The Wire

Opportunities for economic and scientific development have been found under the sea in the Torres Strait. An extensive survey of sea sponges has identified many which are new to science and may open the door to commercial aqua-culture of high quality bath sponges. Torres Strait Regional Authority Chairperson Toshie Kris said disease and over-harvesting of commercial sea sponges in other parts of the world has boosted demand for sea sponges, with a slice of the $40 million US market up for grabs. He said there are good opportunities for the Torres Strait to reap economic benefits from the discovery, but environmental concerns must also be a priority.