalis officinalis.
