Really Natural Cleaning: Wool Sea Sponges Are Not Just for Beauty

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Environmentalists are concerned about protecting sea sponges, especially
because we still know so little about them, particularly with regard to their
potential medicinal usefulness and their role in the food chain. For example,
researchers are optimistic that chemicals emitted from some living sea sponges
could be synthesized to create new arthritis treatments and possibly even cancer
fighters. And sea sponges serve as the primary food source for endangered
hawksbill sea turtles. Shrinking amounts of natural sponge could push the
prehistoric creature over the brink to extinction.

According to the Australian Marine Conservation Society, sea sponges are under
threat not only from over-harvesting but also from sewage discharge and storm
water run-off, as well as from scallop dredging activity. Global warming, which
has been increasing water temperatures and altering the ocean food chain and
sea floor environment accordingly, is also now a factor. The organization reports
that very few sponge gardens are protected, and is advocating for the creation of
marine protected areas and more sensitive fishing methods in regions where sea
sponge remain abundant.