Aug 2: Scientists have identified a resilient Mediterranean sea sponge that could help restore polluted harbour ecosystems after a transplantation experiment demonstrated remarkable survival and self replication in contaminated waters.
The findings, published in the journal Frontiers in Marine Science, showed that the chicken kidney sponge (Chondrosia reniformis) survived for 455 days in Spain’s Marina Palamós, with 91.7 per cent of transplanted specimens remaining alive while naturally producing mobile clones.
Researchers from the Center for Advanced Studies of Blanes in Girona transplanted 42 sea sponges from five Mediterranean species into the polluted marina to evaluate their potential for ecological restoration. Four species either failed to establish or died within months, while Chondrosia reniformis adapted successfully to the challenging environment.
Sea sponges are natural filter feeders capable of processing thousands of litres of seawater daily. They remove bacteria, viruses, heavy metals and suspended particles while recycling nutrients and creating habitats for fish, crustaceans and other marine organisms.
Researchers found that the sponge’s unique ability to “creep” across surfaces allows it to move away from unfavourable conditions and settle in protected areas. It also reproduces asexually through fission, producing genetically identical clones that help expand local populations.
The research team plans to continue monitoring the transplanted sponges over the coming years to better understand how their symbiotic microbial communities contribute to tolerance against pollutants and heavy metals.
Scientists believe the findings could support the development of nature based solutions for restoring degraded coastal ecosystems, with hardy sponge species potentially serving as biological tools to improve water quality and biodiversity in polluted harbours.