Bioeroding Sponge Research

Pearl oysters (Pinctada maxima) harvested from wild stocks are experiencing high levels of infestation of bioeroding sponges (Cliona spp.) imposing a multi-million dollar cost to the industry. Scientists of the Department are work closely with Dr Jane Fromont (WA Museum) who is an expert in sponge taxonomy and ecology. Preliminary samples have been collected during the 2004 and 2005 season to develop sampling and screening techniques. More comprehensive sampling is planned for the following two seasons. Samples are initially screened for the presence of Cliona spiculae and than further processed using histology. This project aims to * Develop a field guide to identify bioeroding sponges in pearl oyster samples * Develop sampling techniques for estimating the biomass and reproductive capacity of bioeroding sponges in pearl oyster shells and benthic substrates. * Estimate the effect of size/ age and location on infection rate of bioeroding sponges in the wild stocks of pearl oysters. * Establish a sponge infestation database, including both oysters and habitat.Time : ends 2007从野生种群中采收的大珠母贝（Pinctada maxima）正遭受高烈度的生物侵蚀海绵（bioeroding sponges，Cliona spp.）感染，给行业造成了数百万美元的经济损失。本部门科研人员正与海绵分类学与生态学专家、西澳博物馆的Jane Fromont博士开展紧密合作。研究团队已于2004及2005年作业季采集初步样本，以开发采样与筛选技术；后续两个作业季计划开展更为全面的采样工作。样本将首先通过筛选检测是否存在穿海绵属骨针，随后借助组织学（histology）方法开展进一步处理。本项目目标如下： - 编制一份可用于识别珍珠贝样本中生物侵蚀海绵的野外鉴定指南 - 开发采样技术，以量化评估珍珠贝壳体及底栖基质（benthic substrates）中生物侵蚀海绵的生物量与繁殖能力 - 探究个体大小/年龄与采样点位对野生珍珠贝种群中生物侵蚀海绵感染率的影响 - 建立涵盖珍珠贝及其栖息环境的海绵感染数据库。本项目实施周期至2007年结束。