[Meiri]

Are the sponges growing back quickly enough to not go extinct in the wild?

 

[Meiri]

Quote:

As sponges are harvested, millions of egg and sperm cells are released into the surrounding water, making the sponge a renewable resource that provides an ecologically sound product for menstrual use.

Sorry to seem obstinant, can't help but ask the questions that come to mind, but the release of eggs and sperm does not quarantee the growth of new sponges. How long does it take a sponge to grow to usable size? Are they being harvested slowly enough to allow for the natural populations to not be depleted?

What about the pollution levels in the Atlantic? The Mediterranean isn't exactly pristine anymore either....