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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 58(7)

The distribution and abundance of dictyoceratid sponges in relation to hydrodynamic features: identifying candidates and environmental conditions for sponge aquaculture

R. J. Bannister A B D , R. Brinkman C , C. Wolff C , C. Battershill B C and R. de Nys A B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.

B AIMS@JCU Tropical Aquaculture Programme, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.

C Australian Institute of Marine Science, PMB 3 Townsville, Qld 4810, Australia.

D Corresponding author. Email: Raymond.Bannister@jcu.edu.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 58(7) 624-633 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF07011
Submitted: 18 January 2007  Accepted: 16 May 2007   Published: 26 July 2007

Abstract

The distribution and abundance of dictyoceratid sponges was surveyed to a depth of 20 m at eleven locations within the Palm Island Group, Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia. These surveys were related to prevailing hydrodynamic conditions to identify candidates and environmental conditions for sponge aquaculture. Locations were classified as sheltered, intermediate and exposed using quantitative wave exposure and current force models. The species richness of dictyoceratid sponges was high with ten taxa, but the abundance of most species was low with patchy distributions. Two species, Coscinoderma sp. and Rhopaloeides odorabile, were abundant, and detailed surveys of these species were conducted at seven locations representing common habitats within the Palm Island Group. Coscinoderma sp. was present at all locations and although abundances differed significantly across locations, this was not related to hydrodynamic conditions. In contrast, R. odorabile was only present at exposed locations with low abundance. The higher abundance and broad distribution of Coscinoderma sp. supports its selection as an aquaculture candidate. In contrast, R. odorabile was less abundant and was restricted to high-energy environments making aquaculture more problematic. The present study demonstrates the importance of ecological data in the decision-making process for new species aquaculture.

Additional keywords: Coscinoderma sp., Rhopaloeides odorabile.


Acknowledgements

Qualified endorsement for this work was obtained in April 2002 from the Wulgurukaba (Rattlesnake/Herald) and Mambarra (Palm Group) traditional owners. Both groups will be consulted on the development of the work plan for further aquaculture feasibility research. The scope of this survey fell within that of the existing Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) research permit G00/506, provided to AIMS for biotechnology research. The present study was financially supported by the Great Barrier Reef Research Foundation and the James Cook University Finfish and Emerging Species Research Advancement Program. Thanks to Nick Paul for his input on statistical analysis.


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