SponGES explored and mapped deep-sea sponge habitats in seven study areas, spanning the North Atlantic Ocean, and assessed their environmental conditions and seasonal variability. New predictive distribution models, food web and biogeochemical cycling coupled ecosystem models were developed. The knowledge on past and present environmental conditions was used to infer future sponge ground distributions.
Over 30 new sponge species were discovered and reference collections were deposited in seven natural history museums in Europe and North America. 71 microbial phyla, of which about half are novel lineages, were discovered in over 1000 sponge samples.
Identification tools were developed for reporting and monitoring of indicators of sponge Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems (VMEs). Distribution of deep-sea sponges is assembled in the SponGIS database (www.spongis.org) which is interoperable with European (EMODnet) and global (Global Biodiversity Information Facility, Ocean Biodiversity Information System) data portals.
The largest genomic database for deep-sea sponges to date was produced. A draft genome, mitochondrial genomes, transcriptomes, (meta)genomic libraries, and 16S metabarcoding datasets were generated. These data were applied to unravel the evolutionary history of deep-sea sponges, the spatial patterns of genetic diversity, connectivity, and structure of sponge populations across the North Atlantic.
Fluxes of dissolved carbon, nitrogen, and silica were characterized to investigate the role of sponge grounds in the biogeochemical cycling and food webs. The resilience of sponge habitats to bottom trawling, exposure to natural sediment or changes in temperature and chemistry were assessed.
(Meta-)genomic/transcriptomic datasets were screened for evolutionary novelties, metabolic peptides and microbial functional differences. Over 2700 genes and gene were identified, many of wich with yet unknown function, providing an excellent source for new pharmaceutical applications.
A major biotechnological breakthrough was the development of a sponge cell line, which is the very first cell line of a marine invertebrate. This forms the basis for developing new environmental and human health applications. Sponge cell lines can be used to study sponge cellular and molecular biology and to scale-up production of sponge-derived chemicals for clinical trials.
The micro-architectural features and biosilica of deep-sea sponges were used for the development of tissue engineering scaffolds with potential human health applications. A 3D-printing methodology and scaffolds with an application in the regeneration of bone tissue were developed.
SponGES Key Exploitable Results were disseminated through the EC Horizon Results Platform. A plan for their exploitation beyond the project lifecycle was developed. 70 peer-reviewed publications and 91 datasets are currently available in Open Access sources. A special issue on “Deep-sea Sponge Ecosystems” with 25 articles was produced in Frontiers in Marine Science.
Awareness of deep-sea sponge ecosystems has been raised in round table events. SponGES results have been presented to various (inter)national stakeholders, and six policy briefs were published. Communication and awareness raising material have been distributed at the FAO Committee on Fisheries and at the UN. SponGES results will be used to develop a status assessment for the OSPAR List of Threatened and/or Declining Species and Habitats.
