Recently discovered off the coast of B.C. are giant reefs composed of crystalline sponges, life forms that were thought to have died out in the Jurassic era some 75 million years ago. Ranging from Hecate Strait south to the Gulf of Georgia, including areas off the east coast of Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, these glass sponge reefs are found nowhere else in the world.
Tragically the reefs have already suffered massive damage from deep sea trawling activity, and efforts are being made to give them permanent protected status, including possible designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As part of the campaign, the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association is sponsoring a report about the sponges on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Heritage Playhouse in Gibsons by Megan Baker, of Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society. As a special bonus, this event will also feature the Suncoast Singers (led by choir director Joy McLeod) singing inspiring songs on an environmental theme.
