One of our most exciting ROV mission types is our collaboration with the Sponge Lab led by Prof. Micha Ilan from Tel Aviv University (link). Together with EcoOcean’s research vessel – the Mediterranean Explorer (MedEx), we regularly carry out dives offshore Israel at sponge-rich sites around 100 meters deep.

We choose sites based on bathymetric charts, often revisiting known areas where we’ve previously sampled or left sensors. Using USBL navigation, we can return precisely to these locations.

During each dive, we conduct detailed video surveys and collect sponge samples using the ROV’s manipulator and a sampling basket, sometimes deploying sensors on the seabed as well. A single dive may yield 10–20 samples without surfacing.

Species like Chondrosia, Axinella, and Chalice are collected and preserved onboard for further study at the lab. Over the years, this collaboration has led to the discovery of new sponge species, invertebrates, and even chemical compounds—resulting in several published scientific articles. Looking forward to many more dives!