Sponge bioherms are reefs composed of colonies of cloud sponges (Aphrocallistes vastus) living on layers of dead sponge. Cloud sponges are made up of silica and are found in other places around the world, but only in BC are they known to grow on the skeleton of dead sponge and build large reef structures.
Fossil records indicate that over the earth’s history sponge reefs have created the largest biological structures that have ever existed on planet, with some encompassing 4,300 square km, nearly double the size of the great barrier reef. These incredible structures were thought to have been extinct until 1986, when an oceanographic survey in the Queen Charlottes discovered a 9,000 year old sponge reef in Hectate straight that was 8 stories high and 700 square km.
For the last several years, MLSS has been actively working to map the distribution of sponge reefs in Howe Sound using drop-camera video. To date we have identified at least 10 sites which are full sponge reefs, and many other sponge gardens (areas with impressive sponge formations but where there is not extensive reef formation). MLSS is working hard with DFO, the fishing industry and other organizations to achieve protection for these incredible marine habitats.
Sponges offer important habitat for a variety of marine life and are important for fish and marine invertebrate reproduction, potentially acting as important nursery grounds for juvenile rockfish. Sponges are also important filters and 1 sponge can filter 9000L per day. There is still much unknown about their role in the ecosystem and the presence of sponge reefs at diveable depths offers researchers a great opportunity to study and better understand these incredible ecosystems.
More information on our Sponge Research:
Regular Updates on Sponge Research
Temperature Monitoring Program
Glass Sponge Larval Settlement Study
MLSS Historic Dive on Lions Bay Seamount
More images of sponges in Howe Sound
Please help us with donations to continue our sponge research program 🙂
Marine Life Sanctuaries Society 
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