Eastern Arctic and Subarctic Sponge Identification - DFO Multispecies Trawl Surveys (2010-2017 and 2019)
Description
Sponges (phylum Porifera) are benthic filter feeding animals that play an important role in nutrient cycling and habitat provision in the deep sea. However, despite these key functional roles, sponge communities in Arctic marine environments are still poorly known. Sponges were collected yearly between 2010-2017 and in 2019 during annual multispecies trawl surveys conducted by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in Baffin Bay, Davis Strait and portions of Hudson Strait. These missions resulted in a dataset of over 4000 sponge records. The majority were classified through morphological analysis and/or microscopic spicule examination. A selection of these taxa (from various poescilosclerid families) was described in a technical report series. For each species presented in these reports, a physical description, a discussion of their distinguishing characteristics, the dimensions and descriptions of their spicules, photos of the sponge and spicules, a map of the sampling locations, and taxonomic remarks were included. The present data package includes the complete specimen database for all records available from 2010 to 2017 and 2019 and smaller distinct datasets for all specimens supporting the taxonomic descriptions included in the technical report series. Links to all the arctic sponge technical reports are provided. Sponges used as reference specimens or supporting specimens in the technical reports were retained and are stored at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) while we explore options for permanent collection storage. Other specimens that were initially sent to BIO were either disposed or retained depending on their scientific importance. The detailed information on each specimen status (retained or disposed) is available in the specimen database under the column “Sample_Status”. (Contact for specimen inquiries: marieve.bouchardmarmen@dfo-mpo.gc.ca)
Files
Institutions
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada Maritimes RegionNS, Dartmouth
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada Central and Arctic RegionMB, Winnipeg
- Bedford Institute of OceanographyNS, Dartmouth