Key West Sponge Market shopping is at the heart of a historical landmark, Mallory Square.  Seeing this first caught my attention when visiting Key West this year.  This is a perfect example on how travel opens up our mind to question or learn about things we may have overlooked otherwise.  Also, it’s a great health tip to use a natural vs synthetic sponge. 

Like many Americans growing up, our mothers used the brightly dyed perfectly square and synthetic sponges for cleaning in the household.  I didn’t question their substance or history coming from the sea.  I was immediately struck with the duh, how interesting when first seeing the Key West Sponge Market, realizing the intriguing qualities of this gift from the sea.   

Sponges are an Animal with No Brain or Organs

Sponges were once considered plants and are now classified in the animal kingdom.  They function as a colony of singe-cell organisms, that work together to survive.  Also, they have no brain or organs. The sponge is an amazing filtering organism. 

Sponges filter 10,000 – 30,000 times their own volume/day down to the bacterial size.  Many sponges are endemic to coral reefs and help to symbiotically filter for the coral reef. 

Harvesting sponges is a sustainable business because any piece of it will regenerate.  For example, 13 sponges to the pound can regenerate from a single piece.  Thus, it’s easy to sustain the sponge population with conscious harvesting. 

History of Sponge Harvesting in Key West

The sponge harvesting history is interesting.  The Mediterranean used to be the world’s largest harvesters of sponges.   However, by 1900 Key West became the world’s largest sponge supplier. The Greeks moved to Key West with their unique sponge harvesting methods, creating a friction with the local Key West “Conchs.” 

Over time the Conch Hookers have not changed much their method for harvesting.  They harvest above shallow waters, using a sloop with no apparatus.  They aim for small catches from the coral beds.  Their hooker’s pole is up to 50 feet long.

Key West Sponge Market Shopping

There are 5000 varieties of sponges, with only 14 being durable enough to be of commercial value.  Key West harvests 4 sponge types:

Sheepswool: Durable, soft and absorbent for bathing
Yellow: Firm, dense like a loofah good for toning skin and massage                 
Grass, Macho Cueva, Glove: Unusual shapes, used for planters and decoration    
Artist Mix: Add texture to painting

Natural Sponges’ Health Benefits & Sustainability

Natural sponges have many health benefits over the synthetic ones.  One of the first cancer treating drugs was isolated from a Caribbean sponge, high in iodine (14%).  Also, the super absorbency of sponges is used medically in surgery.  Natural sea sponges contain enzymes and minerals that help prevent odors, molds and bacteria.  

In addition, they are hypoallergenic because they contain no artificial ingredients, harsh chemicals or toxins.  The natural sponges are softer and lather very well,  with no irritants to skin.  Plus, they last much longer than synthetic and are biodegradable.

Most importantly, the natural sponges are sustainable because just a little piece of the sponge regenerates new sponges.  It’s a win-win to use this green and sustainable product for both your health and the environment.    This is just another unique aspect of Key West with one of the few sponge markets in the world.

Read More!
Top 10 Things to Do in Historic Key West, Florida
20 Best Things to Do in Colorful Miami