Marine sponges are the driver of many critical biological processes throughout various ecosystems. But anthropogenic and environmental pressures are rapidly compromising the diversity and abundance of Porifera worldwide. In our study we reviewed the main experiences made on their cultivation to provide a roadmap of best methodologies that could be applied to restore coastal sponge populations. Results of experimental trials between 1950 and today were synthesized to facilitate information on promising methods and materials. Additionally, a series of transplantation experiments were carried out for Axinella polypoides, Chondrosia reniformis and Spongia lamella. We detected a strong geographical imbalance between different ecoregions, as well as a shift of scientific effort from the investigation of “bath sponge” mariculture towards the rearing of bioactive compounds from sponges. Although sponge cultivation is arguably highly species dependent, we further found that skeletal consistency in combination with taxonomy may be used to decide on appropriate techniques for future restoration initiatives. The survival rates obtained for all three different species showed promising results, although more research is urgently needed to identify relevant key species for restoration purposes and scale up experimental efforts.
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