Do Sustainably Reared Marine Sponges Represent A Potential New Product in Aquariology? A Citizen Science-Based Approach

Joseba Aguilo-Arce, Antonella Schiavo, Roberta Trani () and Caterina Longo
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Joseba Aguilo-Arce: Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
Antonella Schiavo: Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
Roberta Trani: Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy
Caterina Longo: Department of Bioscience, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 3, 1-17

Abstract: Marine sponges have historically been targeted for different purposes, mainly as bath sponges or more recently as a source of bioactive metabolites. However, their use as ornamental species for aquariology is less thoroughly studied. In light of the rise in the importance of sustainable production systems and to valorize the biomass obtained from them, this work assessed the market potential of sustainably reared marine sponges in Italian aquariology. Information was obtained by means of an anonymous questionnaire distributed using social media and printed QR codes targeting Italian aquariophily groups. A total of 101 people from almost all Italian regions participated in the study. Among the people with marine aquariums, almost two-thirds had marine sponges (obtained mainly from fishing discards and trusted shops), and those without them stated that there was no availability in the specialized shops. However, when people were asked about a hypothetical change in purchase intention or frequency of these invertebrates, 68.3% of the respondents showed a positive attitude toward the idea of acquisition. This study constitutes the first preliminary assessment of the valorization potential for sustainably cultivated sponges as ornamental species, which shows a promising prospective in the Italian aquariology sector.

Keywords: Porifera; IMTA; Italian aquariology; questionnaire; social media; ornamental species (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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