Sponge Death On East Coast

[LIVES4SHARKS]

At our last scuba club meeting, we were informed by our NOAA representative that they are seeing sponge death on our Southern coast. These are the smaller sponges that look like bath sponges. They are normally purple in color, but as they die, they lose that color and eventually turn white. If anyone observes that on their dives, please document where and how many are involved. They need this information in order to determine the extent of this problem and how far reaching it has become. They do not know what is causing this at this point.

Here is the link to the NOAA SOUTHEAST REGIONAL OFFICE

I also posted this in the conservation forum.

Thanks everyone!
Carolyn:sharks:

 

[LIVES4SHARKS]

The species is IRCINIA FELIX or "Stink Sponge".
Stinker Sponge, Ircinia felix<

I hope this information will help. When they start to die off they lose their color then become completely white.

Thanks,
Carolyn:sharks:

 

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Yikes, that sucks :/

 

[The Chairman]

Just think how much deeper our ocean would be if all the sponges died off!

But really, keep us posted. Do they have ANY guesses as to what may be causing this?

 

[LIVES4SHARKS]

Not at this point. Right now they are just asking for observations to see how widespread this is becoming. Since so many divers are out on the coast, every little bit of information helps. Grays Reef is one of many sanctuaries down the Atlantic coast, so they are very much interested in keeping track of this situation. Everything trickles down to the health of the reef.

Happy Diving!
Carolyn:sharks:

Ps remember, many species of sealife feed off the sponges, including our precious turtles!