Vazella is older than the dinosaurs! An amazing Atlantic sponge
Transcript
Vazella pourtalesii: The Amazing Sponge of the Northwest Atlantic
Sponges have been around longer than the dinosaurs and lie hundreds of metres below the surface of the ocean.
Vazella pourtalesii are a type of glass sponge, meaning their skeletons are made entirely out of silica, the same material used to make glass.
They are often called “Russian hat sponges” because of their shape and are located off the Nova Scotia coast in only a few areas.
Vazella sponges play an important role in the seafloor ecosystem, helping ensure that marine habitats are healthy and thriving. When these sponges feed on small bacteria and plankton, they create tiny currents with their bodies. This means they perform the important role of filtering seawater while they feed!
They also serve as important habitats for other species. For example, Redfish and crabs are often seen using the sponges for shelter.
The concentrations of Vazella sponges off Nova Scotia are unique in the world. As a result, protections were put in place in 2013 to create the Emerald Basin and Sambro Bank Sponge Conservation Areas. These marine refuges were established under the Fisheries Act through collaboration with scientists, managers and fish harvesters.
The Emerald Basin and Sambro Bank Sponge Conservation Areas not only protect fragile concentrations of sponges from bottom contacting fisheries, but they also serve as significant areas for ongoing research and monitoring.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is working to better understand and reduce the impacts of human activities on this exceptional marine species. New discoveries of Vazella sponges will help us learn more about their full range and role in the marine ecosystem.
To learn more about Vazella pourtalesii sponges, why they are important, and how they are being protected, visit our website.
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