Environment authorities in Palawan are tightly monitoring the illegal collection and trading of multicellular parazoanorganisms, more commonly known as natural sea sponges, which are important sources of nutrients in the marine ecosystem. Although there was no definitive study that says that the survival of the natural sea sponge was endangered, critical, or threatened, Jovic Fabello, spokesperson of the environment policy coordinating body Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS), said Tuesday that its collection and trade should still be strictly monitored to prevent any potential damage to the aquatic ecosystems where they play important roles. Sponges, he added, are major constitutes of coral reefs and deep sea communities.

Palawan tightens watch against sea sponge trade. (2017, October 5). Manila Bulletin, p. B-9.