The World Sponge Conference, hosted every 3-4 years, brings together international scientists from all over the globe to present their latest research findings focusing on the sponge (Porifera) phylum. This year, the 10th WSC was organised by the National University of Ireland, Galway on the West Coast of Ireland; it was the most successful in regards of participation, gathering 280 scientists form 35 countries. Since sponges constitute a significant part of the total marine biodiversity and are often impacted by anthropogenic activities, the MERCES contribution highlighted the major pressures acting on sponge-dominated marine habitats from the shallow coastal zone to the deep sea. MERCES also made contact with IUCN specialists.