Hippospongia lachne
The Wool Sponge is one of twelve types of sponges harvested for commercial use, and along with the yellow and grass sponges, are the most valued. The wool sponge is soft and finely textured, making it suitable for bathing and cosmetic use.
Sponge harvesting in Tarpon Springs, Florida, began in the late 1800s when John Cheney came to town to manage a family business. Touring the State he observed the successful sponge industry in Key West. Learning from Tarpon Springs local fishermen, that they were snagging their turtle hunting nets on sponges, he realized the potential of a local sponge industry. He formed the Anclote and Rock Island Springs Sponge Company. He then met a Greek sponge buyer who encouraged experienced Greek sponge divers and their families to immigrate to Tarpon Springs. By the mid-1930s there were over 200 boats harvesting sponges. A sponge blight in 1940 decimated the then 3 million dollar Gulf Coast sponge industry.
Today the sponge industry has recovered although not to its historic levels. Tarpon Springs now harvests 70% of the world's natural sponges.
Live shells should never be taken from any Florida State Park.