Question

In order to promote sustainable fishing of sponges in Florida, commercial sponge divers must __________ rather than hook the sponges.

Answer 1

Earlier, sponge divers in Florida used to pull out the sponges from the bottom of the sea using hooks. But current laws state that they have to be cut neatly and cannot be pulled with hooks. This is to ensure that the sponge grows back quickly.

Sponges are regenerative i.e. they grow back from what is left of them. This growth process can be hastened by cutting them and not pulling with a hook.

Culture of sea sponge is a growing industry in the world. There are more than 8,000 species of sea sponges, which live in our oceans and fresh water lakes.