| dc.contributor.author | United Nations Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre | |
| dc.contributor.other | Hogg, M.M. | |
| dc.contributor.other | Tendal, O.S. | |
| dc.contributor.other | Conway, K.W. | |
| dc.contributor.other | Pomponi, S.A. | |
| dc.contributor.other | Gutt, J. | |
| dc.contributor.other | Krautter, M. | |
| dc.contributor.other | Roberts, J.M. | |
| dc.coverage.spatial | Canada | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2016-10-11T20:06:16Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2016-10-11T20:06:16Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2010 | |
| dc.identifier.isbn | 978-92-807-3081-4 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://wedocs.unep.org/20.500.11822/8579 | |
| dc.description | This report draws together scientific understanding of deep-water sponge grounds alongside the threats they face and ways in which they can be conserved. Beginning with a summary of research approaches, sponge biology and biodiversity, the report also gives up-to-date case studies of particular deep-water sponge habitats from around the world. These include the spectacular giant glass sponge reefs of British Columbia – a relic of the time of the dinosaurs – and the diverse sponge kingdom of Antarctica. Long overlooked, recent research now shows that deep-water sponge grounds form complex, slow-growing and long-lived habitats in many parts of the global ocean. As well as forming local biodiversity centres, deep-water sponges are also storehouses of novel chemical compounds, some of which show promise in the fight against cancer and other diseases. Despite their inherent and biotechnological value, deep-water sponge grounds have been damaged by bottom fishing. This report considers the international policy context in which deep-water sponge grounds can be conserved and concludes with a series of expert recommendations for conservation managers and international policy makers. The recommendations set out a series of actions so that these vulnerable marine ecosystems can be conserved for future generations. | |
| dc.language | English | |
| dc.publisher | UNEP | |
| dc.rights | Public | en_US |
| dc.title | Deep-sea Sponge Grounds: Reservoirs of Biodiversity | |
| dc.type | Reports, Books and Booklets | en_US |
| wd.identifier.old-id | 9341 | |
| wd.identifier.sdg | SDG 14 - Life Below Water | |
| wd.identifier.pagesnumber | 88 pages | |
| wd.identifier.sdgio | http://purl.unep.org/sdg/SDGIO_00000048 | |
