Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom A report from the Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom project May 2008-May 2011 Claire Goodwin & Bernard Picton National Museums Northern Ireland Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Contents Page 1. Introduction 2 1.1 Project background 2 1.2 Project aims 2 1.3 Project outputs 2 2. Methods 3 2.1 Survey methodology 3 2.2 Survey locations 4 2.2.1 Firth of Lorn and Sound of Mull , Scotland 6 2.2.2 Pembrokeshire , Wales 6 2.2.3 Firth of Clyde , Scotland 6 2.2.4 Isles of Scilly , England 8 2.2.5 Sark, Channel Isles 8 2.2.6 Plymouth , England 8 2.3 Laboratory methodology 10 2.3.1 The identifi cation process 10 2.4 Data handling 11 3. Results 13 3.1 Notes on UK sponge communities 13 3.1.1 Scotland 13 3.1.2 Wales 13 3.1.3 Isles of Scilly 13 3.1.4 Sark 13 3.1.5 Sponge biogeography 15 3.2 Species of particular interest 15 4. Publications 34 4.1 Manuscripts in preparation 34 4.2 Published/accepted manuscripts 37 5. Publicity 37 5.1 Academic conference presentations 37 5.2 Public talks/events 38 5.3 Press coverage 38 6. Training Courses 39 7. Collaborations with other Organisations 42 8. Conclusions 44 8.1 Ulster Museum, National Museums Northern Ireland – a centre of excellence for sponge 44 taxonomy 8.2 Future work 44 8.2.1. Species requiring further work 45 9. Acknowledgements 46 10. References 47 Appendix 1. Sponge Biodiversity of the UK Workplan (May 2008 – May 2011) 50 Appendix 2. Survey dives 53 Appendix 3. Sponge taxa recorded during the survey 59

1 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom 1. Introduction 1.1 Project background The ‘Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom’ Project is a National Museums Northern Ireland project, funded by National Museums, the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Scottish Natural Heritage, and Countryside Council for Wales. The project aims to improve the knowledge of the UK sponge fauna. A recent project on the sponge biodiversity of Rathlin Island, a small island off the north coast of Northern Ireland, was conducted from 2005-2006 by the Ulster Museum (National Museums Northern Ireland), funded by the European Union’s Building Sustainable Prosperity programme. The fi ndings surpassed expectations: in total 128 different sponge species were recorded, including 29 species new to science, 3 others which had never been recorded from the UK before, and a further 9 species new to Northern Ireland. As well as contributing to knowledge of Rathlin Island (a Special Area of Conservation) and providing baseline data for future monitoring, the project greatly contributed to knowledge of the UK sponge biodiversity, adding to the species currently known and providing more information on many rare taxa. Over 3,000 photos were taken during the project and for many species this was the fi rst time they had been photographed in situ. These, together with descriptions of the new species and re-descriptions of some rare species, provide an important resource for other researchers and fi eld biologists. Sponge biodiversity is poorly recorded and it is expected that similar discoveries will be made elsewhere. There has been very little work done on the sponges of the British Isles since the 19th century. It is not possible to identify many species in the fi eld, they are perceived as diffi cult to identify by many biologists, and few people are trained in sponge taxonomy. Many species are thin crusts and can form quite small patches only a few centimetres in extent; consequently, they may be unidentifi able during general marine surveys. The methodology used for the Rathlin project (SCUBA diving) sampled species from circalittoral depths (20-50m), attached to bedrock and large boulders. Sponges from these habitats appear to have been under-recorded in the past; what little information we have about UK sponges comes mainly from dredged material. Dredging does not sample bedrock (on which many of the new Rathlin species occurred) and would have sampled predominantly deepwater habitats (over 50m). The Rathlin sampling methodology enabled the researchers to focus solely on sponges, collecting 849 specimens in total; the fi ndings of the project demonstrate the value of this approach. The Sponge UK project aimed to survey other areas which, from preliminary investigations, appeared to have similarly rich sponge populations. These included the Firth of Lorn SAC in Scotland and the north Pembrokeshire coast, south-west Wales. 1.2 Project aims  To build on the fi ndings of the Rathlin project by surveying other areas of the UK.  T o catalogue the sponge biodiversity of the British Isles and examine biogeographical differences within the British Isles.  To taxonomically investigate and describe undescribed species.  To promote the sponges and marine life of the British Isles, both to the general public and to the scientifi c community.  To provide baseline data on the sponge communities, as a resource for future monitoring.  To collect material for the sponge barcoding database.  To provide taxonomic training and develop a good knowledge base for future work on sponges.  To develop the Ulster Museum as a centre of excellence for sponge taxonomy and a resource for other researchers.  To increase knowledge on the biodiversity of protected areas, aiding their management.

1.3 Project outputs  Report on fi ndings of project, giving information on ecology and distribution of UK sponge species.  Descriptions of rare and previously undescribed species.  Species descriptions and samples for the sponge barcoding database.  Website giving wide access to above information.  Scientifi c publications. 2 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

 Publications in the popular scientifi c press and news features, raising awareness of sponge and marine biodiversity in the UK.  Database of in situ images of UK sponge species and SEM images of spicules of species.  Training course educating other researchers and agency staff in sponge taxonomy A work plan giving detail of how these objectives were achieved and the timescale involved is given in Appendix 1. Claire Goodwin, employed by National Museums as a marine biologist, was responsible for the project and was funded to work on it for 50% of her time during the project’s duration. Bernard Picton, who is permanently employed as Curator of Marine Invertebrates at the Ulster Museum, worked on the project for 100 days per year. 2. Methods 2.1 Survey methodology Specimens were collected by SCUBA diving. Diving was carried out in accordance with Health and Safety Executive regulations for scientifi c diving. A diving risk assessment and project plan were written and these, together with the dive records, will be retained by National Museums for at least two years. Sponge abundance is typically highest in the lower circalittoral zone, below the algal zone. Dives in most areas were therefore at depths of between 30 and 40m so time was limited to about 20 minutes bottom time because of decompression constraints. However, in Wales, due to higher water turbidity and consequently shallower algal zone, sponges were found at considerably shallower depths than in other areas and longer no-stop dives were therefore possible. A maximum of 10 minutes of decompression was carried out on any one dive and all stops were conducted on an 80% nitrox mix on air tables to build in safety. Divers were always deployed in pairs. Sampling team members normally included Claire Goodwin and Bernard Picton (apart from the Isles of Scilly which only Claire Goodwin visited). A variety of other contractors and volunteers were involved: Steve Adams, Sarah Bowen, George Brown, Mark Burton, Sue Daly, Teresa Darbyshire, Angela Gall, Rob Gibson, David Goodwin, Keith Hiscock, Kate Lock, Jen Jones, David Kipling, Phil Newman, Emily Priestly, Sally Sharrock, and Mark Warren. Sponges were selected by eye: the divers attempted to sample species that looked different from those previously sampled. The aim was to sample as many different species as possible, rather than gaining any quantitative information. Once selected, three photographs of each specimen were taken in situ, using housed digital SLR cameras (Nikon D70, D200 and D300 in Ikelite and Subal housings, with Ikelite DS125 substrobe and SB800 fl ash unit, both with 60mm macro lenses). A small sample was then taken (typically 1cm2 of tissue, although more was removed where possible). Typically it was possible to collect between 7 and 10 specimens on a deep dive (~30m) but in Wales, where sponges occurred in shallower depths, over 20 specimens were collected on some dives. After collection, the samples were kept in seawater for a few hours before being transferred to 95% Ethanol for preservation and long term storage. Each specimen was given a unique reference number, consisting of the dive number and the sample number in the dive to ensure traceability. They were also allocated a museum specimen number and logged in a specimen book together with a brief external description and corresponding photograph numbers. In total, 2027 specimens were collected over the course of the project from Scotland, Wales, the Isles of Scilly, Plymouth and the Channel Isles (Table 1). Table 1 - Survey dives undertaken during the Sponge UK project. Survey Area Number of Dives Number of Samples Sark, Channel Islands 60 509 Firth of Clyde, Scotland 29 265 Firth of Lorn/Sound of Mull, Scotland 37 264 North Pembrokeshire, Wales 27 465 Skomer Marine Reserve, Wales 8 116 Isles of Scilly, England 50* 358 Plymouth, England 7 50 TOTAL 218 2027 * Some of these were dives by Seasearch volunteers, on which only a few specimens of sponges were collected. Only 20 dives were targeted solely at sponge collection.

3 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom 2.2 Survey locations The main focus of the survey work was Scotland (Firth of Lorn) and Pembrokeshire in Wales. However, other areas were surveyed as the opportunity arose. Fieldwork is a major cost of this project and it was decided it was important to avail of collecting opportunities in other areas. However, because of the volume of material collected it has not been possible to identify all specimens within the timeframe of the project. All specimens from Scotland, Wales and Isles of Scilly have been identifi ed but material from Sark has not currently been worked on. Survey dives attempted to target sponge-rich areas. Potential survey sites were selected using previous survey information (e.g. baseline surveys) and the knowledge of experienced local divers. Where there was little previous biological survey information the dives were targeted at steep areas of bedrock likely to provide good sponge habitat. These were selected using nautical charts and countour information from depth sounders. A list of survey dives is given in Appendix 2.

Figure 1. Preparing for a sampling dive from the MV Salutay in the Firth of Lorn.

4 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 2. Sampling sites in the Firth of Lorn.

Figure 3. Sampling sites in the Sound of Mull. 5 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom 2.2.1 Firth of Lorn and Sound of Mull, Scotland Two weeks survey work took place in the Firth of Lorn and Sound of Mull (23rd June – 4th July 2008). 37 sites were surveyed (Figures 1, 2 and 3) and 264 samples collected. The research was conducted aboard the liveaboard vessel ‘The Salutay’ with a sampling team composed of four divers (two buddy pair survey teams) and one dive supervisor (the designated supervisor rotated, this allowed for diver rest days). Bad weather (frequent Force 8 winds) prevented the survey of more exposed areas, but only one day of diving had to be cancelled. 2.2.2 Pembrokeshire, Wales Two weeks of survey work was carried out in Pembrokeshire (27th July-7th August 2009). 35 survey dives took place (Figures 4 and 5). Diving was conducted largely from a RIB (rigid infl atable boat, operated by Brian Dilly, Dive in 2 Pembrokeshire) although some sampling was carried out on the Skomer Marine reserve hard-boat. The majority of dives were around Abercastle in North Pembrokeshire, with eight additional sites around Skomer Island. Members of the Skomer Island Marine Reserve team (CCW) joined us to assist in the sampling work and their boat was used for sites around Skomer Island (counted as in-kind contribution from CCW). 446 samples were collected from North Pembrokeshire and 106 from Skomer Marine Reserve – as the water is more turbid sponges tend to be found in shallower water which enabled divers to stay in the water for longer without incurring decompression penalties. On average, 15-20 samples could be collected per dive, rather than the 8-10 from deeper sites. 2.2.3 Firth of Clyde, Scotland Two weeks of survey work was carried out in the Firth of Clyde and around Sanda (5th -13th September 2009). 29 dives took place (Figure 6) and 265 samples were collected. The original plan had been to resume surveying the Firth of Lorn but gales prevented these more exposed sites being accessed. The research was conducted aboard the liveaboard vessel ‘The Salutay’ with a sampling team composed of four divers (two buddy pair

Figure 4. RIB based sampling off the north Pembrokeshire coast.

6 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 5. Sampling sites in Pembrokeshire.

Figure 6. Sampling sites in the Firth of Clyde 7 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

survey teams) and one dive supervisor (the designated supervisor rotated, this allowed for diver rest days). The weather calmed towards the end of the sampling fortnight and it became possible to sample sites around Sanda Island. This area should prove very interesting to compare with Rathlin Island, as it lies in close proximity but on the opposite side of the North Channel. Sponge diversity was noticeably lower in the Clyde than in the areas sampled in the Firth of Lorn, even though topography and currents were superfi cially similar. The level of siltation was high and it is likely that this prevents sponges fl ourishing. Comparison of the species in the two areas should provide insights into whether species composition was also affected. 2.2.4 Isles of Scilly, England Further samples were collected in the Isles of Scilly as part of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust’s Marine Biodiversity Project which was separately funded by Natural England’s Countdown 2010 and the Crown Estate. Sampling was carried out from the hard boat ‘Tiburon’ (35ft Fast Offshore) during one week in September 2009 and another in May 2010. 358 samples were collected (Figure 8). 2.2.5 Sark, Channel Isles Two weeks survey work took place on Sark in the Channel Islands (21st June – 3rd July 2010). Sampling was undertaken from the hard boat ‘Starfi sh of Sark’. More survey work had been planned for Pembrokeshire but in view of the large number of samples collected from Wales in 2009, it was felt that more survey work was not necessary and an alternative location would provide more information. The Channel Islands are the type locality for several UK sponge species, so sampling provided more information on those which are poorly known. 60 survey dives took place and 509 sponge specimens were collected (Figure 7, Figure 9). 2.2.6 Plymouth, England Some sampling took place during the sponge taxonomy training courses in April 2008 and July 2010. 50 specimens were collected.

Figure 7. The sampling team on ‘Starfi sh of Sark’ 8 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 8. Sampling sites in the Isles of Scilly

Figure 9. Sampling sites in the Channel Islands (Sark and Guernsey). 9 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom 2.3 Laboratory methodology Most sponges, especially encrusting species, can only be reliably identifi ed with microscopic examination of their skeleton. To prepare tissue sections for examination of spicules and skeleton a small piece (approximately 2x4mm) of each sponge was cut at right angles through the sample, this ensured that both the surface and the underlying tissues were sampled (the spicules can differ in some species). This sample was then dehydrated in absolute ethanol for four minutes and placed in clove oil for a further four minutes to clarify the tissue before being mounted on a microscope slide in Canada Balsam. A coverslip was then placed on the slide and they were then kept at 50oC for at least 48h to allow the mounting medium to dry. Where identifi cation required the examination of the spicules in more detail, a spicule preparation was made. In this the soft tissues of the sponge are dissolved in nitric acid, leaving behind the silica spicules. Spicule preparations were made by placing a small piece of sponge tissue on a slide, adding a few drops of concentrated nitric acid and then heating over a spirit burner until the tissue had dissolved. After rinsing with water and 95% alcohol, the excess alcohol was burned off, leaving the dry spicules attached to the slide. Spicules were then either mounted in Canada Balsam for light microscopy or sputter coated with gold-palladium for examination using a Scanning Electron Microscope (Jeol 6500 FEG). The SEM was used mainly for those specimens that required the spicule detail (e.g. spine pattern and shape on acanthostyles) to be known for identifi cation processes. In addition, many specimens were imaged using SEM to produce images for publication and the Ulster Museum’s collection of spicule images.

2.3.1 The identifi cation process Specimens were identifi ed by examining the form of the skeleton and its component spicules. The size range of the spicules was also measured, as this is frequently a useful identifi cation characteristic (for further information see Ackers et al. 2007). This is a brief outline of the sponge identifi cation process for those not familiar with sponge taxonomy. 1) Examination of tissue slide. Many common species can be identifi ed at this stage by their skeletal and spicule characteristics, combined with external appearance. 2) Examination of spicule preparation. Some species can be identifi ed at this stage, particularly where identifi cation depends on the characteristics of the small spicules (microscleres) which are not always clearly visible in the tissue slide. 3) Separation of samples into groups sharing the same spicule characteristics; identifi cation to genus level if identifi cation has not been possible in the previous stages. At this stage, the samples have been confi rmed as a species entity but are as yet unidentifi ed (e.g. Microciona sp. A). 4) Examination under Scanning Electron Microscope. This gives more information on small scale detail of the spicules (patterns of spination, etc.). Small spicules, such as the walking stick spicules or “crocae” present in Antho brattegardi and the trichodragmata (bundles of fi ne fi bres) present in some Axinella, can also be seen. 5) Literature search to fi nd species sharing the same characteristics. In some cases, good species descriptions were available in easily accessible publications, e.g. Sponges of the North East Atlantic (van Soest et al., 1999. In others, it was necessary to get descriptions from the primary literature. Many species descriptions are only available in the original language (frequently French or German but sometimes less widely used languages, such as Danish). The descriptions of all NE Atlantic and Mediterranean species within each genus have to be checked; the World Porifera Database (van Soest et al. 2011) is a useful online resource which lists extant species. 6) Comparison of the sample with species descriptions and, where possible, with the type specimen. The type specimen the specimen on which the original species description was based. Types are held by museums; large porifera collections are maintained by the Natural History Museum in London and the Muséum Nationale d’Histoire Naturelle in Paris. 7) If the sample does not match any existing species, it is most likely a new species and will need to be fully described. A type specimen must be designated and placed in a relevant museum collection.

10 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom 2.4 Data handling A Microsoft Access database was created to hold the data for the samples. A copy is held by National Museums Northern Ireland. Dive number, sampling location and date, and photos and SEM images (where available) of each specimen are stored in the database. Images were linked with specimens and identifi cations in the database. The database structure allows the viewing of specimens by species; all individual samples within a species can then be brought up and examined individually, or all the pictures of a particular species viewed consecutively (Figure 10). External appearance has traditionally not been used much as an identifi cation characteristic, as many species are only known from dredged material and therefore this is not known. In addition, sponges are regarded as having a plastic morphology and previous authors have considered external appearance to be unreliable for identifi cation purposes. However, the Rathlin Island project (Picton & Goodwin, 2007a,b) and this study show that many species have distinctive external appearances and that even some encrusting species may be identifi ed solely from their external appearance. External appearance proved to be a useful additional tool for identifi cation, often enabling small inter-specifi c spicule differences to be corroborated.

Figure 10. The project database contains information and images of all specimens collected.

11 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 11. ‘Northern seafan and sponge community’ biotope in Loch Sunart, Scotland.

Figure 12. Homaxinella subdola and encrusting sponges, including an orange Eurypon species, on silted bedrock. Pembrokeshire, Wales. 12 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom 3. Results 3.1 Notes on UK sponge communities 3.1.1 Scotland The sponge fauna of the Firth of Lorn and Sound of Jura was diverse. Particularly notable sites were Site 23 (1nm west of Na Cuiltean, Sound of Jura) and Site 30 (East of Ban Rubha, Scarba), both in the Firth of Lorn SAC. Several sites were characterised by ‘Northern sea fan and sponge community’ biotopes (Figure 11). The sponge fauna is interesting in that it contains representatives of northern sponge species not commonly found elsewhere in the UK. These include the massive sponges Mycale lingua and Phakellia ventilabrum. Several species originally described from Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland (Picton & Goodwin, 2007a,b) were collected from Scotland; some of these have not been found elsewhere in the UK and represent the only records outside the type locality. Sponge abundance and diversity was noticeably lower in the Firth of Clyde than in the areas sampled in the Firth of Lorn and Sound of Jura, even though topography and currents were superfi cially similar. Several sites were heavily silted and dominated by brittlestars. At many sites, sponges were infrequent and bedrock was dominated by bryozoan crusts, tube worms and barnacles. 3.1.2 Wales Two main areas were sampled in Wales: the north Pembrokeshire coast near Abercastle and Skomer Island Marine Reserve. The majority of sampling was on the north Pembrokeshire coast; Skomer Island Marine Reserve’s sponge populations are currently being routinely monitored (e.g. Bunker & Jones, 2007) and it was thought that effort would be better directed towards sampling a new area. The bedrock areas sampled were noticeably more silted than other areas studied. This was expected as they are in the Irish Sea water mass, whereas the other areas are relatively exposed parts of the UK’s Atlantic coast. Sedimentation may adversely affect sponges, and restrict their distribution (Witman & Sebens, 1990). Sponges are vulnerable to siltation, and increased sediment loading can result in the clogging of the ostia through which water is inhaled (Konnecker, 2002). The sponge fauna in Wales was diverse but silt tolerant species, such as the genus Eurypon, were noticeably more dominant (Figure 12). Species of Eurypon have raised exhalent oscules and are therefore able to feed even when the rock surface is covered in a silt layer. Siltation is less prevalent on vertical rock surfaces and here the sponge communities tended to be more diverse. Due to the higher turbidity, sponges occurred in a shallower depth range, typically becoming abundant around 15m, as opposed to 25-30m in the other areas of the UK sampled. Sponges typically become abundant only in the circalittoral zone; this increase in sponges with depth has been attributed to competition with algae for space in areas of higher light intensity (Bell & Barnes, 2000, 2003; Witman & Sebens, 1990). However, recently it has been demonstrated that greater abundances of sponges are found on vertical rather than horizontal surfaces (Monteiro & Muricy, 2004; Preciado & Maldonado, 2005) and that reduction in levels of silt, predators and UV radiation, which are lower on vertical than horizontal surfaces, may be more important in determining sponge abundance than competition with algae (Preciado & Maldonado, 2005). 3.1.3 Isles of Scilly The Isles of Scilly, as the southernmost outpost of the UK, have a warmer water sponge fauna than many other UK areas. Sponges appeared to be most abundant at sites of intermediate exposure; whilst strong currents are benefi cial to sponge feeding, high wave exposure tends to result in lower diversity. Sites of particular note were the heavily silted ‘Ridges’ which have a dense, strikingly beautiful cover of axinellid sponges and hydroids (including the rare species Polyplumaria fl abellata) (Figure 13). This habitat is likely to represent a previously undescribed hydroid/sponge biotope and is of high conservation importance. 3.1.4 Sark The Channel Islands are the type locality for several UK sponge species; by sampling here, we aimed to gain more information on those which are poorly known. Warm water species, such as Endectyon delaubenfelsi, which are at the northernmost extent of their range in the UK, were abundant at some sites here as were axinellid sponges (Figure 14). The specimens should prove very interesting to compare biogeographically with the other sampling sites. Due to project time constraints, this material has not yet been fully examined; additional fi nancial support will be required to do this. 13 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 13. Diver studying axinellid sponge biotope in the Isles of Scilly. The sponges Axinella dissimilis, Polymastia boletiformis and Suberites carnosus dominate.

Figure 14. Massive sponges including Axinella dissimilis, Polymastia boletiformis and Pachymatisma johnstonia in Sark. 14 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom 3.1.5 Sponge biogeography Whilst some species have a wide geographical range and were found in all sampling areas, others have a more restricted distribution. There was a noticeable shift from cold water to warm water species with decreasing latitude. Some species were only found in Scotland and Northern Ireland (e.g. Hymedesmia (Stylopus) primitiva, Hymedesmia stellifera, Phakellia ventilabrum) whilst for others the United Kingdom appears to be at the extreme northern end of their range (e.g Endectyon delaubenfelsi which was rare in the Isles of Scilly but common in Sark). Some of these are conspicuous species and may be useful monitoring tools for climate change (see discussion on Hexadella racovitzae below). 3.2 Species of particular interest All specimens from Scotland, Wales, Plymouth and the Isles of Scilly have now been identifi ed to at least genus level. There are some species groups which require further work. Notes on some interesting species and details of species groups on which work is ongoing are given below. Given the project time constraints, the material from Sark has not been fully identifi ed. The majority of already described species from the other areas have been identifi ed. However, it is not possible to described the large number of species new to science within the time available. In total, 2027 sponge specimens were collected, comprising 166 species. A list of all species collected by area is given in Appendix 3. These include 30 species new to science, 8 species which require further investigation (either new to the UK or new to science), 3 species new to the UK, and 17 rare species (Table 2). Due to the volume of specimens collected and the number of unusual and rare species it has not yet been possible to fully investigate all the material collected. Six main species complexes have been identifi ed that require substantial taxonomic revision, each of which contains several new taxa: Eurypon, Polymastia/Sphaerotylus, Clathria (Microciona), Phorbas, Hymedesmia and Haliclona. Several of the rare species were described recently from Rathlin Island (Picton & Goodwin, 2007a,b) and these new records are the fi rst from outside their type locality. Detailed notes on species of interest are given below (in taxonomic order).

Table 2: Species of note recorded during the Sponge UK project. Species new to science: Oscarella sp., Polymastia (4 species), Sphaerotylus (2 species), Clathria (Microciona) (6 species), Eurypon (6 species), Desmacella cf. annexa, Hemimycale sp. (2 species), Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) sp. (bright yellow), Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) sp. (white), Hymedesmia (Stylopus) (at least 4 species), Phorbas sp. (black ethanol), Halicnemia sp. A New to UK/new to science: Prosuberites longispinus (?), Phorbas (‘Stylostichon’) sp. A-D, Tedania (Trachytedania) cf. ferrolensis, Scopalina sp., Haliclona spp. complex New to the UK Axinella fl ustra, Clathria (Microciona) bitoxa, Prosuberites denhartogi Rare Species: Clathria barleei, Clathria (Microciona) bitoxa, Clathria (Microciona) elliptichela, Clathria (Microciona) laevis, Antho brattegardi, Antho (Antho) granditoxa, Hymeraphia breeni, Hymeraphia elongata, Mycale (Mycale) lingua, Lissodendoryx (Ectyodoryx) jenjonesae, Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) cohesibacilla, Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) stellifera, Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) rathlinia, Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) peachi, Hymedesmia (Stylopus) hibernica, Hymedesmia (Stylopus) primitiva, Phorbas punctatus, Hexadella racovitzai

15 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom Class Homosleromorpha Order Homosclerophorida Family Oscarellidae Oscarella sp. 1. We have been working with Professor Ereskovsky from the Centre d’Oceanologie de Marseille to describe this species. Oscarella species lack spicules and therefore require examination of the cellular structure using techniques such as Transmission Electron Microscopy to describe them. Most European species of Oscarella were formerly known as Oscarella lobularis but this has recently been shown to contain several cryptic species.

Class Demospongiae Order Hadromerida Family Clionidae Cliona species Historically, Cliona celata has been perceived as a single cosmopolitan species. Recent work by Xavier (2009) has shown that in the NE Atlantic this is a species complex of at least four morphologically indistinct species (which may have both boring and massive forms). We found two specimens at one site in Wales with different morphologies: 1) massive bright yellow and 2) thickly encrusting and pale yellow. Collaboration with Queen’s University Belfast allowed molecular sequencing; the specimens had distinctly different 28S sequences and are clearly different species. The encrusting form had the same sequence as the boring form identifi ed by Xavier et al. (2010) as Cliona celata s.s.. As species of Cliona use shellfi sh, limestone rock and corals as a substrate for their boring stages, they can have a signifi cant economic impact on aquaculture industries and coral reefs. A better understanding of the taxonomy of the genus is vital to understanding these interactions. An additional boring specimen was found in Kilbrannan Sound, Scotland (Mc5565) (Figure 15). This has an extra spicule type, termed ‘amphiasters’, and may be Cliona caledoniae van Soest & Berlinger, 2009, which was recently described from deep water on the Mingulay Bank, Outer Hebrides. If this is the case, it would extend the range of this species into shallow water. Further investigation, to include comparison with the type specimen, is underway.

Family Polymastiidae Polymastia species Four new species of Polymastia and two species of Sphaerotylus are being investigated by Christine Morrow (PhD student, Queen’s University Belfast) using a combination of morphological and molecular methods.

Family Suberitidae Prosuberites cf. longispinus Topsent, 1893 Several specimens which could be this species were collected from Pembrokeshire (Figure 16). Comparison with specimens collected from the type locality (Banyuls-sur-Mer, France) revealed that the Welsh specimens have larger spicules. The type specimen needs to be examined to see if this identifi cation is correct. This is a Mediterranean species and these would be the fi rst UK records.

Protosuberites denhartogi van Soest & de Kluijver, 2003 This species was formerly known as Prosuberites epiphytum (Lamarck, 1814). However, the type locality of this species is in Australia. Australian specimens differ from European ones in spicule size and form, and in their habit of persistently overgrowing the thalli of algae. The genus Prosuberites has also recently been restricted to species with single long tylostyles erect on a basal spongin plate. Consequently, European 16 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 15. Cliona caledoniae? Kilbrannan Sound, Scotland.

Figure 16. Prosuberites cf. longispinus. Bola Reef, near Abercastle, Pembrokeshire. 17 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom populations have recently been assigned to a new species and genus. Order Poecilosclerida Suborder Microcionina Family Microcionidae Subfamily Microcioninae

Clathria (Clathria) barleei (Bowerbank, 1866) Recorded from: 0.2nm NW of Cath Sgeir, Gigha (Figure 17); Avon Rock, Sound of Mull; and 1nm west of Na Cuiltean, Sound of Jura. This rare, northern, deepwater species has been recorded from the Arctic to the Atlantic coasts of France. It usually occurs in water more than 40m deep. There are recent records from deepwater communities in: Rockall and Mingulay; Scotland (Insh Island, Loch Sunart, Sound of Mull); Ireland (Aran Islands, Donegal Bay, Kenmare Bay and Achill Island); and Northern Ireland (Rathlin Island and the Maidens) (Goodwin et al., 2011a).

Clathria (Microciona) sp. Several specimens of Clathria (Microciona) were collected. It has not yet been possible to identify these to species level but they do not match any of the common British Isles species and are therefore rare or new. At least 6 species new to science may be present in this complex.

Clathria (Microciona) bitoxa (Burton, 1930) Recorded from Upper Loch Fyne (090906/04) (Figure 18). It is a rare species, with a type locality in Norway. This is the fi rst UK record.

Clathria (Microciona) elliptichela (Alander, 1942) Recorded from Avon Rock, Sound of Mull. Originally described from 400m in the Skager Rak, Sweden (two specimens); (Alander, 1942). The only other record, until recently, was from Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland, but it has since also been recorded from deep water reefs at Mingulay (van Soest, 2006). There are recent records from Rathlin and the Maidens in Northern Ireland (Goodwin et al. 2011b).

Clathria (Microciona) laevis (Bowerbank, 1866) Recorded from Avon Rock, Sound of Mull (Figure 19). There is a recent record from Rathlin Island (Picton & Goodwin, 2007a,b). First described by Bowerbank (1866) from Shetland, it has since been recorded from Ireland (Stephens, 1917), Iceland (Vosmaer, 1935; Burton, 1959), and Sweden, where it is fairly common in the Skager Rak (Alander, 1942).

Subfamily Ophlitaspongiinae Antho (Antho) brattegardi van Soest & Stone, 1986 Originally described from Norway from one specimen (van Soest & Stone, 1986), the fi rst UK record was from Rathlin Island (Picton & Goodwin, 2007 a,b). It has since been recorded from offshore reefs at Mingulay (van Soest, 2006) and the Maidens in Northern Ireland. Three specimens were collected from the Firth of Lorn in 2008: 0.2nm NW of Cath Sgeir, Gigha (Figure 20); and NE of Sgeirean a Mhaoil, Scarba. Eight specimens were collected in Pembrokeshire (Ynys Devllyn, Abercastle; V Reef, Abercastle; Bola Reef near Abercastle; and Wendy’s Gully, Skomer) suggesting that it is widespread in the UK.

Antho (Antho) granditoxa Picton & Goodwin, 2007 One specimen from Sanda Sound, Scotland and one from Toll’s Island, Isles of Scilly (Figure 21). Originally 18 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 17. Clathria barleei. Cath Sgeir, Gigha, Sound of Jura, Scotland.

Figure 18. Clathria (Microciona) bitoxa. Upper Loch Fyne, Scotland.

19 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 19. Clathria (Microciona) laevis, Avon Rock, Sound of Mull, Scotland

Figure 20. Antho (Antho) brattegardi, Cath Sgeir, Gigha, Sound of Jura, Scotland. 20 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

described from Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland, this is the fi rst record outside the type locality. Family Raspailiidae Subfamily Raspailiinae

Endectyon delaubenfelsi Burton, 1930 Originally described from Plymouth (Burton, 1930b). Rarely recorded in the UK, it seems to have a southern distribution. Specimens were collected from Stoke Point, Plymouth and Tonkin’s Ledge, Isles of Scilly (Figure 22). It was abundant at some sites in Sark.

Eurypon spp. Six new species of Eurypon have been collected on multiple occasions and will need to be described.

Hymeraphia breeni Picton & Goodwin, 2007 This species was originally described from Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland (Picton & Goodwin, 2007a,b). It has since also been recorded from the Maidens in Northern Ireland (NMNI unpublished data). We recorded it from Pembrokeshire at Bola Reef, near Abercastle (Figure 23). This is the fi rst record outside Northern Ireland.

Hymeraphia elongata Picton & Goodwin, 2007 Originally described from one specimen from Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland (Picton & Goodwin, 2007a,b). Three further specimens were collected from Pembrokeshire: Tri-Maen-Trai (Figure 24); Pwll Arian, Penbrush. These are the fi rst records outside the type locality.

Suborder Mycalina Family Mycalidae Mycale lingua (Bowerbank, 1866) Recorded from: 2.3nm SW of Point of Knap, Loch Caolisport (Figure 25); and 1nm west of Na Cuiltean, Sound of Jura. This species is wide ranging, occurring from the Arctic to the Azores (and possibly the Aegean) (Van Soest et al., 2011). It is mainly associated with deep water.

Suborder Myxillina Family Coelosphaeridae Lissodendoryx (Ectyodoryx) jenjonesae Picton & Goodwin, 2007 Recorded from: Shoal 1.25nm WNW of Crinan Hotel; E of Ban Rubha, Scarba; and 0.2nm NW of Cath Sgeir, Gigha (Figure 26). This species was originally described from Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland (Picton & Goodwin, 2007a,b). It has also been recorded from the Maidens, Northern Ireland. These are the fi rst records for Scotland.

Family Hymedesmiidae Hemimycale spp. nov. There are only three species of Hemimycale currently described: Hemimycale columella (Bowerbank, 1874), H. rhodus (Hentschel, 1929) and H. arabica Ilan, Gugel & van Soest, 2004. Only H. columella has been recorded from the UK; the other two species are known from Russia and Eilat (in the Red Sea) respectively. H. columella is a distinctive sponge with prominent pore sieves and is usually salmon pink in colour. A yellow Hemimycale was recorded from E of Ban Rubha, Scarba and from Sanda Sound (Figure 27). This can be distinguished from H. columella as it is yellow and has larger spicules (~400μm). Further specimens 21 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 21. Antho (Antho) granditoxa. Toll’s Island, Isles of Scilly.

Figure 22. Endectyon delaubenfelsi. South Hard Lewis, Tonkin’s Ledge, Isles of Scilly.

22 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 23. Hymeraphia breeni, Bola Reef, Abercastle, Pembrokeshire.

Figure 24. Hymeraphia elongata. Tri-Maen-Trai, Pembrokeshire.

23 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 25. Mycale lingua. Loch Caolisport, Scotland.

Figure 26. Lissodendoryx (Ectyodoryx) jenjonesae. Cath Sgeir, Gigha, Scotland.

24 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom were collected from Rathlin Island and the Maidens, Northern Ireland. An additional species of Hemimycale, very similar in external appearance to H. columella, was collected from Pembrokeshire (Wendy’s Gully, Skomer) and from the Isles of Scilly (Mincarlo, St Martin’s; The Ridge; John Thomas Ledge, N of St Martins; Wingletang Rock, St Agnes); this has smooth basal styles. Hemimycale is currently defi ned as ‘Hymedesmiidae without acanthostyles; without microscleres; megascleres strongyles and styles, not divisible into ectosomal or choanosomal spicules’ (Van Soest, 2002). The presence of separate choanosomal and ectosomal spicule categories indicates that these specimens should therefore currently be defi ned as Hymedesmia (Stylopus) which possesses spined basal acanthostyles; however, the smooth basal spicules and the length and thickness of the columns of acanthostyles indicate that the genus Hemimycale may be a better fi t if redefi ned. As the genus currently lacks species with acanthostyles or microscleres, its allocation to the family Hymedesmiidae has been debated (Van Soest, 2002). This revision would clarify its position – the species with smooth basal styles would provide an intermediate between existing species and the rest of the family. Both of these species are new to science.

Hymedesmia (Stylopus) The majority of European species of Hymedesmia (Stylopus) are currently synonomised with H. coriacea (Fristedt, 1885), following a revision by van Soest (1987). Hymedesmia (Stylopus) species can be diffi cult to distinguish as they have no microscleres and differences between their acanthostyles and ectosomal spicules can be very small. However, external appearance and molecular techniques provide useful additional taxonomic characters and, using these with traditional taxonomy, we have distinguished several distinct species of Hymedesmia (Stylopus) in our samples. None are a good match for H. coriacea, which is a bright red species, common in Swedish fjords. Several appear to be species new to science. This work was presented at the World Sponge Conference in Girona (October 2010) and further work describing these species is underway.

Hymedesmia (Stylopus) hibernica Stephens, 1916 Originally described from 74m off Reenacry Head, Co. Kerry, Ireland (Stephens, 1916). It has since been recorded from the English Channel at Roscoff (Cabioch, 1968), and from Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland (Picton & Goodwin, 2007a,b). This appears to be one of the more common Hymedesmia species present in Scotland. It was recorded from: Shoal 1.25nm WNW of Crinan Hotel; 0.4nm WNW of Hutcheson Rock; E of Ban Rubha, Scarba; Avon Rock, Sound of Mull; and Stallion Rock, Loch Fyne. It has also recently been recorded from cold water coral reefs at Mingulay, Scotland (Goodwin et al., 2011c). The specimens we have currently assigned to this species seem a good match in terms of spiculation but some specimens have large pore sieves and others veins. This may turn out to be a complex of two Hymedesmia (Stylopus) species and will be revisited whenever the rest of this genus is studied.

Hymedesmia (Stylopus) primitiva Lundbeck, 1910 This species was originally described from deep water (108-840m) around Iceland and the Faeroe Islands (Lundbeck, 1910). It has subsequently been reported from the Caribbean (de Laubenfels, 1936) and Wembury Bay in Devon (Burton, 1957), although it would seem unlikely that the former record is of the same species. Six specimens were recently collected from Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland (Picton & Goodwin, 2007a,b). It has also recently been found on the Maidens in Northern Ireland (Goodwin et al. 2011b). It appears to be one of the more common Hymedesmia species in Scotland, being recorded from 15 sites in the Firth of Lorn, Loch Fyne and Sound of Mull (Figure 28). It has recently also been recorded from deep-water, cold-water coral reefs off Ireland and Scotland (van Soest et al., 2007; Goodwin et al., 2011c). Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) cohesibacilla Goodwin & Picton, 2009 This species was originally described from Rathlin Island (Goodwin & Picton, 2009). It has since been recorded from the Maidens in Northern Ireland (Goodwin et al., 2011b) and from cold-water coral reefs off Mingulay, Scotland (Goodwin et al., 2011c). One specimen was collected from Shoal 1.25nm WNW of Crinan Hotel, Scotland (Figure 29).

25 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 27. Hemimycale sp. nov. Sanda Island, Scotland.

Figure 28. Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) primitiva, Hutcheson Rock, Scotland.

26 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) cratera Goodwin & Picton, 2009 This species was originally described from Rathlin Island (Goodwin & Picton, 2009). It has also been recorded from the Maidens in Northern Ireland (NMNI unpublished data). Recorded in Scotland from: E of Ban Rubha, Scarba (Figure 30); Sligneach Mor, Loch Sunart; 0.4nm WNW of Hutcheson Rock; 0.4 nm SE of An Carn, Sound of Jura; 1nm W of Na Cuiltean, Sound of Jura; and several specimens from Sanda Sound.

Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) rathlinia Goodwin & Picton, 2009 This species was originally described from Rathlin Island (Goodwin & Picton, 2009). It has also been recorded from the Maidens in Northern Ireland (Goodwin et al., 2011b). Recorded in Scotland from: the Firth of Lorn, 0.4nm WNW of Hutcheson Rock (Figure 31); E of Ban Rubha, Scarba; and Sanda Sound.

Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) stellifera Goodwin & Picton, 2009 This species was originally described from Rathlin Island (Goodwin & Picton 2009), although one of the paratypes was from SW of Lunga, Firth of Lorn. It has also been recorded from the Maidens in Northern Ireland (Goodwin et al., 2011b). A specimen was collected from Sligneach Mor, Loch Sunart (Figure 32). This sponge has a distinctive external appearance when viewed close up, with star-shaped surface channels.

Hymedesmia sp. nov. – bright yellow One specimen was taken from 0.4nm WNW of Hutcheson Rock (Figure 33). This is a distinctive, bright yellow Hymedesmia and is a species new to science. Several other specimens were collected from the Maidens, Northern Ireland (NMNI unpublished data).

Hymedesmia sp. nov. – white Two specimens, both from Stallion Rock, Loch Fyne (Figure 34). This very thin, white Hymedesmia has two categories of chelae. It does not possess the pore sieves which are present in many other species in the genus, but has a network of channels over its surface. There are very few species of Hymedesmia with two categories of chelae and it appears to be a species new to science.

Phorbas sp. nov. (black ethanol) Two specimens were collected from the Isles of Scilly (Figure 35). This is a bright orange encrusting species which turns black when placed in ethanol. It possesses distinctive ectosomal strongyles with swollen tylote ends. It appears to be a species new to science.

Phorbas punctatus Picton & Goodwin, 2007 This species was originally described from Rathlin Island (Picton & Goodwin, 2007a,b). It was recorded from: Sanda Sound; Pembrokeshire (Ynys Devllyn, Abercastle; Tri-Maen-Trai; Bola Reef, Abercastle (Figure 36); Huw’s Reef; and Wendy’s Gully, Skomer); and the Isles of Scilly (Mincarlo, St Martin’s; Grandfather Hugh’s Point, off Gugh). These are the fi rst records outside the type locality and indicate that it is likely to be widespread in the British Isles.

Phorbas ‘Stylostichon’ sp. A-D Many specimens of Phorbas with thin ectosomal tornotes were collected from Wales (Figure 37). These include: ‘Stylostichon sp. A’, collected from North Pembrokeshire and Skomer, which has one size of both chelae and sigma microscleres; ‘Stylostichon sp. B’, three specimens from North Pembrokeshire, which has three categories of chelae and two of sigma microscleres; ‘Stylostichon sp. C’, eight specimens from North Pembrokeshire and Skomer Island, with only sigmas as microscleres; and ‘Stylostichon sp. D, one specimen from Pwlldevi, Abercastle, with robust acanthostyles and no microscleres. The genus ‘Stylostichon’ 27 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 29. Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) cohesibacilla. Off Crinan Hotel, Scotland.

Figure 30. Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) cratera. Scarba, Firth of Lorn, Scotland. 28 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 31. Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) rathlinia. Hutcheson Rock, Scotland.

Figure 32. Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) stellifera. Loch Sunart, Scotland.

29 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 33. Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) sp. nov. bright yellow. Hutcheson Rock, Scotland.

Figure 34. Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) sp. nov. white. Stallion Rock, Loch Fyne.

30 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 35. Phorbas sp. nov. (black ethanol). Penninis, Isles of Scilly.

Figure 36. Phorbas punctatus. Bola Reef, near Abercastle, Pembrokeshire, Wales.

31 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom is currently not valid, having been synonomised with Phorbas (Voultsiadou-Koukoura & van Soest, 1991); the distinction of only oxea-like tornotes in the skeletal tracts in Phorbas and only acanthostyles in the tracts in Pronax/Stylostichon appears to be artifi cial, with intermediate states occurring in many species (Voultsiadou- Koukoura & van Soest, 1991). The name is used here simply to group these species with thin ectosomal tornotes.

Plocamionida tylotata Brøndsted, 1932 One specimen from N of Ardnoe Point, Loch Crinan. This rare species is known in the UK from Rathlin Island and the Maidens in Northern Ireland (Picton & Goodwin, 2007a,b; NMNI unpublished data). It was fi rst described from the Faeroes as Plocamionida ambigua var. tylotata by Brøndsted. Alander (1942) found specimens matching Brøndsted’s description in south-west Sweden and elevated it to species rank. It can be distinguished from the more common Plocamionida ambigua (Bowerbank, 1866) by having chelae with a straight, rather than curved, shaft and by the shape of the tornotes, which are strongyles, rather than oxea. This is a new record for Scotland.

Family Myxillidae Myxilla (Styloptilon) anchorata (Cabioch, 1968) This species was fi rst described by Cabioch (1968) on the basis of one specimen dredged from 85m, seven miles off the coast of the Îsle de Batz, near Roscoff, Brittany. It was previously only known from the type locality but was recently found to be common on Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland (Picton & Goodwin, 2007a,b) and has since also been recorded from the Maidens and Strangford Lough in Northern Ireland (NMNI unpublished data). It was recorded at several sites in Scotland (Sligneach Mor, Loch Sunart; E of Ban Rubha, Scarba; N of Ardnoe Point, Loch Crinan (Figure 38); 0.4nm WNW of Hutcheson Rock; Liath Sgeir, Lismore; Sligneach Mor, Loch Sunart; SW of Ardnoe Point, Loch Crinan; Liath Sgeir, Lismore; 1nm west of Na Cuiltean, Sound of Jura; and Sanda Sound) and from the Isles of Scilly (Ridge, Lower corner, Eastern IOS; Menawethan, South Wall, IOS; Toll’s Island, Scilly Isles). While this indicates that it is likely to have a wide distribution in the UK, it was not recorded from Wales. It is possible that the higher levels of siltation in Wales prevent it from establishing.

Family Tedaniidae Tedania (Trachytedania) ferrolensis (Cristobo & Urgorri, 2001) Specimens similar to this species were collected from Pembrokeshire in Wales and the Isles of Scilly (Figure 39). The type specimen needs to be examined to see if this identifi cation is correct. It has so far only been recorded from Galicia in NW Spain. Other unidentifi ed Tedania species have recently been recorded from Lundy Island, Wales and Dorset (Lin Baldock, Jen Jones, Shirley Stone unpublished data; some specimens from Lundy Island held by the Natural History Museum). No Tedania species are currently on the British list.

Order Halichondrida Family Axinellidae Axinella fl ustra Topsent, 1892 This species was originally described by Topsent (1892) from Northern Spain and the Azores, it was subsequently recorded from the Cape Verde Islands by Topsent (1928), Brittany by Cabioch (1968) and Guernsey, Channel Islands (UM records). It is very rare. The only records for Britain and Ireland are from limestone bedrock at 40m depth, Aran Islands, Co. Galway and from the Kerry Head shoals, Co. Kerry. Seven specimens were collected in the Isles of Scilly (Figure 40); this represents a new record for the UK. Family Dictyonellidae Scopalina sp. One specimen was collected in Plymouth during the sponge taxonomy training workshop (Figure 41). This 32 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 37. Phorbas ‘Stylostichon’ sp. Tri Maen Trai, Pembrokeshire, Wales.

Figure 38. Myxilla (Styloptilon) anchorata. Loch Crinan, Scotland.

33 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

is a new genus to the UK. Species in the genus are diffi cult to identify to species level as their skeleton is composed of styles embedded in thick spongin fi bres and therefore lacks many distinguishing characteristics. Molecular techniques may help to identify this as an existing species or a species new to science. Family Halichondriidae Gray, 1867 Ciocalypta sp. One specimen with an odd external appearance was recorded from the Isles of Scilly. It may be the common UK species Ciocalypta penicillus but further investigation will be required to confi rm this. Family Heteroxyidae Dendy, 1905 Halicnemia sp. A Recorded from the Firth of Lorn and Firth of Clyde in Scotland. This species was originally recorded from Rathlin Island but has not yet been described. Order Haplosclerida Topsent, 1928 Suborder Haplosclerina Topsent, 1928 Family Chalinidae Gray, 1867 Haliclona spp. and Haliclona sp. F-H Haliclona species are diffi cult to identify as they possess only smooth oxea as spicules and their external appearance, although distinctive for each species, has not been described in many cases. This species complex requires further work and may contain several species new to science. Three species have been identifi ed as distinct (Haliclona sp. F-H), there are other forms A-E designated from different collections. Order: Verongida Bergquist, 1978 Family Ianthellidae Hyatt, 1875 Hexadella racovitzai Topsent, 1896 This is a Mediterranean species, with only a few records from the Atlantic (Roscoff, Canary Islands, Azores). It was fi rst recorded in the British Isles from the Aran Islands, Co. Galway (Morrow & Picton, 1996) and subsequently, in the late 1990s, from: Kerry Head shoals, Co. Kerry; Aran Islands, Co. Galway; and Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland (Picton & Costello, 1998). It was recorded from Damicornis Bay and Derginan Point on Rathlin Island in 2005 (Picton & Goodwin, 2007a,b). During SSNI it was recorded again from the same areas on Rathlin; however, it was not sighted elsewhere in Northern Ireland. There are recent unpublished records from Plymouth (Keith Hiscock, Sally Sharrock, pers. comm.). We have recorded it from the Scilly Isles, Plymouth (Figure 42) and Wales. It was frequent in Wales, with both a pink and a beige form observed. It seems that this warm water species is becoming more common in the UK and is a recent invader. It is fast growing and can form substantial patches on bedrock and could potentially have a signifi cant impact on benthic communities. Populations should be carefully monitored. Whilst it is possible that the species has been present in the sponge fauna historically and simply not recorded, given its conspicuous appearance and the large size of patches, this seems unlikely. 4. Publications 4.1 Manuscripts in preparation 1) Hymedesmia (Stylopus). Redescribing H. coriacea and H. brondstedi and several new species. We are using molecular techniques (in collaboration with Christine Morrow, QUB) to clarify the relationships between these species and to investigate broader relationships within the family Hymedesmiidae. A talk on this work was presented at the 8th World Sponge Conference, September 2010. 2) Re-description of Plocamionida ambigua. There has been some confusion about this species, partly because of an incorrect allocation of a sample as the type and partly due to acceptance of too wide a range of variation within a single species. In conjunction with colleagues in Amsterdam, Belgium and Italy, Bernard Picton is clarifying the taxonomy of this species and some additional poorly known existing species and describing new species from material from the Rathlin Island and Sponge UK projects. 3) Description of new Eurypon species and redescription of fi ve poorly known ones from material collected 34 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 39. Tedania (Trachytedania) ferrolensis. Daymark, St Martins, Isles of Scilly.

Figure 40. Axinella fl ustra. The Ridge, Isles of Scilly. 35 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 41. Scopalina sp., Plymouth.

Figure 42. Hexadella racovitzae, Plymouth. 36 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom during the Rathlin Island and Sponge UK projects. 4) Description of a new species of Oscarella. Oscarella species from Britain were previous assigned to Oscarella lobularis. Recent molecular studies have demonstrated that this species is likely to be restricted to the Mediterranean, consequently the British specimens are a new species. We are working with colleagues in Marseille to describe this species. 5) As a project outcome, we aim to produce manuscripts on the sponge fauna of Scotland, Wales and the Scilly Isles. However, before these are produced it is necessary to resolve the taxonomy of unusual species collected from these areas. There will therefore necessarily be a delay in producing these manuscripts but eventual publication will be an outcome of the project. 4.2 Published/accepted Manuscripts Revision of the sponge chapter of Handbook of the Marine Fauna of North-West Europe (eds P.J. Hayward and J.S. Ryland). A revision of this chapter has been submitted and is being edited. CE Goodwin. 2011. Sponge fauna of the Isles of Scilly. Porcupine Marine Natural History Society Newsletter 29, 19-20. CE Goodwin, BE Picton & RWM van Soest. 2011. Hymedesmia (Hymedesmiidae, Poecilosclerida, Demospongiae, Porifera) from Irish and Scottish cold-water coral reefs, with a description of fi ve new species. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. In press, digital version available on CJO 2011 doi:10.1017/S0025315411000014 . CE Goodwin, J Jones, K Neely, P Brickle. 2011. Sponge biodiversity of the Jason Islands and Stanley, Falkland Islands with descriptions of twelve new species. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 91, 275–301*. J Reveillaud, R van Soest, S Derycke, B Picton, A Rigaux, et al. 2011. Phylogenetic relationships among NE Atlantic Plocamionida Topsent (1927) (Porifera, Poecilosclerida): under-estimated diversity in reef ecosystems. PLoS ONE 6(2), e16533. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0016533 CE Goodwin & BE Picton. 2009. Demosponges of the genus Hymedesmia (Hymedesmiidae, Poecilosclerida) from Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland with a description of eight new species. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 156, 896-912. CE Goodwin & BE Picton. 2008. Rathlin Island: A sponge biodiversity hotspot? Porcupine Marine Natural History Society Newsletter 24, 38-41. *whilst the majority of the Falklands work was not carried out as part of this project, it was interlinked with its core aims and the work was made possible by Claire Goodwin being in post at Ulster Museum (see Section 7). 5. Publicity 5.1 Academic conference presentations C Goodwin, C Morrow & B Picton. 2011. Sponge biodiversity of the United Kingdom. Porcupine Marine Natural History Society Conference 2011 – A Celebration of Marine Life. University of Southampton, England, 11-13th March 2011 (poster presentation). C Goodwin, J Jones, B Picton, P Brickle & K Neely. 2011. Sponge biodiversity of the Falkland Islands. Porcupine Marine Natural History Society Conference 2011 – A Celebration of Marine Life. University of Plymouth, England, 27th-29th March 2011 (poster presentation). * C Goodwin, C Morrow & B Picton. 2010. Unravelling the Hymedesmiidae: aligning molecular and morphological evidence. VIII World Sponge Conference Girona, 20-24 September 2010 (oral presentation). C Goodwin, C Morrow & B Picton. 2010. Sponge biodiversity of the United Kingdom. VIII World Sponge Conference Girona, 20-24 September 2010 (poster presentation). C Goodwin, J Jones, B Picton, P Brickle & K Neely. 2010. Sponge Biodiversity of the Falkland Islands. VIII World Sponge Conference Girona, 20-24 September 2010 (poster presentation).* C Morrow, B Picton, C Goodwin, D Erpenbeck, C Maggs & L Allcock. 2010. How Dendy and Topsent got it right: the family ‘Astraxinellidae’ validated by LSU ribosomal DNA sequences. VIII World Sponge Conference Girona, 20-24 September 2010 (poster presentation). 37 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

J Reveillaud, R van Soest, S Deryck, B Picton, C Goodwin, A Rigaux, A Vanreusel, D Erpenbeck, P Cárdenas & J Xavier. 2010. Phylogenetic analyses of deep-water sponges associated with coral reefs in Europe provide new insights for their protection. VIII World Sponge Conference Girona, 20-24 September 2010 (poster presentation). B Picton, C Morrow, C Goodwin, D Erpenbeck & L Allcock. 2010. High levels of undescribed species diversity in encrusting sponges confi rmed by LSU ribosomal DNA sequences – the genus Eurypon. VIII World Sponge Conference Girona, 20-24 September 2010 (poster presentation). B Picton. 2009. Sponge biodiversity of the UK. Beaufort Biodiscovery meeting. Queens University Belfast, 11th December 2009. C Goodwin & B Picton. 2009. Sponge biodiversity of the United Kingdom. Symposium on Biodiversity, Ecology, and Evolution of Porifera, Zoological Museum of Amsterdam, 27th November 2009 (oral presentation). C Goodwin, J Jones, B Picton, P Brickle & K Neely. 2009. Sponge biodiversity of the Falkland Islands. Porcupine Marine Natural History Society Conference 2009 – Seashore to Seafl oor. University of Plymouth, England, 27th-29th March 2009 (poster presentation).* C Goodwin, C Morrow & B Picton. 2008. Sponge biodiversity of the United Kingdom. Porcupine Marine Natural History Society Conference 2009 – Seashore to Seafl oor. University of Plymouth, England, 27th-29th March 2009 (poster presentation). 5.2 Public talks/events Sponges of the Jason Islands, Falkland Islands. Claire Goodwin. October 2008. Presentation on sponge taxonomy, the work of the Ulster Museum and Falkland Sponge Biodiversity. Stanley, Falkland Islands.* Sponges of the Falkland Islands. Claire Goodwin. January 2010. Presentation on sponge taxonomy, the work of the Ulster Museum and Falkland Sponge Biodiversity. Stanley, Falkland Islands.* World Oceans Day at the Ulster Museum. 5th June 2010. One day event at the museum, explaining the museum’s marine research work, including the Sponge UK project, to the general public. Sponge biodiversity of Sark. Bernard Picton & Claire Goodwin. 1st July 2010. Lecture to La Societie Sercquaise (Sark). Public talk on sponges and Sark sponge fauna. Sponge biodiversity of the United Kingdom. Claire Goodwin, 12th July 2010. Invited Lecture at the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom (Plymouth). Part of a seminar series for MBA members and students and staff of Plymouth University. Trials and tribulations of a diving sponge taxonomist. Bernard Picton & Claire Goodwin. 6th October 2010. Ulster Museum. One in a series of four talks on life in the coastal waters of Northern Ireland. Our Undersea World at the Ulster Museum. 12th March 2011. One day event at the museum explaining the work of the museum’s marine research department, including the Sponge UK project, to the general public. Marine life of South Georgia: the adventures of a diving sponge taxonomist. Claire Goodwin. 16th March 2011. Carrickfergus Sailing Club.* 5.3 Press Coverage Web report on Jason Islands sponge sampling trip on the Shallow Marine Surveys Group website. November 2008. (http://smsgfalklands.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=2) The Jasons and the Golden Fleece. Claire Goodwin. Diver August 2009. Article on sponge taxonomy and diving in the Falkland Islands for popular UK diving magazine. A rare axinellid sponge was found on the Isles of Scilly during fi eldwork. This was used as an example of the conservation value of this area by the Wildlife Trusts and consequently featured in local and national news articles. The sponge also featured on BBC Countryfi le during an episode on the Scilly Isles. September 2009. Claire Goodwin was interviewed on Radio Scilly about sponges and the Scilly Isles sampling. The museum’s sponge work featured in Cousteau Kids magazine, in an article on recent species discoveries. January/February 2010. 38 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Western Morning News (Plymouth) feature – ‘Marine biologists discover species of sponge never before found in UK’. 27th July 2010 Sark’s sponges under the microscope. Feature on Sark tourism website. (http://www.sark.info/index. cfm?fuseaction=news.newsDetail&newsid=152). 25th June 2010. A press release was issued at the end of the project, summarizing the fi ndings. This will hopefully result in national coverage. *whilst the majority of the Falklands work was not carried out as part of this project it was inter-linked with its core aims and the work was made possible by Claire Goodwin being in post at the Ulster Museum (see Section 7). The talks and other articles also covered the research work of the museum including the Sponge UK project, and contributed to a core aim of the project, to educate others about sponges and sponge taxonomy.

6. Training courses Seasearch sponge specialist course, 17-18th May 2008, Plymouth Seasearch is a project which uses volunteer sports divers to collect records on marine species and habitats. They run a series of specialist courses on particular animal groups. We tutored this sponge course for Seasearch participants, organised by South-West Seasearch co-ordinator, Sally Sharrock. Eighteen people attended. Sponge workshop, 22nd October 2008, Stanley, Falkland Islands* Claire Goodwin tutored this course on sponge identifi cation. The course was run for members of the Stanley Fisheries Department and the local community. Twenty people attended. Sponge science class, 16 and 17th December 2009, Stanley, Falkland Islands (Figure 45)* Claire Goodwin taught two practical science classes for year 8 school children at the secondary school in Stanley, Falkland Islands. The children were taught the basics of sponge identifi cation, included making a spicule preparation from a sponge and drawing the spicules. 40 children attended. Seasearch sponge specialist course, 17-18th April 2010, Kent This course was organised by Kent Seasearch co-ordinator, Bryony Chapman. Bernard Picton and Claire Goodwin were to be tutors but unfortunately the Icelandic volcanic ash cloud prevented their fl ights from leaving and it was not possible to arrange alternative transport. Chris Spurrier and Alison Bessel stepped in to tutor on the course using the materials which had been prepared. 19 people attended. Sponge taxonomy training workshop, 5-10th July 2010, Plymouth (Figures 43-45) This fi ve-day training course on sponge taxonomy was hosted by the Marine Institute at the University of Plymouth (local organiser Jason Hall-Spencer) and tutored by Bernard Picton and Claire Goodwin (National Museums Northern Ireland), Christine Morrow (Queen’s University Belfast) and Jennifer Jones (independent consultant). The course was aimed at consultants, conservation agency staff and researchers who wanted to improve their sponge identifi cation skills. No prior knowledge of sponge taxonomy was assumed. Lectures covered sponge identifi cation and ecology; practical sessions included sponge preparation techniques and identifi cation. Participants studied the local sponge fauna on shore or diving fi eld trips. In total, there were 35 participants from UK, USA and Europe (Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal). These included academics, countryside agency staff, independent consultants and students. Four students were supported by bursaries from the Marine Institute. Marine Macrofauna of Sweden - First international workshop at Lovén Centre for Marine Sciences (Tjärnö), September 5 – 17, 2010 (Figure 47) This workshop was organised by the University of Gothenburg, The Norwegian Swedish Research School in Biosystematics and the Swedish Taxonomy Initiative. The workshop gathered 20 of the leading experts on eight marine taxonomic groups. The purpose was to increase the knowledge of the diversity and abundance of these groups in Sweden, and to transfer taxonomic skills and expertise to an upcoming generation of young researchers. Bernard Picton and Claire Goodwin were invited to participate as experts on Porifera (Bernard was also 39 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 43. Participants and tutors of the Sponge taxonomy training workshop, Plymouth.

Figure 44. Laboratory work during the Sponge taxonomy training workshop, Plymouth.

40 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 45. Participants engaged in shore sampling on the Sponge taxonomy training workshop, Plymouth.

Figure 46. Claire Goodwin teaching sponge taxonomy class for school children in Stanley, Falkland Islands.

41 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

teaching on Echinoderms). Travel costs were paid by the Swedish Taxonomy Initiative. Participating in the workshop also provided a valuable opportunity to collect sponge material from the Swedish coast which will be useful for studies of the UK fauna: the area is the type locality for Hymedesmia (Stylopus) coriacea, with which many UK species are currently synonymised. *whilst the majority of the Falklands work was not carried out as part of this project, it was interlinked with its core aims and the work was made possible by Claire Goodwin being in post at the Ulster Museum (see Section 7). 7. Collaborations with other organisations Queen’s University Belfast/National University of Ireland/Martin Ryan Institute The above institutions were recently awarded funding from the Beaufort award scheme to investigate the potential of marine organisms for bio-prospecting. As part of this project, two PhD studentships on sponge taxonomy and molecular systematics were funded. We are working closely with these students and will be passing on material collected during the Sponge UK project for molecular studies. Bernard Picton is providing taxonomic advice for the Queen’s University Belfast Beaufort PhD student, Christine Morrow. Heriot-Watt University Bernard Picton and Claire Goodwin provided advice on sponge taxonomy to Mariana Hogg during the initial stages of her PhD project on sponges from cold-water coral reefs. Mariana decided to pursue a MSc course instead of persisting with the PhD project but attended the sponge taxonomy training workshop in July 2010 and hopes to do some work on sponges during her MSc studies. The Marine Institute, University of Plymouth The Marine Institute hosted the Sponge taxonomy training workshop and provided scholarships for the attendance of four students. Shallow Marine Surveys Group, Falkland Islands. Claire Goodwin was awarded three grants from the Shackleton Scholarship Fund and one from the John Cheek foundation to participate in two survey trips to the Falkland Islands (October 2008 and December 2009; Figure 48) and one to South Georgia (November 2010). She worked with the Shallow Marine Surveys Group who are conducting a series of diving surveys, trying to identify some of the islands’ poorly known shallow marine life. These surveys are part of projects funded by the Overseas Territories Environment Programme (Grant FK501), the Falkland Islands Government, South Georgia Government, Darwin Initiative, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, British Antarctic Survey, and South Georgia Heritage Trust. During the visits, as well as participating in the diving surveys, Claire also provided training for local school children and researchers on sponge taxonomy, and gave presentations about sponges and the work of the Ulster Museum (see above for details). The visit, and subsequent identifi cation of the samples collected, provided valuable training for Claire on sponge taxonomy as she encountered many new genera. Only one week of the visits was counted as Sponge UK project time, in recognition of the fact that only the training aspects contributed to the major project aim of surveying the UK fauna. As funding for the visits came from other sources, only a small sum of money was used for travel under the training component of the Sponge UK grant. However, the visits were made possible by Claire being in post at the Ulster Museum, thanks in part to the Sponge UK grant. This work also contributed to the core Sponge UK project aims of educating others about sponges and developing the museum as a centre of excellence for sponge taxonomy. Therefore, outputs related to this work have been mentioned in this report. Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust The museum was invited to provide sponge taxonomy expertise for the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust’s Marine Biodiversity project funded by Natural England’s Countdown 2010 and the Crown Estate. These surveys were co-ordinated by Angela Gall of Isles of Scilly and Cornwall Wildlife Trusts. One of the target habitats for this project was ‘Sponge and Fragile Anthozoan Communities’, a UK Biodiversity Action Priority Habitat. Claire Goodwin participated in surveys during September 2009 and May 2010. Swedish Taxonomy Training Initiative Bernard Picton and Claire Goodwin taught on a training course for this project (see above).

42 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Figure 47. Some participants of the Marine Macrofauna of Sweden workshop aboard one of the station’s research vessels.

Figure 48. Surveying the sponges of the remote Beauchêne Island in the Falkland Islands with the Shallow Marine Surveys Group aboard the ‘Golden Fleece’. 43 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom 8. Conclusions 8.1 Ulster Museum, National Museums Northern Ireland – a centre of excellence for sponge taxonomy One of the aims of the project was to build on the museum’s existing strengths in sponge taxonomy. Sponge taxonomy has long been a research interest of Bernard Picton (Curator of Marine Invertebrates) and he has previously been involved in projects such as the identifi cation guide ‘Sponge V’ (Ackers et al., 2007). Claire Goodwin is a relatively recent museum staff member, having originally joined the museum in 2005 for the one year Sponge biodiversity of Rathlin Island project. The project provided additional training for her, developing her skills as a sponge taxonomist under Bernard’s mentorship. Sponges are perceived as a diffi cult group to work on and there are few sponge taxonomists in the UK and Ireland. Recognition of the expertise of the museum has been provided by Bernard Picton and Claire Goodwin being listed as authorities in UNEP report on deepwater sponges (Hogg et al., 2011), being asked to tutor on the ‘Swedish Taxonomy Initiative’ international taxonomy training course, and being invited to write the Sponges chapter of the Handbook of the Marine Fauna of North-West Europe and the Linnean Society’s sponge synopsys. Bernard Picton is an editor of the internationally renowned World Porifera database (van Soest et. al., 2011). As well as taxonomic expertise, the survey added to the museum’s porifera collections. With 7,538 registered specimens (at the time of writing), the museum now has one of the largest collections of sponge material from Britain and Ireland, second only to the Natural History Museum, London. Approaches have already been made for the loan of specimens for other research projects. Molecular approaches are helping to resolve some of the problems of sponge taxonomy. Whilst the museum does not have the facilities to carry out molecular sequencing itself, a partnership with Christine Morrow (PhD student, Queen’s University Belfast) has enabled many of the specimens to be sequenced. Christine’s work on sponge phylogenetics will help to resolve problems with the higher level taxonomy of UK sponge species. Specimens have also been provided to other molecular projects. The project studied the biodiversity of several areas of the UK, including two marine Special Areas of Conservation. Sponges are an extremely important group for both biodiversity and ecosystem function. However, because of identifi cation diffi culties, they are often not recorded in general marine surveys. Information in the form of reports and the project database will be provided to appropriate conservation bodies to aid them in the management of these areas. A further aim of the project was to increase awareness and knowledge of this important group of animals. Training was provided to other researchers on six training courses. Participants included: 12-13 year old school children in the Falkland Islands; amateurs taking part in the voluntary Seasearch dive survey project; and graduate students and professionals who participated in the Plymouth and Tjärnö workshops. An effort was also made to inform the general public, with talks being given to a variety of audiences. Press releases resulted in media coverage which highlighted the importance of sponges, taxonomy, museum collections, and biodiversity. 8.2 Future work The project originally aimed to target two additional areas of the UK: the Firth of Lorn in Scotland and Pembrokeshire in Wales. The objectives were to carry out at least 60 survey dives and collect 600 specimens, identifying at least 80% of these to species level. These objectives have been fully met. Fieldwork is the major cost in projects such as this and represented 51% of the externally funded project costs in the original grant application. During the course of the project, we have been able to carry out additional sampling from Sark in the Channel Islands and from the Isles of Scilly. In the latter, the fi eldwork was funded as part of the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust’s Marine Biodiversity project. These additional sites represent the most southerly outposts of the British Isles where warm-water species, such as Endectyon delaubenfelsi, were recorded at the northernmost extent of their range. Inclusion of these sites has improved our understanding of species ranges in the UK. This extra sampling has enabled the collection of additional material – in total 2027 specimens have been collected. The number of new or unusual species recorded has surpassed expectations. The samples include 32 species new to science, 8 species which require further investigation (and are either new to the UK or new to science), and 17 rare species (Table 2, Appendix 3). They include two genera new to the UK (Tedania, Scopalina). 44 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Given the limited time span of the project, it has not been possible to study all the additional material or describe the large number of new species. Although the project spanned three years, both staff were working part-time (50% Claire Goodwin, and 30% Bernard Picton) so effectively the project duration was 1.5 years. The Sponge Biodiversity of Rathlin Island project was a similar project of one-year duration and collected and studied 849 samples, less than half the amount collected during Sponge UK. In addition, whilst the Plymouth training course was an excellent way of promoting sponge taxonomy to a wide audience, it required a signifi cant amount of administration time which inevitably reduced the time available for taxonomic work. The extra material collected represents an excellent and cost effective opportunity to further increase our knowledge of sponge biodiversity of the United Kingdom. Additional support will be needed to fully realise the potential of the new collection.

8.2.1. Species requiring further work As well as the individual species new to science mentioned above, there are several species complexes which require extensive taxonomic revision. These include: 1) Hymedesmia (Hymedesmia) species complex. Many specimens of Hymedesmia were collected. From our preliminary investigations, it appears that these include species new to science some of which have also been collected from Rathlin Island and the Maidens in Northern Ireland but remain undescribed. 2) Hymedesmia (Stylopus) species complex. Currently, many UK Stylopus species are synonomised with Hymedesmia (Stylopus) coriacea. Initial taxonomic and molecular work (in conjunction with Christine Morrow) has shown that these represent distinct species. Comparative material was collected from Sweden, which is the type locality of H. coriacea. 3) Eurypon species complex. Many specimens of Eurypon were collected from Wales. There are eight species currently known from the UK but at least six of our species are new to science. 4) Stylostichon species complex. These are characterised by acanthostyles and very thin tornotes. Some may be new to science. Closer examination of specimens is underway. There are also several other species of Phorbas which may be new to science. 5) Microciona species complex. Several specimens of Microciona were collected which could not be identifi ed as a north-east Atlantic species. These included a distinctive species with two categories of chelae. Close examination of these specimens is underway. 6) Polymastia and Sphaerotylus species complex. Four new species of Polymastia and two new species of Sphaerotylus have been identifi ed and it is likely that more are present in the samples. These are being investigated by Christine Morrow as part of her PhD studies. 7) Haliclona species complex. Members of this group are diffi cult to identify as their skeleton is limited to smooth oxea spicules with few characteristic features. External appearance can be a valuable identifi cation tool but for many species this is not known. Our new material will make it possible to study this complex using a combination of traditional taxonomic and molecular methods. It is likely that several new species are present. We have been asked to author a synopsis on British sponges for the Field Studies Council/Linnean Society Synopses of the British Fauna series. The data on British species collected during the Sponge UK project will be essential for this volume. The Linnean Society’s Synopses are a series of concise, systematic works on selected groups of animals designed to be used as fi eld guides. Being asked to author the fi rst such guide for sponges is recognition of the Ulster Museum’s recent research in sponge taxonomy (including the Sponge UK project). The Synopses are standard guides used by professional biologists in the UK, Ireland and adjacent countries, so they reach a wide audience. By its completion, the Sponge UK project will have greatly improved our knowledge of the UK sponge fauna, particularly the biodiversity and distribution of many species which were previously poorly known. However, a signifi cant amout of work remains to be done before a Synopsis can be progressed. The fi rst stage would be to describe the many new species found during the Sponge UK project. Molecular work being undertaken by other researchers (including Christine Morrow’s PhD work on our UK specimens) will enable the resolution of the underlying higher level sponge classifi cation. Again, additional support will be needed if all the new data acquired during the Sponge UK 45 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom project is to be incorporated into a Synopsis. Publication of such a guide would ensure that the project’s fi ndings are widely disseminated. 9. Acknowledgements The Sponge biodiversity of the United Kingdom project was funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Scottish Natural Heritage and Countryside Council for Wales. Additional collections made in the Isles of Scilly were supported by the Isles of Scilly Marine Biodiversity project (run by the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust and funded by Natural England’s Countdown 2010 and The Crown Estate). Additional funding for work in the Zoological Museum, Amsterdam, received support from the SYNTHESYS Project (http:// www.synthesys.info) which is fi nanced by European Community Research Infrastructure Action under the FP6 Structuring the European Research Area programme. Outside the project, research visits to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia were supported by the Shackleton Scholarship Fund and the John Cheek Foundation and hosted by the Shallow Marine Surveys Group. The SMSG surveys participated in were part of separate projects funded by the Overseas Territories Environment Programme (Grant FK501), the Falkland Islands Government, South Georgia Government, Darwin Initiative, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, British Antarctic Survey, and the South Georgia Heritage Trust. Facilities and student support for the Plymouth Sponge taxonomy training workshop were provided by the Marine Institute, University of Plymouth, with logistical support from Jason Hall-Spencer and Kerry Howell. Sampling would not have been possible without our dive team members and Seasearch volunteer surveyors: Steve Adams, Sarah Bowen, George Brown, Mark Burton, Sue Daly, Teresa Darbyshire, Angela Gall, Rob Gibson, David Goodwin, Keith Hiscock, Jen Jones, David Kipling, Kate Lock, Phil Newman, Emily Priestly, Sally Sharrock and Mark Warren. We used several different boats, all with extremely competent and knowledgeable skippers. Our thanks go to Brian Dilly (Dive in 2 Pembrokeshire); Peter Wright (M.V. Salutay); the Skomer marine reserve team; Dave McBride (skipper of ‘Tiburon’); and Andrew and Jake Leaman (Sark Diving Services). Additional local knowledge on local diving conditions and locating the best sponge sites was provided by Keith Hiscock (MarLIN) and Sally Sharrock Seasearch Plymouth, Angela Gall and Tim Allsop (Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust), Sue Daly (Sark), George Lees and Jane Dodd (Scottish Natural Heritage), David Ainsley (Sealife Adventures, Firth of Lorn), Rohan Holt (Countryside Council for Wales) and Jennifer Jones (Wales). Christine Morrow (Ph.D student, Queen’s University Belfast) has extracted molecular sequences from many of the specimens collected in the course of the project. Her results have provided some extremely useful insights. Samples of other species for comparison were provided by the National Museum of Ireland, the Zoological Museum of the University of Copenhagen, the Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle (Paris), the Swedish Museum of Natural History and the Natural History Museum (London). We would like to thank the curators of these collections: Mark Holmes (NMI), Ole Tendal (ZMUC, SNM), Isabelle Domart-Coulon (MNHN), Karin Sindemark Kronestedt (SMNH) and Clare Valentine, Andrew Cabrinovic and Emma Sherlock (NHM), for facilitating access to the material. Comparison of species was greatly facilitated by the loan of a pair of microscopes and a comparison bridge lent by the Forensic Science Service of Northern Ireland. Many National Museums staff have assisted with the administration of the project and we would like to thank them for their involvement. In particular, Marianne McKeown, Personal Secretary in the Department of Natural Sciences, who has been of great logistical support and Peter Crowther, head of the Department of Natural Sciences. Lastly our thanks go to the sponge research community - particularly members of the Porifera mailing list who have answered innumerable questions and literature requests.

46 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom 10. References Ackers, R.G., Moss, D., Picton, B.E., Stone, S.M.K. & Morrow, C.C. 2007. Sponges of the British Isles (Sponge V). 1992 edition reset with modifi cations. Marine Conservation Society, Ross-on-Wye. Alander, H. 1942. Sponges from the Swedish west coast and adjacent waters. PhD thesis, Lund University, Sweden. Bell, J. J. & Barnes, D. K. A. 2000. The distribution and prevalence of sponges in relation to environmental gradients within a temperate sea lough: vertical cliff surfaces. Diversity and Distributions 6, 283-303. Bell, J. J. & Barnes, D. K. A. 2003. Effect of disturbance on assemblages: an example using Porifera. Biological Bulletin 205, 144-159. Bowerbank, J.S. 1866. A monograph of the British Spongiadae, vol. II. London: Robert Hardwicke. Brøndsted, H.V. 1932. Marine Spongia. In The zoology of the Faroes, vol. 1, pp. 1-34 (ed. A.S. Jensen, W. Lundbeck & M.T. Ragnar Spärck). A.F. Høst & Son: Copenhagen. Bunker, F. & Jones, J. 2007. Sponge monitoring studies at Thorn Rock, Skomer Marine Nature Reserve in Autumn 2007. A report for Countryside Council for Wales by MarineSeen. Burton, M. 1930a. Norwegian sponges from the Norman collection. Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London 2, 487-546. Burton, M. 1930b. Additions to the sponge fauna at Plymouth. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 16, 489-507. Burton, M. 1957. Porifera. In Plymouth Marine Fauna, pp. 26-36. Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom: Plymouth. Burton, M. 1959. Spongia. In The zoology of Iceland, 2(3–4), pp. 1–71 (ed. A. Fridriksson & S.L Tuxen). Ejnar Munksgaard: Copenhagen. Cabioch, L. 1968. Contribution à la connaissance de la faune des spongiaires de la Manche occidentale. Démosponges de la région de Roscoff. Cahiers de Biologie Marine 9, 211–246. Cristobo, F.J. & Urgorri, V. 2001. Revision of the genus Trachytedania (Porifera: Poecilosclerida) with a description of Trachytedania ferrolensis sp.nov. from the north-east Atlantic. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 81, 569-579. Goodwin, C. & Picton, B. 2009. Demosponges of the genus Hymedesmia (Hymedesmiidae, Poecilosclerida) from Rathlin Island, Northern Ireland with a description of six new species. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 156, 896-912. Goodwin, C., Picton, B., Edwards, H. & Breen, J. 2011a. Sublittoral Survey Northern Ireland (2006-2008). Northern Ireland Environment Agency Research and Development Series, No. 11/01. Goodwin, C., Picton, B., Edwards, H. & Breen, J. 2011b.The Maidens, a report from the Sublittoral Survey Northern Ireland Project. Northern Ireland Environment Agency Research and Development Series, No. 11/02. Goodwin, C.E., Picton, B.E. & van Soest, R.W.M. 2011c. Hymedesmia (Hymedesmiidae, Poecilosclerida, Demospongiae, Porifera) from Irish and Scottish cold-water coral reefs, with a description of fi ve new species. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. Available on CJO 2011 doi:10.1017/S0025315411000014. Hogg, M.M., Tendal, O.S., Conway, K.W., Pomponi, S.A., van Soest, R.W.M., Gutt, J., Krautter, M. & Roberts, J.M. 2010. Deep-sea sponge grounds: reservoirs of biodiversity. World Conservation Monitoring Centre: Cambridge. (UNEP regional seas report and studies; no. 189) (UNEP-WCMC Biodiversity Series; 32) Hooper, J.N.A. & van Soest, R.W.M. 2002. Systema Porifera, a guide to the classifi cation of sponges. Kulwer Academic/Plenum Publishers: New York. 47 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Konnecker, G. 2002. Sponge fi elds. In The offshore directory: a review of a selection of habitats, communities and species of the North-East Atlantic, pp. 87-95, (ed. S. Gubbay). World Wide Fund for Nature. Laubenfels, M.W. de. 1936. A discussion of the sponge fauna of the Dry Tortugas in particular and the West Indies in general, with material for a revision of the families and orders of the Porifera. Carnegie Institute of Washington (Tortugas Laboratory Paper N° 467) 30, 1-225, pls 1-22. Lundbeck, W. 1910. Porifera. 3. Desmacidonidae (pars.). Bianco Luno: Copenhagen. Monteiro, L. C. & Muricy, G. 2004. Patterns of sponge distribution in Cagarras Archipelago, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 84, 681-687. Morrow, C.C. & Picton, B.E. 1996. An aplysillid sponge Hexadella racovitzai Topsent, 1896, new to the British Isles with notes on its habitat and distribution. Irish Naturalists Journal 25, 218-221. Picton, B.E. & Costello, M.J. 1998. BioMar biotope viewer: a guide to marine habitats, fauna and fl ora of Britain and Ireland. Environmental Sciences Unit, Trinity College: Dublin. Picton, B. & Goodwin, C. 2007a. Sponge biodiversity of Rathlin Island. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 87, 1309-1313. Picton, B. & Goodwin, C. 2007b. Sponge biodiversity of Rathlin Island. Project report for EU BSP and EHS. Department of Zoology, Ulster Museum: Belfast. Preciado, I. & Maldonado, M. 2005. Reassessing the spatial relationship between sponges and macroalgae in sublittoral rocky bottoms: a descriptive approach. Helgoland Marine Research 59, 141-150. Soest, R.W.M. van. 1987. Biogeographic and taxonomic notes on some Eastern Atlantic sponges. In European contributions to the taxonomy of sponges, pp. 13-28, (ed. W.C. Jones). Sherkin Island Marine Station: Sherkin Island, County Cork. Soest, R.W.M van. 2002. Family Hymedesmiidae. In Systema Porifera, a guide to the classifi cation of sponges, pp. 575-593, (ed. J.D.A Hooper & R.W.M. van Soest). Kluwer Academic / Plenum Publishers: New York. Soest, R.W.M. van. 2006. Report on the Porifera of Mingulay. In Biology and ecosystem functioning of cold water coral bioherms at Mingulay (Hebrides), NE Atlantic, pp. 25-29, (ed. C. Maier). Cruise Report, BIOSYS 2006 Cruise 64PE250 on R/V Pelagia Oban-Oban 7-23rd July 2006. Royal Netherlands Institute for Sea Research, the Netherlands Soest, R.W.M.van & Beglinger, E.J. 2009. New bioeroding sponges from Mingulay coldwater reefs, north- west Scotland. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 89, 329-335. Soest, R.W.M. van., Boury-Esnault, N., Hooper, J.N.A., Rützler, K., de Voogd, N.J., Alvarez de Glasby, B., Hajdu, E., Pisera, A.B., Manconi, R., Schoenberg, C., Janussen, D., Tabachnick, K.R., Klautau, M., Picton, B. & Kelly, M. 2011. World Porifera database. Available online at http://www.marinespecies.org/porifera. Consulted on 2011-03-23 Soest R.W.M. van., Cleary D.F.R., de Kluijver M.J., Lavaleye M.S.S., Maier C., et al. 2007. Sponge diversity and community composition in Irish bathyal coral reefs. Contributions to Zoology 76, 121–142. Soest, R.W.M. van; De Kluijver, M.J. 2003. Protosuberites denhartogi spec.nov., a new name for European ‘Prosuberites epiphytum’ (Demospongiae, Hadromerida). Zoologische Verhandelingen Leiden 345, 401-407. Soest, R.W.M. van., Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C. 1999. Sponges of the North East Atlantic. In World Biodiversity Database, (ed. E.I.S. Ltd.). Soest, R.W.M. van & Stone, S.M.K. 1986. Antho brattegardi sp. n. (Porifera: Poecilosclerida), with remarks on and a key to the clathriids of Norwegian waters. Sarsia 71, 41–48. Stephens, J. 1916. Preliminary notice of some Irish sponges. - the Monaxonellida (Suborder Sigmatomonaxonellida) obtained by the Fisheries Branch of the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction, Ireland. Annals and Magazine of Natural History 17, 232-242. 48 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Stephens, J. 1917. Sponges collected by the dredging expeditions of the Royal Irish Academy and the Royal Dublin Society. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 34, 1–16. Topsent, E. 1892. Diagnoses d’éponges nouvelles de la Méditerranée et plus particulièrement de Banyuls. Archives de Zoologie Expérimentale et Générale 10, 17-29. Topsent, E. 1928. Spongiaires de l’Atlantique et de la Méditerranée provenant des croisières du Prince Albert ler de Monaco. Résultats des campagnes scientifi ques accomplies par le Prince Albert I. Monaco 74, 1-376. Vosmaer, R. 1935. The sponges of the Bay of Naples: Porifera: Incalcaria with analyses of genera and studies in the variations of species. The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff. Voultsiadou-Koukoura, E. & Soest, R.W.M. van. 1991. Phorbas posidoni n.sp. (Porifera: Poecilosclerida) from the Aegean Sea, with a discussion of the family Anchinoidae. Journal of Natural History 25, 827-836. Witman, J. D. & Sebens, K. P. 1990. Distribution and ecology of sponges at a subtidal rock ledge in the central gulf of Maine. In New perspectives in sponge biology, pp. 391-396 (ed. K. Rützler). Smithsonian Institution Press: Washington, DC. Xavier, J. R., Rachello-Dolmen, P.G., Parra-Velandia, F., Schönberg, C. H., Breeuwer, J. A. & van Soest R.W.M. 2010. Molecular evidence of cryptic speciation in the “cosmopolitan” excavating sponge Cliona celata (Porifera, Clionaidae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 56, 13-20.

49 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom ed to ed fi ). Decision Microciona, ‘Stylostichon’, Hymedesmia Microciona, Status at end of project (May 2011) including (May 2011) Status at end of project any unexpected results 35 dives in Pembrokeshire. 571 samples collected. 2008 37 dives in Sound of Mull and Firth Lorn 264 samples collected. 2009 29 dives in Firth of Clyde and around Sanda, 265 specimens collected. Scilly Isles 2009/2010 20 dives (plus 30 volunteer dives), 358 specimens. Plymouth 7 dives 50 specimens. Sark 60 dives, 509 specimens. genus level and 79% to species (slightly percentage but a much lower than the target number of specimens were collected than larger The majority of those originally proposed). which remain at genus are problematic groups (e.g (Stylopus), Eurypon, Haliclona made not to work up Sark material due time constraints as not original objective. Slides prepared from specimens Scotland, Exculding the Channel and Isles of Scilly. Wales Islands specimens, all specimens identi ed to genus level. fi What will success look like and how will it be measured? At least 30 survey dives to be carried out within the At least 300 sponge SAC. specimens to be collected. At least 30 survey dives to be carried out within the At least 300 sponge SAC. specimens to be collected. Not an original aim of the project but collecting opportunities arose which provided excellent opportunities to increase knowledge of the geographic distribution of sponges in the UK. identi At least 80% to species level. Workpl an (May 2008 – May 2011) Workpl completion of each activity September 2010 September 2010 February 2011 All specimens to be Activities Date for Diving survey of selected sites in Pembrokeshire marine SAC Diving survey of selected sites in Firth of Lorn SAC Additional material collected from Isles of Plymouth and Scilly, Sark in the Channel Islands. Preparation of tissue sections and spicule preparations of all samples for microscope examination. Examination under Scanning Electron microscope where necessary. cation of sponge fi The key aims/purposes of work your 1. Record sponge biodiversity of Pembrokeshire marine SAC 2.Survey sponge biodiversity of the Firth Lorn SAC samples 3. Identi Appendix 1 - Sponge Biodiversity of the British Isles 50 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom . Descriptions of cantly more species new to fi Hymedesmia All samples preserved in ethanol and suitable for barcoding. Over 100 specimens sequenced by Christine Morrow as part of her PhD project at University Belfast. Queen’s science were discovered than expected, and less Web species which had already been described. pages for these new species cannot be created until descriptions are written, for which further support will be able to create 37 new We will be required. web pages for existing species and which we have been able to describe during the course of the project. Completion expected July 2011. the remaining species will require further support. The number of species for which a webpage would be created was originally proposed to signi 50. However, Due to the large number of new species it has Due to the large not been possible to describe all those collected within the time frame of project. However, two manuscripts have been published describing 13 new species of Completed May 2011. image, cers. fi in situ Tissue from at least 50 Tissue species to be collected and preserved. 50 further species to be created, to include written description, and spicule images. of written report to be approved by conservation agency project of species to be published in peer reviewed journals. September 2009 May 2011 pages for at least Web May 2011 Format and content May 2011 Descriptions of all new nding fi Collection of sponge tissue and preservation in ethanol for genetic analysis. Develop webpages for selected species of the project. descriptions of any new species discovered by the project. Create images (either Scanning Electron Microscope or drawn) to accompany descriptions. Produce written report summarising 4. Collect material for sponge barcoding database. 5. Develop Ulster Museum web based resource on sponge biodiversity 6. Describe new species Make written 7. Catalogue UK sponge biodiversity 51 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

., 2011) and invited ., 2011) le and Radio fi c audiences. A press A c audiences. et al ndings. fi World Porifera database World fi nal report (May 2011) and nal report (May 2011) fi 2011). Bernard Picton and Claire 2011). et. al c papers published/accepted. 3 articles fi nds (including BBC Country release will be circulated on the completion of project to disseminate its Four small training courses run (Plymouth, Kent and 2 Falkland Islands). Five day sponge workshop for 35 people in Plymouth July 2010. Training Taxonomy Contributed to the Swedish Initiative workshop. Scilly). 8 oral presentations to non-specialist audiences. 12 presentations to scienti in non-specialist press. Press coverage from Scilly fi by provision the of project’s Access database to by provision the of project’s agency staff. Will be provided in Will 6 scienti (van Soest report on Goodwin listed as authorities in UNEP deepwater sponges (Hogg to write Sponge chapter of ‘Handbook the and Linnean Europe’ Marine Fauna of North-West Society sponge synopsys. 2027 specimens collections collected for the Ulster Museum’s Visits to Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Scilly to Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Visits Isles, Marine Institute University of Plymouth and Tjarno Marine Laboratory in Sweden. Bernard Picton is an editor on the c fi ndings. fi eld. eld. 10 people on sponge biodiversity. sponge biodiversity in accessible format for use by conservation Access (e.g. agency staff database). Publish at least one feature in non-specialist press. At least one presentation to be given at a scienti conference. At least one oral presentation to be given non-specialist audience. least one other research to increase organisation their knowledge of the fi articles to be published. Send out press release on project December 2010 Run course for at least May 2011 Provide information on May 2011 to visit at Project staff May 2011 At least two peer reviewed nding fi Run training course for other researchers to and agency staff raise awareness of sponges. Provide information on sponge biodiversity of Firth of Lorn SAC and Pembrokeshire SAC to persons involved in their management. Project to provide further experience and training for Ulster in Museum staff sponge taxonomy and expand collections. Promote of project to wider audience. ndings of ndings fi 9. Provide training for other researchers 10. To increase knowledge To 10. on biodiversity of protected areas, aiding in their management 11. To develop the Ulster To 11. Museum as a centre of excellence for sponge taxonomy project 8. Disseminate 52 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom Appendix 2 – Survey dives from the Sponge UK project. Dives are arranged by dive number which is related to the dive date – e.g 080516/01 is a dive on 16th May 2008 and is the fi rst dive on that day. Latitude and longitude are given in degrees and decimal minutes. Dive Number Site Name Survey Area Latitude Longitude 080516/01 Firestone Bay, Plymouth Sound Plymouth 50º 21.650N 004º 09.620W 080516/02 Firestone Bay, Plymouth Sound Plymouth 50º 21.650N 004º 09.620W 080517/01 Stoke Point Plymouth 50º 17.381N 004º 01.539W 080518/01 Outer Heybrook Bay, Wembury Plymouth 50º 18.639N 004º 07.260W 080624/01 0.2nm NW of Cath Sgeir, Gigha Firth of Lorn 55º 39.870N 005º 47.690W 080624/02 0.2nm NW of Cath Sgeir, Gigha Firth of Lorn 55º 39.870N 005º 47.690W 080624/03 2.3nm SW of Point of Knap, Loch Firth of Lorn 55º 51.159N 005º 43.142W Caolisport 080624/04 2.3nm SW of Point of Knap, Loch Firth of Lorn 55º 51.203N 005º 43.092W Caolisport 080625/01 SW of Ardnoe Point, Loch Crinan Firth of Lorn 56º 05.457N 005º 35.218W 080625/02 SW of Ardnoe Point, Loch Crinan Firth of Lorn 56º 05.440N 005º 35.244W 080625/03 Shoal 1.25nm WNW of Crinan Firth of Lorn 56º 05.721N 005º 35.589W Hotel 080625/04 Shoal 1.25nm WNW of Crinan Firth of Lorn 56º 05.721N 005º 35.589W Hotel 080626/01 N of Ardnoe Point, Loch Crinan Firth of Lorn 56º 5.586N 005º 34.87W 080626/02 N of Ardnoe Point, Loch Crinan Firth of Lorn 56º 5.599N 005º 34.855W 080626/03 NW of Creag Aoil, Loch Melfort Firth of Lorn 56º 14.776N 005º 32.786W 080626/04 NW of Creag Aoil, Loch Melfort Firth of Lorn 56º 14.765N 005º 32.802W 080627/01 Sgeir Poll nan Corran, Lunga Firth of Lorn 56º 12.600N 005º 41.250W 080627/02 Sgeir Poll nan Corran, Lunga Firth of Lorn 56º 12.58N 005º 41.23W 080627/03 0.4nm WNW of Hutcheson Rock Firth of Lorn 56º 10.12N 005º 37.52W 080627/04 0.4nm WNW of Hutcheson Rock Firth of Lorn 56º 10.12N 005º 37.52W 080628/01 NE of Sgeirean a Mhaoil, Scarba Firth of Lorn 56º 11.328N 005º 40.229W 080628/02 E of Ban Rubha, Scarba Firth of Lorn 56º 11.589N 005º 40.5W 080628/03 E of Ban Rubha, Scarba Firth of Lorn 56º 11.621N 005º 40.577W 080628/04 S of Sgeir nam Figheadair, Luing Firth of Lorn 56º 11.03N 005º 38.154W 080628/05 SE of Sgeir nam Figheadair, Luing Firth of Lorn 56º 11.028N 005º 37.703W 080630/01 Avon Rock, Sound of Mull Firth of Lorn 56º 30.77N 005º 46.748W 080630/02 Avon Rock, Sound of Mull Firth of Lorn 56º 30.832N 005º 46.761W 080630/03 Avon Rock, Sound of Mull Firth of Lorn 56º 30.828N 005º 46.854W 080630/04 Sligneach Mor, Loch Sunart Firth of Lorn 56º 40.238N 005º 58.792W 080630/05 Sligneach Mor, Loch Sunart Firth of Lorn 56º 40.272N 005º 58.733W 080630/06 Sligneach Mor, Loch Sunart Firth of Lorn 56º 40.272N 005º 58.731W 080701/01 NW of Ardmore Point Firth of Lorn 56º 39.47N 006º 07.97W 080701/02 NW of Ardmore Point Firth of Lorn 56º 39.48N 006º 07.87W 080701/03 Tobermory Harbour Firth of Lorn 56º 37.057N 006º 03.632W 080702/01 Wreck of the Rondo Firth of Lorn 56º 32.33N 005º 54.81W 080702/02 Wreck of the Rondo Firth of Lorn 56º 32.33N 005º 54.81W 080702/03 Liath Sgeir, Lismore Firth of Lorn 56º 28.45N 005º 36.24W 080702/04 Liath Sgeir, Lismore Firth of Lorn 56º 28.45N 005º 36.24W

53 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Dive Number Site Name Survey Area Latitude Longitude 080703/01 0.004º nm SE of An Carn, Sound Firth of Lorn 56º 4.461N 005º 43.054W of Jura 080703/02 0.004º nm SE of An Carn, Sound Firth of Lorn 56º 4.461N 005º 43.054W of Jura 080703/03 1nm west of Na Cuiltean, Sound Firth of Lorn 55º 48.685N 005º 52.786W of Jura 090727/01 Anderson Reef, Abercastle North Pembs 51º 57.842N 005º 07.520W 090727/02 Anderson Reef, Abercastle North Pembs 51º 57.842N 005º 07.520W 090727/03 Ynys Castell, Abercastle North Pembs 51º 57.779N 005º 07.697W 090727/04 Ynys Castell, Abercastle North Pembs 51º 57.779N 005º 07.697W 090728/01 Ynys Devllyn, Abercastle North Pembs 51º 57.928N 005º 08.321W 090728/02 Ynys Devllyn, Abercastle North Pembs 51º 57.928N 005º 08.321W 090728/03 V Reef, Abercastle North Pembs 51º 57.868N 005º 08.665W 090728/04 V Reef, Abercastle North Pembs 51º 57.868N 005º 08.665W 090729/01 Pwlldevi, Abercastle North Pembs 52 00.069N 005º 05.655W 090729/02 Pwlldevi, Abercastle North Pembs 52 00.063N 005º 05.593W 090729/03 Tri-Maen-Trai North Pembs 52 00.508N 005º 05.406W 090729/04 Tri-Maen-Trai North Pembs 52 00.508N 005º 05.406W 090730/01 Aberreidy Quarry North Pembs 51º 56.273N 005º 12.512W 090731/01 Penbrush, Abercastle North Pembs 52 00.995N 005º 05.366W 090731/02 Penbrush, Abercastle North Pembs 52 00.995N 005º 05.366W 090731/03 Bola Reef, Abercastle North Pembs 51º 58.322N 005º 18.104W 090731/04 Bola Reef, Abercastle North Pembs 51º 58.322N 005º 18.104W 090803/01 Ynys Deullyn North Pembs 51º 57.920N 005º 08.458W 090803/02 Ynys Deullyn North Pembs 51º 57.920N 005º 08.458W 090804/01 Huw’s Reef North Pembs 51º 57.845N 005º 07.546W 090804/02 Huw’s Reef North Pembs 51º 57.845N 005º 07.546W 090804/03 Pwll Arian, Penbrush North Pembs 52 01.069N 005º 05.400W 090804/04 Pwll Arian, Penbrush North Pembs 52 01.069N 005º 05.400W 090805/01 Penbwchdy, Carreg Buch-Nu North Pembs 51º 59.603N 005º 05.971W 090805/02 Penbwchdy, Carreg Buch-Nu North Pembs 51º 59.594N 005º 05.940W 090805/03 Bola Reef North Pembs 51º 58.322N 005º 08.104W 090805/04 Bola Reef North Pembs 51º 58.322N 005º 08.104W 090806/01 Thorn Rock, Skomer Skomer Island 51º 43.952N 005º 16.427W 090806/02 Thorn Rock, Skomer Skomer Island 51º 43.952N 005º 16.427W 090806/03 West Blackstone, Skomer Skomer Island 51º 43.806N 005º 15.954W 090806/04 West Blackstone, Skomer Skomer Island 51º 43.842N 005º 15.986W 090807/01 The Wick, Skomer Skomer Island 51º 43.868N 005º 17.863W 090807/02 The Wick, Skomer Skomer Island 51º 43.868N 005º 17.863W 090807/03 Wendy’s Gully, Skomer Skomer Island 51º 43.828N 005º 18.222W 090807/04 Wendy’s Gully, Skomer Skomer Island 51º 43.828N 005º 18.222W 090905/01 NE Ross Island, Kilbrannan Sound Firth of Clyde 55º 29.36N 005º 29.78W 090905/02 NE Ross Island, Kilbrannan Sound Firth of Clyde 55º 29.36N 005º 29.78W 090906/01 Lower Loch Fyne Firth of Clyde 55º 49.74W 005º 18.97W 090906/02 Lower Loch Fyne Firth of Clyde 55º 49.74W 005º 18.97W 090906/03 Upper Loch Fyne Firth of Clyde 56º 07.755N 005º 12.165W 54 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Dive Number Site Name Survey Area Latitude Longitude 090906/04 Upper Loch Fyne Firth of Clyde 56º 07.753N 005º 12.254W 090907/01 Stallion Rock Firth of Clyde 56º 09.885N 005º 07.571W 090907/02 Stallion Rock Firth of Clyde 56º 09.896N 005º 07.553W 090907/03 Upper Loch Fyne Firth of Clyde 55º 57.898N 005º 23.974W 090907/04 Upper Loch Fyne Firth of Clyde 55º 57.892W 005º 23.984W 090909/01 Off Rubha Preasach, Loch Fyne Firth of Clyde 55º 52.711N 005º 21.178W 090909/02 Off Rubha Preasach, Loch Fyne Firth of Clyde 55º 52.738N 005º 21.243W 090909/03 Glas Eilean, Loch Fyne Firth of Clyde 56º 01.036N 005º 21.154W 090909/04 Glas Eilean, Loch Fyne Firth of Clyde 56º 01.036N 005º 21.154W 090910/01 South of Arran Firth of Clyde 55º 24.034N 005º 06.799W 090910/02 South of Arran Firth of Clyde 55º 24.745W 005º 07.741W 090910/03 Sanda Firth of Clyde 55º 17.746N 005º 34.455W 090910/04 Sanda Firth of Clyde 55º 17.748N 005º 34.542W 090911/01 Sanda Firth of Clyde 55º 16.332N 005º 34.834W 090911/02 Sanda Firth of Clyde 55º 16.368N 005º 34.766W 090911/03 Sanda Sound Firth of Clyde 55º 17.840N 005º 35.160W 090911/04 Sanda Sound Firth of Clyde 55º 17.815N 005º 35.183W 090912/01 Sanda Sound Firth of Clyde 55º 17.879N 005º 35.163W 090912/02 Sanda Sound Firth of Clyde 55º 17.817N 005º 35.197W 090912/03 Sanda Sound Firth of Clyde 55º 16.135N 005º 38.351W 090912/04 Sanda Sound Firth of Clyde 55º 16.136N 005º 38.349W 090913/01 Sanda Sound Firth of Clyde 55º 16.145N 005º 38.400W 090913/02 Sanda Sound Firth of Clyde 55º 16.145N 005º 38.400W 090913/03 Otterard Rock Firth of Clyde 55º 27.089N 005º 31.235W 090913/04 Otterard Rock Firth of Clyde 55º 27.089N 005º 31.235W 090927/01 Ridge, Lower corner Isles of Scilly 49º 56.03N 006º 15.67W 090927/02 Ridge, Lower corner Isles of Scilly 49º 56.03N 006º 15.67W 090927/03 Toll’s Island Isles of Scilly 49º 55.68N 006º 16.30W 090927/04 Toll’s Island Isles of Scilly 49º 55.68N 006º 16.30W 090928/01 Daymark, St Martins Isles of Scilly 49º 58.204N 006º 15.90W 090928/02 Daymark, St Martins Isles of Scilly 49º 58.204N 006º 15.90W 090928/03 Mincarlo, St Martin’s Isles of Scilly 49º 56.10N 006º 23.10W 090928/04 Mincarlo, St Martin’s Isles of Scilly 49º 56.10N 006º 23.10W 090928/05 Mincarlo, St Martin’s Isles of Scilly 49º 56.10N 006º 23.10W 090929/01 Wingletang, The Colf Isles of Scilly 49º 52.790N 006º 20.50W 090929/02 Nr Carrickstarne, Peninnis (andor Isles of Scilly 49º 54.14N 006º 18.00W slot), St Mary’s 090929/03 Wingletang, The Colf Isles of Scilly 49º 52.790N 006º 20.50W 090929/04 Nr Carrikstarne, Peninnis (andor Isles of Scilly 49º 54.14N 006º 18.00W slot), St Mary’s 090929/05 Wingletang, The Colf Isles of Scilly 49º 52.790N 006º 20.50W 090929/06 Nr Carrikstarne, Peninnis (andor Isles of Scilly 49º 54.14N 006º 18.00W slot), St Mary’s 090929/07 Wingletang, The Colf Isles of Scilly 49º 52.790N 006º 20.50W 090930/01 Menawethan, South Wall Isles of Scilly 49º 56.66N 006º 14.84W 090930/02 400m east of Daymark, St Martins Isles of Scilly 49º 58.204N 006º 15.618W 55 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Dive Number Site Name Survey Area Latitude Longitude 090930/03 400m east of Daymark, St Martins Isles of Scilly 49º 58.204N 006º 15.618W 090930/04 Menawethen, South Wall Isles of Scilly 49º 56.66N 006º 14.84W 090930/05 Menawethen, South Wall Isles of Scilly 49º 56.66N 006º 14.84W 090930/06 400m east of Daymark, St Mar- Isles of Scilly 49º 58.204N 006º 15.618W tin’s 091001/01 Toll’s Island Isles of Scilly 49º 55.68N 006º 16.30W 091001/02 Toll’s Island Isles of Scilly 49º 55.68N 006º 16.30W 091001/03 Inner Head, Pendennis Head Isles of Scilly 49º 54.23N 006º 18.42W 091001/04 Inner Head, Pendennis Head Isles of Scilly 49º 54.23N 006º 18.42W 091001/05 Toll’s Island Isles of Scilly 49º 55.68N 006º 16.30W 091001/06 Toll’s Island Isles of Scilly 49º 55.68N 006º 16.30W 091001/07 Toll’s Island Isles of Scilly 49º 55.68N 006º 16.30W 091002/01 The Ridge Isles of Scilly 49º 56.03N 006º 15.67W 091002/02 The Ridge Isles of Scilly 49º 56.03N 006º 15.67W 091002/03 John Thomas Ledge, North of St Isles of Scilly 49º 58.60N 006º 16.33W Martins 091002/04 John Thomas Ledge, North of St Isles of Scilly 49º 58.60N 006º 16.33W Martins 091002/05 The Ridge Isles of Scilly 49º 56.03N 006º 15.67W 091002/06 The Ridge Isles of Scilly 49º 56.03N 006º 15.67W 091003/01 Pelistry (Shore), St Mary’s Isles of Scilly 49º 55.76N 006º 16.86W 100516/01 Ridge West, Eastern Isles Isles of Scilly 49º 56.08N 006º 15.689W 100516/02 Toll’s Island, New Site, St Mary’s Isles of Scilly 49º 55.73N 006º 16.42W 100517/01 Menpingrim, Smith Sound, St Isles of Scilly 49º 53.00N 006º 21.55W Agnes 100517/02 Grandfather Hugh’s Point, Off Isles of Scilly 49º 53.05N 006º 20.10W Gugh 100518/01 Menawethen, Eastern Isles Isles of Scilly 49º 56.66N 006º 14.84W 100518/02 South Hard Lewis, Tonkin’s Isles of Scilly 49º 57.60N 006º 15.09W Ledge, St Martin’s 100519/01 Middle Ridge, Crow Sound, N of Isles of Scilly 49º 56.22N 006º 15.68W St Mary’s 100519/02 John Thomas Ledge, North St Isles of Scilly 49º 58.63N 006º 16.48W Martin’s 100520/01 Gorregon south-east, Western Isles of Scilly 49º 51.96N 006º 23.07W Rocks 100520/02 Long Point, St Agnes Isles of Scilly 49º 53.25N 006º 21.19W 100521/01 Wingletang Rock, St Agnes Isles of Scilly 49º 52.92N 006º 20.25W 100521/02 Inner Head Penninnis, St Mary’s Isles of Scilly 49º 54.20N 006º 18.27W 100622/01 L’Etac, North-east corner Sark 49º 24.144N 2 21.958W 100622/02 L’Etac, east side Sark 49º 24.063N 2 21.955W 100622/03 L’Etac, North-east corner Sark 49º 24.122N 2 21.945W 100622/04 Pavlaison Sark 49º 26.902N 2 20.797W 100622/05 Pavlaison Sark 49º 26.902N 2 20.797W 100622/06 Pavlaison Sark 49º 26.902N 2 20.797W 100623/01 Vingt Clos Sark 49º 24.087N 2 21.505W 100623/02 Vingt Clos Sark 49º 24.087N 2 21.505W 56 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Dive Number Site Name Survey Area Latitude Longitude 100623/03 Vingt Clos Sark 49º 24.087N 2 21.505W 100623/04 Guilleaumesse Sark 49º 26.736N 2 22.156W 100623/05 Guilleaumesse Sark 49º 26.736N 2 22.156W 100623/06 Guilleaumesse Sark 49º 26.736N 2 22.156W 100624/01 South of L’Etac Sark 49º 23.979N 2 22.256W 100624/02 South of L’Etac Sark 49º 23.979N 2 22.256W 100624/03 South of L’Etac Sark 49º 23.979N 2 22.256W 100624/04 Boue Tirlipois Sark 49º 24.443N 2 23.145W 100624/05 Boue Tirlipois Sark 49º 24.443N 2 23.145W 100624/06 Boue Tirlipois Sark 49º 24.443N 2 23.145W 100625/01 Guern’s Eye Sark 49º 23.982N 2 22.560W 100625/02 Guern’s Eye Sark 49º 23.982N 2 22.560W 100625/03 Guern’s Eye Sark 49º 23.982N 2 22.560W 100625/04 Boue Tirlipois Sark 49º 24.508N 2 23.325W 100625/05 Boue Tirlipois Sark 49º 24.508N 2 23.325W 100625/06 Boue Tirlipois Sark 49º 24.427N 2 23.183W 100626/01 Grand de Nord Sark 49º 26.218N 2 19.846W 100626/02 Grand de Nord Sark 49º 26.218N 2 19.846W 100626/03 Ecrillion Sark 49º 25.507N 2 19.491W 100626/04 Les Dents Sark 49º 25.539N 2 23.735W 100626/05 Les Dents Sark 49º 25.539N 2 23.735W 100626/06 L’Etac Sark 49º 24.082N 2 21.938W 100628/01 L’Etac Sark 49º 24.046N 2 21.941W 100628/02 L’Etac Sark 49º 24.046N 2 21.941W 100628/03 Grande Breton Sark 49º 24.466N 2 20.649W 100628/04 Les Dents Sark 49º 25.550N 2 23.547W 100628/05 Les Dents Sark 49º 25.550N 2 23.547W 100628/06 Les Dents Sark 49º 25.527N 2 23.713W 100629/01 Longue Pierre Guernsey 49º 25.348N 2 31.420W 100629/02 Longue Pierre Guernsey 49º 25.348N 2 31.420W 100629/03 Les Dents Sark 49º 25.539N 2 23.735W 100629/04 L’Etac Sark 49º 24.046N 2 21.941W 100629/05 L’Etac Sark 49º 24.046N 2 21.941W 100629/06 Vingt Clos Sark 49º 24.087N 2 21.505W 100630/01 Gouliot Caves, Sark Sark 49º 25.927N 2 22.730W 100630/02 Gouliot Caves, Sark Sark 49º 25.927N 2 22.730W 100630/03 Gouliot Caves, Sark Sark 49º 25.927N 2 22.730W 100630/04 Maceline Harbour Sark 49º 25.96N 2 20.57W 100630/05 Maceline Harbour Sark 49º 25.96N 2 20.57W 100630/06 Maceline Harbour Sark 49º 25.96N 2 20.57W 100701/01 L’Etac, South Side Sark 49º 24.046N 2 21.937W 100701/02 L’Etac, South Side Sark 49º 24.046N 2 21.937W 100701/03 L’Etac, South Side Sark 49º 24.046N 2 21.937W 100701/04 Boue Tirlipois Sark 49º 24.450N 2 23.175W 100701/05 Boue Tirlipois Sark 49º 24.450N 2 23.175W 100701/06 Boue Tirlipois Sark 49º 24.450N 2 23.175W 57 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Dive Number Site Name Survey Area Latitude Longitude 100702/01 Pavlaisson Sark 49º 26.867N 2 20.799W 100702/02 Pavlaisson Sark 49º 26.867N 2 20.799W 100702/03 Pavlaisson Sark 49º 26.867N 2 20.799W 100702/04 L’Etac, SW Side Sark 49º 23.967N 2 22.150W 100702/05 L’Etac, SW Side Sark 49º 23.967N 2 22.150W 100702/06 L’Etac, SW Side Sark 49º 23.967N 2 22.150W 100706/01 Bigbury Bay, Plymouth Plymouth 50º 13.456N 3 58.966W 100707/01 S of Mewstone, Plymouth Plymouth 50º 18.069N 004º 06.379W 100708/01 Plymouth dive 3 Plymouth

58 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom

Appendix 3. List of sponge taxa recorded during the survey. Where a species is followed by a letter or number (e.g Axinella sp A, Eurypon sp. 1) this indicates that it is a distinct species but it has not yet been possible to fi nd an existing name. Genus followed only by sp. or spp. indicates that specimens have been identifi ed only to genus level. The taxa are arranged in taxonomic, then alphabetical order, following that given in Systema Porifera (Hooper & van Soest, 2002). The comments column highlights species new to science, species new to the UK and other points of interest. Skomer Island Sound of Mull Firth of Clyde Channel Isles Firth of Lorn North Pembs Isles of Scilly Plymouth Total

Species Authority Comments

Class Calcarea Bowerbank, 1864 Calcarea indet. 1 1 Subclass Calcinea Bidder, 1898, Order Clathrinida Bidder, 1898, Family: Clathrinidae Minchin, 1900 Clathrina spp. 5 2 3 Clathrina coriacea (Montagu, 1818) 3 2 1 Guancha lacunosa (Johnston, 1842) 2 1 1 Subclass: Calcaronea Bidder, 1898, Order: Baerida Borojevic, Boury-Esnault & Vacelet, 2000, Family: Baeriidae Borojevic, Boury-Esnault & Vacelet, 2000 Leuconia johnstoni Carter, 1871 3 2 1 Leuconia nivea (Grant, 1826) 5 3 2 Order: Leucocolenida Hartman, 1958, Family: Grantiidae Dendy, 1893 Leucandra aspera (Schmidt, 1862) 1 1 Leucandra gossei (Bowerbank, 1862) 1 1 Family: Leucosoleniidae Minchin, 1900 Leucosolenia spp. 4 1 3 Leucosolenia botryoides (Ellis & Solander, 1 1 1786) Family: Sycettidae Dendy, 1893 Sycon spp. Risso, 1826 4 1 3 Sycon ciliatum (Fabricius, 1780) 7 1 2 1 3 Class: Homoscleromorpha Lévi, 1973, Order: Homosclerophorida Dendy, 1905, Family: Oscarellidae Lendenfeld, 1887

Oscarella sp. 1 Vosmaer, 1884 3 1 1 1 Class: Demospongiae Sollas, 1885, Order: Astrophorida Sollas, 1887 Astrophorida 1 1 Family: Ancorinidae Schmidt, 1870 Stelletta spp. Schmidt, 1862 7 2 3 2 Stelletta grubii Schmidt, 1862 6 3 2 1 Stryphnus spp. Sollas, 1886 1 1 Stryphnus ponderosus (Bowerbank, 1866) 3 2 1

Family: Geodiidae Gray, 1867 Pachymatisma johnstonia (Bowerbank in 4 1 2 1 Johnston, 1842)

59 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom Skomer Island Sound of Mull Firth of Clyde Channel Isles Firth of Lorn North Pembs Isles of Scilly Plymouth Total

Species Authority Comments

Family: Pachastrellidae Carter, 1875 Dercitus (Dercitus) (Bowerbank, 1858) 4 2 2 bucklandi Order: Hadromerida Topsent, 1894, Family: Clionidae d’Orbigny, 1851 Cliona spp. Grant, 1826 5 1 2 2 See notes, includes Cliona cf. caledonae Cliona celata Grant, 1826 2 1 1 Family: Hemiasterellidae Lendenfeld, 1889 Adreus fascicularis (Bowerbank, 1866) 1 1 Paratimea spp. Hallmann, 1917 2 2 Paratimea constellata (Topsent, 1893) 7 4 1 1 1 Stelligera rigida (Montagu, 1818) 9 4 1 1 1 1 1 Stelligera stuposa (Ellis & Solander, 11 5 2 1 2 1 1786) Family: Polymastiidae Gray, 1867 Polymastia spp. Bowerbank, 1864 43 7 10 1 2 18 4 Contain at least 2 further new species, possibly more. Polymastia agglutinans Ridley & Dendy, 6 6 1886 Polymastia boletiformis (Lamarck, 1815) 10 3 1 1 1 3 1 Polymastia penicillus (Montagu, 1818) 12 1 8 1 1 1 Polymastia sp. 1 Christine Morrow’s 2 2 New species working name Polymastia sp. 2 Christine Morrow’s 1 1 1 New species working name Quasillina brevis (Bowerbank, 1861) 1 1 Sphaerotylus sp. A 6 4 2 New Species

Sphaerotylus sp. C 4 1 3 New Species Family: Suberitidae Schmidt, 1870 Suberitidae indet. Schmidt, 1870 2 1 1 Homaxinella subdola (Bowerbank, 1866) 7 4 3 Prosuberites spp. Topsent, 1893 6 2 1 3 Prosuberites cf. Topsent, 1893 7 3 1 1 2 New to UK/New species – longispinus ID needs confi rmation.

Protosuberites spp. Swartchewsky, 1905 10 1 7 2

Protosuberites denhartogi van Soest & de 28 2 16 1 9 New to UK (taxonomic Kluijver, 2003 reassignment of other species). Protosuberites incrustans (Hansen, 1885) 1 1

60 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom Skomer Island Sound of Mull Firth of Clyde Channel Isles Firth of Lorn North Pembs Isles of Scilly Plymouth Total

Species Authority Comments

Pseudosuberites (Bowerbank, 1866) 5 5 sulphureus Suberites spp. Nardo, 1833 11 1 1 1 4 4 Suberites carnosus (Johnston, 1842) 6 4 1 1 Suberites fi cus (Johnston, 1842) 10 1 3 1 5 Suberites massa Nardo, 1847 2 2 Family: Tethyidae Gray, 1848 Tethya spp. Lamarck, 1815 6 4 1 1 Tethya citrina Sarà & Melone, 1965 11 5 1 2 3 Order: Chondrosida Boury-Esnault & Lopès, 1985, Family: Chondrillidae Gray, 1872 Thymosia guernei Topsent, 1895 7 5 1 1 Family: Halisarcidae Schmidt, 1862 Halisarca spp. Johnston, 1842 3 1 1 1 Halisarca dujardini Johnston, 1842 2 1 1 Order: Poecilosclerida Topsent, 1928, Sub-order: Microcionina Hajdu, van Soest & Hooper, 1994, Family: Acarnidae Dendy, 1922 Iophon spp. Gray, 1867 3 1 1 1 Iophon hyndmani (Bowerbank, 1858) 52 8 15 17 1 11 Iophon nigricans (Bowerbank, 1858) 16 7 6 2 1 Family: Microcionidae Carter, 1875, Subfamily: Microcioninae Carter, 1875 Microcionidae 1 1 Clathria 1 1 Clathria (Clathria) barleei (Bowerbank, 1866) 3 2 1 Rare

Clathria (Microciona) spp. 711 1 1 12

Clathria (Microciona) (Bowerbank, 1862) 18 3 2 1 7 3 2 armata Clathria (Microciona) (Bowerbank, 1862) 13 4 2 4 2 1 atrasanguinea Clathria (Microciona) (Burton, 1930) 1 1 New to UK bitoxa Clathria (Microciona) cf. (Bowerbank, 1862) 8 7 1 armata Clathria (Microciona) (Alander, 1942) 1 1 Rare elliptichela Clathria (Microciona) (Bowerbank, 1866) 1 1 fallax Clathria (Microciona) (Bowerbank, 1866) 1 1 Rare laevis Clathria (Microciona) (Carter & Hope, 102 1 4 3 spinarcus 1889) Clathria (Microciona) (Hope, 1889) 16 1 2 1 5 7 strepsitoxa

61 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom Skomer Island Sound of Mull Firth of Clyde Channel Isles Firth of Lorn North Pembs Isles of Scilly Plymouth Total

Species Authority Comments

Clathria (Microciona) cf. Topsent, 1925 2 2 New to UK/New species – toxitenuis ID needs confi rmation

Clathria (Microciona) sp. 13 1 9 3 New to UK/New species [thin toxa] Clathria (Microciona) sp. 10 4 4 2 New to UK/New species [no toxa] Clathria (Microciona) sp E 3 2 1 New to UK/New species cf. atrasanguinea Clathria (Microciona) sp. 1 1 New to UK/New species [2 sizes chelae] Clathria (Microciona) sp. 2 2 New to UK/New species [thick ectosomal spicules]

Subfamily: Ophlitaspongiinae de Laubenfels, 1936 Antho sp. Gray, 1867 2 2 Antho (Acarnia) coriacea (Bowerbank, 1874) 23 10 1 11 1

Antho (Antho) brattegardi van Soest & Stone, 11 3 7 1 Rare – fi rst UK records 1986 outside Northern Ireland

Antho (Antho) inconstans (Topsent, 1925) 36 2 15 6 1 12

Antho (Antho) involvens (Schmidt, 1864) 28 11 6 1 6 2 2 Antho (Antho) granditoxa Picton & Goodwin, 2 1 1 First records outside type 2007 locality Ophlitaspongia papilla Bowerbank, 1866 1 1 Ophlitaspongia kildensis Howson & 1 1 Chambers, 1999 Family: Raspailiidae Nardo, 1833, Subfamily: Raspailiinae Nardo, 1833 Endectyon (Endectyon) Burton, 1930 7 1 1 5 Rare delaubenfelsi Eurypon sp. Gray, 1867 67 3 3 2 41 12 2 4 Eurypon cf. cinctum 6 2 3 1 Eurypon clavatum (Bowerbank, 1866) 2 2 Eurypon clavigerum (Bowerbank, 1866) 7 1 5 1 Eurypon major Sarà & Siribelli, 1960 27 9 2 13 2 Includes Eurypon cf. major which is similar to Raspaciona aculeata and may be a new species.

Eurypon viride (Topsent, 1889) 2 1 1 Eurypon sp 1 7 1 11 13 New species Eurypon sp 2 6 5 1 New species Eurypon sp 4 5 5 New species Eurypon sp 5 4 1 3 New species Eurypon sp 10 1 1 New species 62 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom Skomer Island Sound of Mull Firth of Clyde Channel Isles Firth of Lorn North Pembs Isles of Scilly Plymouth Total

Species Authority Comments

Eurypon sp 19 1 1 New species Hymeraphia sp. Bowerbank, 1864 4 2 2 Hymeraphia stellifera Bowerbank, 1864 10 5 2 3 Hymeraphia breeni Picton & Goodwin, 1 1 First record outside type 2007 locality Hymeraphia elongata Picton & Goodwin, 3 3 First record outside type 2007 locality Hymeraphia verticillata Bowerbank, 1866 1 1 Raspaciona sp. Topsent, 1936 1 1 Raspailia aculeata (Johnston, 1842) 1 1 Raspailia (Montagu, 1818) 5 1 1 1 2 (Clathriodendron) hispida

Raspailia (Parasyringella) (Topsent, 1896) 5 5 agnata Raspailia (Raspailia) (Montagu, 1818) 6 2 1 1 2 ramosa Suborder: Mycalina Hajdu, Van Soest & Hooper, 1994, Family: Mycalidae Lundbeck, 1905 Biemna variantia (Bowerbank, 1858) 9 5 1 3 Desmacella cf. annexa Schmidt, 1870 8 2 5 1 New species. Requires description. Amphilectus fucorum (Esper, 1794) 5 3 1 1 Ulosa digitata (Schmidt, 1866) 1 1 Ulosa sp. 2 (stuposa) (Esper, 1794) 1 1 Two species of Ulosa with quite different external appearances were collected. The taxonomy of this species needs to be resolved.

Mycale sp. 1 1 1 Mycale (Aegogropila) (Bowerbank, 1874) 10 6 1 3 rotalis Mycale (Carmia) (Bowerbank, 1866) 3 3 macilenta Mycale (Carmia) minima (Waller, 1880) 1 1

Mycale sp. 2 1 1 Mycale (Mycale) lingua (Bowerbank, 1866) 2 2 Rare Suborder: Myxillina Hajdu, Van Soest & Hooper, 1994, Family: Coelosphaeridae Dendy, 1922 Lissodendoryx Picton & Goodwin, 5 5 First records outside type (Ectyodoryx) jenjonesae 2007 locality (Rathlin)

Family: Crellidae Dendy, 1922 Crella sp. Gray, 1867 1 1 Crella (Yvesia) rosea (Topsent, 1892) 11 11

63 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom Skomer Island Sound of Mull Firth of Clyde Channel Isles Firth of Lorn North Pembs Isles of Scilly Plymouth Total

Species Authority Comments

Family: Hymedesmiidae Topsent, 1928 Hemimycale sp. Burton, 1934 10 2 1 1 6 2 new species Hemimycale columella (Bowerbank, 1874) 18 3 1 1 3 10 Hymedesmia spp. 831 1 1 11

Hymedesmia 1 1 New species (Hymedesmia) sp. (bright yellow) Hymedesmia 1 1 New species (Hymedesmia) sp. (white)

Hymedesmia Goodwin & Picton, 1 1 First records outside type (Hymedesmia) 2009 locality (Rathlin) cohesibacilla Hymedesmia Goodwin & Picton, 10 5 4 1 First records outside type (Hymedesmia) cratera 2009 locality (Rathlin) Hymedesmia Goodwin & Picton, 1 1 First records outside type (Hymedesmia) stellifera 2009 locality (Rathlin)

Hymedesmia Goodwin & Picton, 6 3 3 First records outside type (Hymedesmia) rathlinia 2009 locality (Rathlin) Hymedesmia (Bowerbank, 1866) 6 2 2 1 1 (Hymedesmia) jecusculum

Hymedesmia Bowerbank, 1882 15 1 3 3 7 1 (Hymedesmia) pansa Hymedesmia (Bowerbank, 1866) 24 18 2 2 2 (Hymedesmia) paupertas

Hymedesmia Bowerbank, 1882 1 1 Rare (Hymedesmia) peachi Hymedesmia (Stylopus) cf. Burton, 1930 2 1 1 These specimens are part brondstedi of the Stylopus complex and ID needs confi rming.

Hymedesmia (Stylopus) Stephens, 1916 7 3 3 1 Rare hibernica Hymedesmia (Stylopus) Lundbeck, 1910 17 14 3 Rare primitiva Hymedesmia (Stylopus) C 4 1 1 1 1 New species

Hymedesmia (Stylopus) D 1 1 New species

Hymedesmia (Stylopus) 32 4 1 2 1 24 Complex containing at least 2 new species Phorbas spp. Duchassaing & 10 5 4 1 Michelotti, 1864 Phorbas bihamiger (Waller, 1878) 4 1 3 Phorbas dives (Topsent, 1891) 9 2 7 Phorbas fi ctitius (Bowerbank, 1866) 42 2 27 4 6 3

64 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom Skomer Island Sound of Mull Firth of Clyde Channel Isles Firth of Lorn North Pembs Isles of Scilly Plymouth Total

Species Authority Comments

Phorbas sp. black ethanol 3 2 1 New species

Phorbas punctatus Picton & Goodwin, 10 1 6 1 2 First records outside type 2007 locality (Rathlin) Phorbas plumosus (Montagu, 1818) 9 1 2 6 Plocamionida sp. Topsent, 1927 6 3 3 Phorbas ‘Stylostichon’ spp. 13 3 1 9

Phorbas ‘Stylostichon’ 15 12 3 New to UK/New species sp. A Phorbas ‘Stylostichon’ sp 3 3 New to UK/New species B Phorbas ‘Stylostichon’ 8 5 3 New to UK/New species sp. C Phorbas ‘Stylostichon’ 1 1 New to UK/New species sp. D Plocamionida ambigua (Bowerbank, 1866) 21 4 2 5 7 1 2 Plocamionida tylotata Brøndsted, 1932 1 1 Spanioplon armaturum (Bowerbank, 1866) 5 1 2 1 1 Family: Myxillidae Dendy, 1922 Myxilla spp. Schmidt, 1862 3 1 1 1 Myxilla (Myxilla) fi mbriata (Bowerbank, 1866) 8 4 3 1

Myxilla (Myxilla) (Johnston, 1842) 15 5 3 1 6 incrustans Myxilla (Myxilla) rosacea (Lieberkühn, 1859) 13 2 2 1 6 2

Myxilla cf. rosacea 5 1 4 Myxilla (Styloptilon) (Cabioch, 1968) 17 1 6 5 5 ancorata Plocamiancora arndti Alander, 1942 29 2 18 9 Family: Tedaniidae Ridley & Dendy, 1886 Tedania (Trachytedania) (Cristobo & Urgorri, 24 1 11 12 New to UK/New species – cf. ferrolensis 2001) ID needs confi rmation

Family: Desmacididae Schmidt, 1870 Desmacidon fruticosum (Montagu, 1818) 2 2 Order: Halichondrida Gray, 1867, Family: Axinellidae Carter, 1875 Acanthella acuta Schmidt, 1862 2 2 Phakellia ventilabrum (Linnaeus, 1767) 5 3 2 Axinella sp. Schmidt, 1862 1 1 Axinella damicornis (Esper, 1794) 7 4 1 2 Axinella dissimilis (Bowerbank, 1866) 9 1 3 2 2 1 Axinella fl ustra (Topsent, 1892) 11 7 4 New to UK/Rare Axinella infundibuliformis (Linnaeus, 1759) 16 9 2 2 1 2

65 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom Skomer Island Sound of Mull Firth of Clyde Channel Isles Firth of Lorn North Pembs Isles of Scilly Plymouth Total

Species Authority Comments

Family: Bubaridae Topsent, 1894 Hymerhabdia typica Topsent, 1892 6 1 5 Family: Dictyonellidae Van Soest, Diaz & Pomponi, 1990 Dictyonella spp. Schmidt, 1868 1 1 Dictyonella incisa (Schmidt, 1880) 1 1 Scopalina sp. Schmidt, 1862 1 New genus to UK. Possible new species. Tethyspira spinosa (Bowerbank, 1874) 17 2 9 2 2 2

Family: Halichondriidae Gray, 1867 Ciocalypta sp. Bowerbank, 1862 1 1 Requires investigation Ciocalypta penicillus Bowerbank, 1862 4 2 1 1 Halichondria sp. Fleming, 1828 7 6 2 4 Halichondria Burton, 1930 2 1 1 (Halichondria) bowerbanki Halichondria (Pallas, 1766) 4 1 1 2 (Halichondria) panicea Hymeniacidon sp. Bowerbank, 1858 1 1 Hymeniacidon kitchingi (Burton, 1935) 2 1 1 Hymeniacidon perlevis (Montagu, 1818) 5 1 1 2 1 Family: Heteroxyidae Dendy, 1905 Halicnemia spp. Bowerbank, 1864 2 1 1 Halicnemia patera Bowerbank, 1864 23 2 12 2 2 3 2 Halicnemia sp. A 3 2 1 New species. Order: Haplosclerida Topsent, 1928, Suborder: Haplosclerina Topsent, 1928, Family: Chalinidae Gray, 1867 Haliclona spp. Grant, 1836 26 7 1 1 1 1 3 8 4 Species complex which may contain several new species

Haliclona cf. rosea 1 1 Haliclona sp. F 1 1 Further work needed Haliclona sp. G 3 1 1 1 Further work needed Haliclona sp. H 4 4 Further work needed Haliclona (Gellius) (Bowerbank, 1866) 14 7 7 angulata Haliclona (Gellius) (Schmidt, 1862) 4 4 fi bulata Haliclona (Haliclona) (Johnston, 1842) 6 2 2 1 1 simulans Haliclona (Haliclona) (Rathke & Vahl, 5 1 1 1 1 1 urceolus 1806) Haliclona (Halichoclona) (Bowerbank, 1866) 12 8 4 fi stulosa Haliclona (Reniera) (Grant, 1826) 3 1 2 cinerea 66 Sponge Biodiversity of the United Kingdom Skomer Island Sound of Mull Firth of Clyde Channel Isles Firth of Lorn North Pembs Isles of Scilly Plymouth Total

Species Authority Comments

Haliclona (Rhizoniera) (Bowerbank, 1866) 9 1 8 rosea Haliclona (Rhizoniera) (Topsent, 1888) 11 1 1 1 1 5 2 viscosa Order: Dictyoceratida Minchin, 1900, Family: Dysideidae Gray, 1867 Dysidea spp. Johnston, 1842 19 3 1 11 2 1 1 Dysidea fragilis (Montagu, 1818) 6 1 4 1 Dysidea pallenscens (Schmidt, 1862) 2 2 Order: Dendroceratida Minchin, 1900, Family: Darwinellidae Merejkowsky, 1879 Darwinellidae sp. 2 2 Aplysilla spp. Schulze, 1878 8 8 Aplysilla rosea (Barrois, 1876) 2 1 1 Aplysilla sulfurea Schulze, 1878 3 3 Order: Verongida Bergquist, 1978, Family: Ianthellidae Hyatt, 1875 Hexadella racovitzai Topsent, 1896 17 9 2 4 2 TOTAL SPECIMENS

IDENTIFIED 1594 180 106 184 221 434 330 90 49

67