Aquaculture has been identified as having much potential for the Pacific Region, and virtually every area within Micronesia has some form of aquaculture development within their Development Plans. During April, 1986, an Aquaculture Planning Workshop was held on Kosrae Island and was attended by twenty-four experienced aquaculture managers, researchers and economists from across the Pacific. The conclusions of the workshop were that the aquaculture of certain species, including commercial sponges, did indeed have good potential for Micronesia. The office of the Regional South Pacific Aquaculture Development Project was created the following year by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations after consultation with various Governments throughout the tropical Pacific, to assist in the development of aquaculture within the Pacific region.
Aquaculture development has been given a high priority by many island Governments, including the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) National Government and the Pohnpei State Government and is included in their Development Plans. At the request of the Division of Marine Resources, FSM National Government and the office of the Regional South Pacific Aquaculture Development Project agreed to support a limited commercial sponge survey of the Pohnpei lagoon to assess brood stocks and suitable culture sites.
Natural commercial sponges are in high demand world-wide despite the introduction of synthetic sponges. Natural sponges are used in hospitals since they can withstand the high temperatures needed for sterilization, they are also used by printers, artists, ceramic and leather workers, lithographers, window cleaners and tile setters. In addition, natural sponges are used in the cosmetics, medical and automotive industries (Stevely, 1978). As wild stocks of commercial sponges can be quickly depleted, future markets should depend on cultured sponges.
