Summary

The survey of the Pohnpei reef system for commercial sponges started on September 4, 1988 and finished on October 16, 1988. Only one species of commercial sponge, Spongia officianalis, was observed during the survey period. It was found, in varying quantities, at 28 sites. At 14 sites, there were no commercial sponges observed during the survey dives. There were no concentrations, sufficient to support economic harvesting of commercial sponges, observed at any of the surveyed sites. There seems to be no relationship between the distance from the one known sponge bed and the number of commercial sponges observed, however, more sponges are observed to the west, or down the surface current, from this known sponge bed. There seems to be no relationship between geographical and/or oceanographical features and sponge growing areas as sponges were found, in widely varying quantities, all around the Island. Many of the sites surveyed appeared to be suitable for establishing commercial sponge farms, even some sites where there were no commercial sponges observed. These sites have been so noted in the specific site reports. However, unless indicated otherwise, the suitability rating applies only to the actual area surveyed as shown on the attached maps. A summary listing of each site follows: