Bioeroding Sponge Research

Created 23/06/2025

Updated 23/06/2025

Pearl oysters (Pinctada maxima) harvested from wild stocks are experiencing high levels of infestation of bioeroding sponges (Cliona spp.) imposing a multi-million dollar cost to the industry. Scientists of the Department are work closely with Dr Jane Fromont (WA Museum) who is an expert in sponge taxonomy and ecology. Preliminary samples have been collected during the 2004 and 2005 season to develop sampling and screening techniques. More comprehensive sampling is planned for the following two seasons. Samples are initially screened for the presence of Cliona spiculae and than further processed using histology. This project aims to * Develop a field guide to identify bioeroding sponges in pearl oyster samples * Develop sampling techniques for estimating the biomass and reproductive capacity of bioeroding sponges in pearl oyster shells and benthic substrates. * Estimate the effect of size/ age and location on infection rate of bioeroding sponges in the wild stocks of pearl oysters. * Establish a sponge infestation database, including both oysters and habitat.

Time : ends 2007

Files and APIs

Additional Info

Field Value
Title Bioeroding Sponge Research
Language eng
Licence Not Specified
Landing Page https://data.gov.au/data/dataset/792cf7ab-5bec-4759-b7db-62baaaad4a2f
Contact Point
Australian Ocean Data Network
headoffice@fish.wa.gov.au
Reference Period 01/01/2004 - 01/01/2007
Geospatial Coverage
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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Data Portal Australian Oceans Data Network

Data Source

This dataset was originally found on Australian Oceans Data Network "Bioeroding Sponge Research". Please visit the source to access the original metadata of the dataset:
https://catalogue.aodn.org.au/geonetwork/srv/eng/csw/dataset/bioeroding-sponge-research