Gippsland-based Offshore Biotechnologies and SeaGen Aquaculture reported cultivation of more than 100 marine sponge species for offshore restoration work ahead of expected growth in the energy sector.
Source material came from roughly 80 metres of water, about 12 nautical miles offshore from Apollo Bay. At SeaGen’s Phillip Island hatchery, fragments were propagated for use in the Apollo Marine Park restoration trial; some source sponges yielded more than 50 clones.
Why the trial matters
Deep-water sponges provide shelter for animals such as rock lobsters, filter seawater and contribute to nutrient cycling. They establish slowly, so disturbance from new development or decommissioning can have long-lived effects.
The Apollo project combines about 120 tonnes of limestone material, eight reefs made with recycled shells and 64 concrete habitat mats. Deakin University scientists use underwater drones and repeat surveys to monitor sponge survival and biodiversity change.
The project brought together OBT, SeaGen Aquaculture, Deakin University, Parks Australia, The Nature Conservancy, Amplitude Energy, Polaris Marine and VRFish. Funding came through Parks Australia’s Ocean Discovery and Restoration Program, a $15 million Australian Government initiative.
Dr Chris Gillies emphasised the need to develop restoration methods before further offshore energy expansion. The work aims to show how energy infrastructure and ecological recovery can be planned together.
Background
OBT is a Gippsland-based marine biotechnology company. SeaGen Aquaculture operates a multispecies marine hatchery on Phillip Island. The Ocean Discovery and Restoration Program supports partnerships for research and restoration in Commonwealth marine parks.
Watch the Apollo project video ↗