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How to Harvest Sea Sponges

Sponges are primitive animals which grow principally on the ocean floor. Sponges obtain nutrients by filtering sea water through their pores. Sea sponges represent a renewable resource, as they possess remarkable regenerative capabilities. Florida Sea Grant research has indicated that if sponges are cut from the sea floor, these living animals grow back and can be harvested again and again. For this reason, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) require sponges to be harvested by cutting. According to the University of Florida, even sponges that have been hooked from the sea bed are able to regenerate at least a third of the time.

Things You'll Need

Small boat, including an anchor and collection container
Clean pair of goggles
Pole with hook attached
Diving gear
Sharp knife
Collection bag

Instructions

Harvesting From a Boat
- 1
  Use a pole and hook in the Florida Keys, as it is prohibited to dive for sponges in these waters.
- 2
  Take a small boat out to the sponge beds or areas over the reef, where mature sponges are plentiful.
- 3
  Throw anchor. Lean over the side of the boat and place a clean pair of goggles on the surface of the water. Look through the glass of the goggles to identify where the mature sponges on the ocean floor, are positioned.
- 4
  Balance carefully in the boat and push the pole down toward the sea floor. Position the hook immediately above and to the side of the first sponge. Maneuver the hook until it pushes into the lower part of the body of the sponge. Be sure to push the hook into the sponge, as close to the sea floor as possible.
- 5
  Ensure that you have hooked sufficient amount of the body of the sponge. Grip the pole tightly and tear the sponge free from the reef or ocean floor.
- 6
  Remove the hook from the water and unhook the sponge.
- 7
  Lean over the side of the boat and rinse the sponge in the sea. Place the sponge into a basket or perforated container to allow water to completely drain from its body.
Havesting On a Dive
- 8
  Use diving gear off the Gulf Coast, as sponges are found in much deeper water. Diving is allowed in these areas.
- 9
  Take a small boat out to an area where sponges are plentiful off the Gulf Coast. Throw anchor.
- 10
  Put on your diving gear and place a collection bag onto your belt. Ensure that you have a sharp knife strapped to your leg.
- 11
  Dive down to the sponge bed and remove the sponges by cutting the animal's body from the sea floor. Cut the sponge's body close to the sea floor. Shake the sponge in the water to remove sand and place it into the collection bag.
- 12
  Place the sponges in a container once you have returned to the boat.

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