 You
might be surprised by the fact that sea sponges are not plants but
animals that belong to the first multi-cellular creatures on Earth.
Even though there are over 5000 different species of sponges, only
some 15 of them can be commercially used. Sponges can mostly be
found in warm waters and can regenerate if properly cut off, meaning
that where one sponge used to be another one will take its place.
Sponges live off of plankton in
warm, calm and clear waters, on rough and rocky seabed up to the
depth of 200 m. It takes 2 to 4 years for sponges to grow
approximately 15 cm in diameter. Sponges obtain plankton by
filtering sea water and an average sponge can filter almost 2000
liters of sea water per day!
In the Adriatic, there is an excellent rounded species of sea sponges,
the so-called Dalmata Fina, that can grow up to 40 cm in
diameter. It has considerable market value due to its fine structure.
Besides Dalmata Fina, there is also one more type of sponge in the
Adriatic, Elephant's Ear Sponge, known for its unusual form
and tremendous tenacity. Even though it can grow up to 1 m in
diameter, it is not as valued as Dalmata Fina.
The history of sponge diving on
Krapanj island
People began to dive for sea sponges in ancient times, at first on the
Aegean islands, and later throughout the Mediterranean. In the
beginning, the breath-hold (free) diving method was used to dive up
to 30 m, while the so-called "bell" method, used later on, made it
possible for divers to breathe the captured air and to dive to
greater depths. The first written document on sponge diving in
Croatia dates back to 1522, when sponge diving began on Krapanj.
The inhabitants of Krapanj were taught how to dive for sponges, how
to recognize quality sponges and how to use them by friar Antun from
Greece. At that time, the inhabitants of Krapanj dived for sponges,
called "spuga" on Krapanj, up to a depth of 16 m by using harpoons.
The introduction of new diving equipment made it possible to dive to
greater depths. At the end of the 19th century, a Krapanj diving
crew consisted of 8 people. Only two or three were divers, two were
rowers, two were in charge of the air pump, and one or two had to
press, wash and dry the sponges. In 1893, the islanders founded an
association that was later donated diving equipment by the local
authorities. At the end of the 19th century, there were 14 divers in
the association. In 1940, the association had over 20 sets of diving
equipment and 20 diving crews. At that time, nearly 400 people on
Krapanj lived only off of sponge diving.
It is interesting to note that sponge diving was forbidden every
third year in order to allow sponges to regenerate.
Nowadays, there are some 10 diving crews on the island, as well as a
modern sponge workshop where what was once done by hand is now done
by machine.
Sea sponges retrieval and production
When taken out of the sea, sponges are covered with thin and dark
membranes with many holes that the sponges use to feed themselves.
When the membranes are removed, sponges acquire their light yellow
color. This is actually the sponge's skeleton and contains 14%
iodine. Until 1912, sponge divers used to take off the membranes by
stepping on them and washing the sponges, which made the whole
procedure slower and more expensive. At the beginning of the 20th
century, sodium sulfate was introduced in order to make taking off
the calcium membrane easier. In this way, the sponge acquires its
light yellow color sooner, simplifying the entire procedure.
Usage of sea sponges
Sponges are extremely hygienic and are excellent for cleaning. They
were used by the inhabitants of the island of Crete, while Romans
lined the insides of their metal armor with Elephant's Ear Sponges.
In the Middle Ages, sponges were also used for medicinal purposes.
Attempts to substitute natural sponges with synthetic ones have not
been successful. No synthetic sponge has the absorption, tenacity
and softness of a natural sponge, therefore, they are still the best
when it comes to cleaning and personal care. Besides cosmetic and
personal care products, sponges are also used in the restoration of
art work, in the production of ceramics, porcelain, leather and wood,
as well as in research laboratories.
Where Can You Buy Sponges from the
Island of Krapanj?
If you decide to visit Brodarice or the island of Krapanj, you can
find accommodation in apartments and private rooms. Check at the
local tourist office if you can take part in the retrieval of
sponges from the sea.
If you would like to buy sponges from the island of Krapanj, visit
www.zitak.hr or send an
email to zitak@si.tel.hr
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