New species of sponge discovered off Norfolk coast

NEW TO SCIENCE: The sponge found during the North Sea survey

Colourful creature adopts the shape of anything it covers

October 2011: A new sponge has been discovered off the coast of Britain. The sponge was found during the 2011 Seaweed East survey and has now been revealed as new to science.

This summer a group of marine conservationists undertook a pioneering attempt to survey the North Sea coast of the UK. The team, with funding from partners including The Wildlife Trusts, took part in surveys from Essex to Northumberland.

Many species previously unrecorded in the region
The survey recorded 352 wildlife species on the expedition. Many species were previously unrecorded in the region and one was unknown to science, the purple Hymedesmia sponge, has been added to the list of marine animals in our waters.

This colourful creature is an encrusting sponge so adopts the shape of whatever it covers, typically flint cobbles. The find was confirmed by Dr Claire Goodwin of National Museums Northern Ireland, an expert in the field.

Call for government protection of waters
Kirsten Smith, Living Seas Manager for the North Sea Wildlife Trusts said: ‘This survey has thrown up some important finds, including new exciting species. These results will help us to understand more about our marine environment and help us to identify key areas in need of protection.

‘The purple Hymedesmia sponge was found within a draft Marine Conservation Zone off the Norfolk coast. We urge the Government to designate sites such as this during 2012 to ensure our marine wildlife is protected for future generations.

‘You can help protect marine wildlife within your local area by signing up to The Wildlife Trusts Petition Fish campaign online and showing support for the creation of nature reserves under the waves, safe havens for marine wildlife.'