Corals and Sponges of Newfoundland and Labrador Exhibits

Design, fabrication, production and installation of coral and sponge exhibits in Bonne Bay and Champney’s West Aquariums to create awareness of the deep-water corals and sponges in the waters off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and their importance to the health and integrity of the marine ecosystem. In Canada, cold-water corals (also known as deep water corals) and sponges are found in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and the eastern Arctic Ocean. Corals and sponges are slow-growing, sessile species that are vulnerable to a number of activities. As a result, international attention has been focused on their conservation and protection. In Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) is the lead federal department responsible for research and conservation of these species. There is a range of legislative tools available to protect coral and sponge, including the Coral and Sponge Conservation Strategy for Eastern Canada. To further implement this strategy, under Target 6, Action 6.1, DFO has begun funding the creation of coral and sponge exhibits in aquariums throughout the NL Region.