Jurassic Park Submerged
S.O.S.
Save our sponges
When scientists discovered B.C.'s glass sponge reefs in 1987, the excitement was palpable. Thought to be extinct like the dinosaurs, these invaluable reefs would surely, they thought, be protected forever and ever. After all, these are the only sponge reefs known and likely to exist in the world.
Fast forward to today. They are still unprotected – it defies the imagination. The Canadian government has put in place trawling moratoriums, but these must be renewed each year. Prior to this, trawling had destroyed about half of these fragile glass reefs.
Protect the prehistoric!
These ancient sponge reefs need the safety of a national Marine Protected Area, or MPA – a place without industrial activities like bottom trawling and oil exploration – anything that can come in contact with the reefs needs to be prohibited.
World Heritage – denied!
B.C.'s glass sponge reefs are eminently suitable for World Heritage Status. In fact, CPAWS tried to nominate them five years ago, but the United Nations committee turned down the request because Canada doesn't provide the reefs with long-term protection. Today, nothing has changed. The reefs still aren't protected and the application still can't be made to the United Nations until Canada recognizes their unique status with formal and permanent protection.
It's time to safeguard these living fossils. Please add your voice to protect the sponge reefs – B.C.'s global treasures. Contact a politician! Thanks for your help.