Remarkable consistency of larval release in the spermcast-mating demosponge Amphimedon queenslandica (Hooper and van Soest)

Many marine invertebrates, including many sponge species, reproduce by spermcast spawning, in which sperm released externally disperse in the water column to fertilize eggs retained internally by the maternal adult. The population consequences of a sexual reproduction mode that depends upon uptake of free spermatozoa from dilute suspension in the water column are not yet well understood. In the spermcast-spawning tropical demosponge Amphimedon queenslandica, we observed continuous fertilization and development in healthy maternal brood chambers. This results in a constant release of larvae into the water column. On average in our study population on Heron Island reef, a hermaphroditic adult will have 45 potential sperm donors available within a 4 m radius to fertilize the eggs retained within its brood chambers. A single adult may brood more than 300 embryos at one time, and all stages of development are always represented. These data can be explained by adult sponges releasing a steady trickle supply of sperm into the water column, perhaps in combination with the existence of a mechanism for sperm storage or post-fertilization developmental stasis in this species

Advances and New Perspectives in Marine Biotechnology

As the Century of Biology begins to bear fruit, through the translation of predictive biological understanding into applications that enhance the human condition and maintain biodiversity, the almost infinite potential of marine biological resources will be unlocked. Although Marine Biotechnology already has delivered products for medicine, food, bioenergy, nanomaterials, and bioremediation, less than 5% of our vast oceanic environment has been explored. Marine Biotechnology is a scientifically and economically expanding enterprise that is poised to harness the enormous but uncharted functional diversity of marine life, with its novel and rich array of biodesigns and biosynthetic capabilities. From this pursuit comes new genes, chemicals, materials, and inspirations for the benefit of industry, nutrition, and medicine, and which enable the sustainable use and management of the world’s oceans. This Special Issue in Marine Drugs highlights the cutting-edge developments in Marine Biotechnology with a collection of papers written by authors who are leading experts in the field, including selected papers from the 10th International Marine Biotechnology Conference (IMBC-2013), the premier meeting in marine biotechnology, which is held under the auspices of the International Marine Biotechnology Association

Advances and New Perspectives in Marine Biotechnology

As the Century of Biology begins to bear fruit, through the translation of predictive biological understanding into applications that enhance the human condition and maintain biodiversity, the almost infinite potential of marine biological resources will be unlocked. Although Marine Biotechnology already has delivered products for medicine, food, bioenergy, nanomaterials, and bioremediation, less than 5% of our vast oceanic environment has been explored. Marine Biotechnology is a scientifically and economically expanding enterprise that is poised to harness the enormous but uncharted functional diversity of marine life, with its novel and rich array of biodesigns and biosynthetic capabilities. From this pursuit comes new genes, chemicals, materials, and inspirations for the benefit of industry, nutrition, and medicine, and which enable the sustainable use and management of the world’s oceans. This Special Issue in Marine Drugs highlights the cutting-edge developments in Marine Biotechnology with a collection of papers written by authors who are leading experts in the field, including selected papers from the 10th International Marine Biotechnology Conference (IMBC-2013), the premier meeting in marine biotechnology, which is held under the auspices of the International Marine Biotechnology Association