The Sunshine Coast Conservation Association (SCCA) presents a fascinating talk on the ancient glass sponge reefs by Manfred Krautter of the University of Stuttgart, Germany.
These reefs were believed long extinct until their recent discovery in the waters around the Queen Charlotte Islands and more recently in the Salish Sea. A good example of these lay just beyond Trail Islands in our local waters.
The SCCA, in conjunction with the Marine Life Sanctuary Society and Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, is working towards the protection of these rare living structures. These 9,000 year old colonies, thought to have died out with the dinosaurs, exist in our back yard and only in the waters of B.C. These old growth forests of the Salish Sea are made up of living glass sponges building upon the skeletons of dead sponges, with reefs up to 20 metres high being created. These become nurseries and habitat for a variety of marine life that then repopulate the surrounding waters.
Preceding this interesting talk will be a social event to thank our volunteers and to draw the winners of our fantastic raffle prizes. First prize is a four-metre Seaward Halo kayak, second prize a beautiful pair of Helly Hanson jackets donated by Patrick Mark of Mr. Mender Outdoor Clothing and third prize a Zodiac tour for four donated by West Coast Wilderness Lodge in Egmont. Raffle tickets are available at the event.
Come join the SCCA for refreshments, socializing and learning, Oct. 18 at Sunshine Coast Arts Centre in Sechelt. Doors open at 6:45 p.m., presentation begins at 8 p.m. Entry is by donation.
Submitted
