The sponge cultivation structures were installed in proximity to the fish cages, at 5-10 m depth in the aquaculture site (Chania, Crete) by the SPINAQUA diving team (Thanos Dailianis, Julius Glampedakis, Emmanouela Vernadou). Sponge species for experimental farming were selected according to surveys already conducted about their abundance, biomass and dominance in the area.