Also called: Commercial Sponge Harvester, Sponge Boat Diver
Dives the Gulf of Mexico seafloor off Florida to cut natural sponges, a trade brought by Greek immigrants over 100 years ago.
Sponge boats leave Tarpon Springs, Florida for trips of several days. Divers breathe air through a hose from the boat and walk the bottom, cutting wool and yellow sponges with a knife and leaving the base to regrow. Back at the dock, sponges are dried, trimmed and sold at the famous sponge docks.
Paid by share of the catch; varies a lot.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. No degree; learn from experienced sponge crews, often family.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Shrinking. A small, traditional fishery with few boats left.
Low risk for 10 years. Nothing replaces a diver cutting sponges by hand; the risk is a shrinking market, not AI.
Classes: Biology, Physical education, Swim team.
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