NEW SPECIES ALERT 🚨
A newly discovered sponge, Megaciella sanctuarium, has been named in honor of Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary!
The new species of sponge was discovered in the sanctuary during a research cruise aboard the sanctuary’s 22-foot small boat, the R/V Tegula. Tom Turner, Ph.D., a professor and sponge expert from U.C. Santa Barbara, dove with Steve Lonhart, Ph.D., a research ecologist for Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
“It is amazing to me that new species are still being discovered within normal diving depths,” said Lonhart. “After diving in central California since 1988, I realize there is still so much to discover, and Dr. Turner is really exposing the incredible biodiversity of sponges found right here in our very own sanctuary.”
