Emerald Basin Sponge Conservation Area

To protect glass sponges, specifically “Russian hat” glass sponges. 

All commercial bottom-contact fishing gear is prohibited in the areas. 

These sponge conservation areas contain the largest known aggregation of “Russian hat” glass sponges in existence. “Russian hat” sponges are a rare but important species, and are only found in a few areas off the Nova Scotia coast. Glass sponges are structure-forming species which provide refuge, nursing and feeding habitats for many other species, such as redfish and snow crabs.