Illegal Prawn Fishing in Glass Sponge Reef

Vancouver Vessel Owner Fined $40K for Illegal Prawn Fishing in Glass Sponge Reef

By Tina Winterlik

When I read that a vessel owner in Vancouver was fined $40,000 for illegal prawn fishing in a glass sponge reef, my first reaction was: why not ban them forever?

What are Glass Sponges?

Glass sponges are extraordinary animals found in the deep waters off the coast of British Columbia. Despite their delicate appearance, they are living creatures, not plants. Their skeletons are made of silica (the same material as glass), which is why they are called "glass" sponges.

These sponges form massive reefs—some are thousands of years old. They filter huge amounts of water every day, removing bacteria and providing clean, nutrient-rich environments for other marine species. Think of them as the rainforests of the deep ocean.

Why Are They So Special?

• Ancient ecosystems – some reefs date back more than 9,000 years.
• Endangered globally – BC is one of the only places on Earth where living glass sponge reefs still exist.
• Vital habitat – prawns, rockfish, and countless other species depend on them.
• Fragile beyond belief – if fishing gear or anchors crush them, the damage is often permanent.

Why the Fine Isn’t Enough

The vessel owner had already been warned to stay out of protected areas. Yet she still instructed her crew to fish illegally. A $40,000 fine may sound big, but compared to the profits made from prawn fishing, it’s pocket change.

If someone knowingly destroys an ecosystem that took thousands of years to grow, should they be allowed to just pay a fine and keep fishing? Many of us say no. A permanent ban would be the only way to prevent repeat offenders.

Protecting Our Natural Heritage

Glass sponge reefs are living treasures. Once destroyed, they may never recover. We need stronger protections and tougher penalties for those who put short-term profit over the survival of these irreplaceable ecosystems.

Because $40,000 won’t bring back a reef. But a lifetime ban might save one.

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Sources: DFO Canada, Vancouver media reports, scientific research on glass sponge reefs.