Introduction
Sponges are members of the phylum Porifera. They are aquatic, invertebrate animals that live in the sea. Sponges do not have organs or tissues. Instead, they rely on the flow of water through their bodies for food, oxygen, and waste removal. They are some of the oldest organisms and have been around for millions of years thanks to their survival abilities.
Humans value sponges for bathing. They are ideal due to their soft texture, high absorbency, and durability. Natural sponges are hypo-allergenic and toxin free. In Florida, sponge fishing began in the mid-19th century in the Florida Keys. Most sponges were harvested in the Keys until the discovery of commercial sponges in the northern Gulf of Mexico towards the end of the century. The industry took off in the early 1900s, particularly in Tarpon Springs, now known as the “Sponge Capital of the World”.
