Previously, common bathroom sponges were made from warm water marine sponges. Nowadays they have mostly been replaced by sponges made from plastics. However, one should not use cold waters sponges for these purposes as they contain many needle like spicules that can irritate the skin badly.

Recently interest in sponges has increases greatly for two reasons. The first is because large areas on the continental shelf can be covered by sponges. These increase the habitat diversity on the bottom and this in turn increases species diversity. These sponge areas have been damaged by bottom trawling in many areas and therefore there is a reason to map and protect the remaining areas.

The other reason is because sponges produce many types of chemicals that are of interest for the biochemical industry. Animals that cannot move, like the sponges have to use other means to defend themselves. The spicules are part of the defence but the sponges need more. They also produce bad tasting or toxic chemicals for defence. Fishermen that accidentally catch large sponges know that they emit a strong smell. This is a smell of chemicals that could possibly be used for medical purposes.

HV

Svampur (mynd Erlendur Bogason) Svampur (mynd Erlendur Bogason)

Svampur (mynd Erlendur Bogason) Svampur (mynd Erlendur Bogason)