January – March 2011 - Extension of the cultivation methods

07.02.2011

The existing net panels have been replaced with locally produced, 5-6 level net baskets. These are designed to prevent the damaging effect that the nets previously had on the sponges. One part of the sponge is pinned to the inside of the net (by means of a natural substratum), while the other bloat in the net baskets. This measure also prevents seedlings from growing together.

In addition, we are still searching for new suitable sponge species. To reduce transport and storage related losses, we focus on our home reef close to the east coast. From there, the finds are brought directly to the farm on a boat, which considerably reduces the transit time.

Meanwhile, we have also stopped processing seedlings immediately after collection. These are cut into slivers only after they have recovered from the stress of the transfer and gotten used to their new environment. It is only once the outer membrane has completely regenerated that the seedling strips are further processed. This method is expected to lead to a 25% reduction in mortality (ref. Village Scale Sponge Aquaculture in the Solomon Island by Ian Hawes & Cletus Pita Oengpepa, 2007).

Easy Blue Drivers, Jambiani’s only diving organization, now supports marinecultures.org with their boat and staff. Salum and Hijab are now helping Okala maintain the farm. As a consequence, the sponges and net baskets are now cleaned twice as often – every other week.

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