Media Release

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In a groundbreaking effort, scientists from SeaGen Aquaculture and Gippsland-based biotech company Offshore Biotechnologies, have successfully cultivated over 100 species of marine sponges in preparation for the anticipated offshore energy boom.

Sponges were collected from 80 meters below the surface, 12 miles off Apollo Bay, Victoria, and reproduced using coral restoration techniques at SeaGen’s hatchery on Phillip Island.

“Sponges are extraordinary creatures,” said Dr Chris Gillies, CEO of Offshore Biotechnologies. “They’ve existed since before the dinosaurs, forming intricate relationships with microorganisms that make them a rich source of medical compounds. Many of these are now life-saving cancer and antiviral drugs.”

In deep-sea ecosystems, sponges dominate where light-dependent corals and seaweeds cannot thrive. They provide critical habitats for valuable species like rock lobsters, support nutrient cycling, and filter vast amounts of seawater.

Despite living in the shadows of more well-known ecosystems like coral reefs, sponge communities in southern Australia’s cold waters are likely to receive a lot more attention soon.

Sponges grow slowly, relying on stable conditions to establish rich, diverse habitats over decades or centuries. The region faces disruptions from offshore wind developments and the decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructure.

“This relatively untouched environment is on the brink of major development,” Dr. Gillies advised. “We urgently need strategies to restore and enhance sponge habitats to ensure offshore energy projects are Nature Positive.”

The team’s research shows many sponge species respond well to reproduction by fragmentation, with one sponge yielding over 50 clones. These cultivated sponges will soon be deployed onto artificial reefs in the Apollo Marine Park.

The project involves deploying 120 tonnes of limestone rubble, eight reefs made from recycled shells, and 64 concrete mats designed to attract marine life. Scientists from Deakin University will monitor the reefs using underwater drones to track the recovery of sponge communities and marine biodiversity.

This collaborative initiative includes Offshore Biotechnologies, SeaGen Aquaculture, Deakin University, Parks Australia, The Nature Conservancy, Amplitude Energy, Polaris Marine and VRFish with funding from Parks Australia’s Ocean Discovery and Restoration Program.

“With the right technology, energy security and marine ecosystems can coexist,” said Dr Gillies. “By developing restoration methods now, we can make sure we have the right solutions before the next wave of offshore energy development.”

ENDS

Background 

Offshore Biotechnologies is a Gippsland-based biotech company that develops technologies to restore and enhance marine ecosystems and improve sustainable fisheries. The business was founded by Dr Chris Gillies, marine biologist and conservationist, who has over 20 years experience restoring marine ecosystems and developing nature-based solutions for the blue economy. 

SeaGen Aquaculture is a multispecies marine hatchery based on Phillip Island, Victoria. SeaGen Aquaculture undertakes commercial production of shellfish and seaweeds for local and interstate farmers and research, development and commercialisation of new species for aquaculture. 

The Ocean Discovery and Restoration Program is a $15 million initiative of the Australian Government to create partnerships between Parks Australia and the private, philanthropic and science sectors to deliver ocean discovery and restoration initiatives across the Commonwealth Australian Marine Park estate.

Video about this project is available at https://youtu.be/WZ_3CzwJ_48

Images are available at https://ln5.sync.com/dl/66fd68770/tx7syfb9-rep864td-jin93ier-6gfghmfg

B-Roll footage is available upon request by contacting Jarrod Boord, Streamline Media. 

M: 0423 258 510 E: jarrod@streamlinemedia.com.au

Offshore Biotechnologies partners with fishers, aquaculture groups, engineers, researchers, and scientists, to reverse biodiversity loss and make ocean development more sustainable.

Here are some reliable resources on ocean health and sustainability that you might find helpful.