The Sponge Industry of the Caribbean Area

The Sponge Industry of the Caribbean Area GEORGE S. CORFIELD State Teachers College, Duluth, Minnesota Within the span existing between the time of shipping the first trial lot of sponges to Paris from Nassau, in 1841, to the present, lies the entire history of the sponge industry in the Western Hemisphere. The two chief areas of production in the western world outside the United States are the Bahama Islands and Cuba. In 1935 these regions contributed 66 per cent of the weight and A3 per cent of the value of sponges of the Western Hemisphere. The Bahama fishery accounts for 22 per cent of the value and 33 per cent of the weight of all the Caribbean . The industry centers around Andros Island—an exposed area, known as "The Mud," where the velvet type predominates ; Little Bahama Bank, where the wool type comprises 95 per cent of the catch, and the territory west of Elenthera Island, which produces both wool and velvet varieties . Sponge cultivation recently attempted in the Bahamas, has proved successful. The greatest difficulty is the attack made on young sponges by starfish and a certain type of crab. The hooking method, employing 12 per cent of the population of the islands , is the only one used. The catch yields about $200,000, which makes it the island's most important industry . The south shore beds between Cuba and the Isle of Pines yield practically all of the Cuban sponges. Water depths are ideal for hooking, the only method employed. About 1700 fishermen engage directly in the industry but 5,000 persons derive a living from the business as a whole. The smallest catch comes during the hurricane season . Cuba outstripped all other countries in 1935 in production of sponges. Operations radiate from Botabano. All shipments are made from Havana. A recently formed cooperative does much to improve and enhance the industry. Yearly production amounts to about $455,000. United States, Germany , and France take 75 per cent of Cuba's export. Sponge waste, sold in the United States as an insulator, adds some $1500.00 to the yearly income . British Honduras began a governmental sponge industry in 1936, off Turneffe. Cuttings, supplied to individuals , encourage the industry. This represents an investment of some $18,000. The yield is gradually increasing . About 300,000 sponges grow on the concessions. Mexico, Nicaragua, and Colombia are other Caribbean countries where the industry has not had benefit of proper supervision and control. With the interest taken in the sponge iridustry in the Bahamas, Cuba and British Honduras, the Caribbean stems destined to hold the position it now has in the sponge world, as the chief producer of the Western Hemisphere . (34) ...