A pilot sponge farm for Torres Strait community?

A feasibility study to explore the potential of sponge aquaculture in the Torres Strait began in 2004. Also an initiative for remote community development, the project aimed to identify ‘best practice’ commercial methods as well as coming up with a business plan for developing sponge aquaculture at Masig (Yorke) Island right at the tip of Cape York. Dr Alan Duckworth of the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) headed the team.

The project has been a collaborative effort between:

• Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) – Torres Strait
• Torres Strait Regional Authority
• Yorke Island Community Council (YICC)
• Australian Institute of Marine Science

YICC is currently seeking funding to establish a pilot farm which, if successful, could lead to the development of other farms in the area. YICC Chairman Don Mosby says the community would benefit from a commercial sponge farm.

The group investigated many aspects – from environmental impacts to market demands. For example, the shape of the mature sponges was very important in determining which farming method to be used.

AIMS scientists left sponges to grow in the sea for nine months before they reached marketable size and are pleased with the results which support the feasibility of growing sponges in the Torres Strait.

Local residents participated in the dive and field work components of the project which has received widespread community support. Don Mosby says,

“The community has been involved in this project every step of the way and there is a lot of support to develop a commercial operation.”

Alan Duckworth believes that sponge aquaculture will be the most environmentally sustainable way of meeting market demands into the future. He says,

“The plan needs some rigorous business testing to be certain it is economically viable but at this point things are looking very promising.”

About the sponge industry

Aquaculture is a sustainable alternative to ‘wild harvesting’ which has devastated sponge populations in other regions and the AIMS scientists believe the environmental impacts of a commercial sponge farm at Masig Island would be minimal.

Natural sponges are sought after by cosmetic and industrial cleaning companies due to their highly absorbent skeletons. At present, international demand for bath sponges far outweighs the supply reserves. The world sponge industry, which is primarily supplied by the Mediterranean and the Caribbean is worth over $40M.

For more info you can contact:

Dr Alan Duckworth (AIMS)
Telephone: 07 4753 4171
Email: a.duckworth@aims.gov.au