Deep-sea Sponge Grounds: Reservoirs of Biodiversity

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dc.contributor.authorUnited Nations Environment Programme
dc.contributor.organizationUnited Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre
dc.contributor.otherHogg, M.M.
dc.contributor.otherTendal, O.S.
dc.contributor.otherConway, K.W.
dc.contributor.otherPomponi, S.A.
dc.contributor.otherGutt, J.
dc.contributor.otherKrautter, M.
dc.contributor.otherRoberts, J.M.
dc.coverage.spatialCanada
dc.date.accessioned2016-10-11T20:06:16Z
dc.date.available2016-10-11T20:06:16Z
dc.date.issued2010
dc.descriptionThis report draws together scientific understanding of deep-water sponge grounds alongside the threats they face and ways in which they can be conserved. Beginning with a summary of research approaches, sponge biology and biodiversity, the report also gives up-to-date case studies of particular deep-water sponge habitats from around the world. These include the spectacular giant glass sponge reefs of British Columbia – a relic of the time of the dinosaurs – and the diverse sponge kingdom of Antarctica. Long overlooked, recent research now shows that deep-water sponge grounds form complex, slow-growing and long-lived habitats in many parts of the global ocean. As well as forming local biodiversity centres, deep-water sponges are also storehouses of novel chemical compounds, some of which show promise in the fight against cancer and other diseases. Despite their inherent and biotechnological value, deep-water sponge grounds have been damaged by bottom fishing. This report considers the international policy context in which deep-water sponge grounds can be conserved and concludes with a series of expert recommendations for conservation managers and international policy makers. The recommendations set out a series of actions so that these vulnerable marine ecosystems can be conserved for future generations.en
dc.formatpdf
dc.identifier.isbn978-92-807-3081-4
dc.identifier.urihttps://wedocs.unep.org/handle/20.500.11822/8579
dc.languageEnglish
dc.page.number88 pages
dc.publisherUnited Nations Environment Programme
dc.rights.accessLevelPublic
dc.subject.sdgSDG 14 - Life below Water
dc.titleDeep-sea Sponge Grounds: Reservoirs of Biodiversityen
dc.typeTechnical report
wd.identifier.old-id9341
wd.identifier.sdgiohttp://purl.unep.org/sdg/SDGIO_00000048

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