A new species of sea sponge discovered in the Perth Canyon off Rottnest Island has been named after WA's chief scientist.

The sponge was found in 2005 during an expedition to conduct the first survey of the popular marine area.

Manihinea lynbeazleya.

It was identified by WA Museum's Dr Jane Fromont and was named Manihinea lynbeazleyae after Professor Lyn Beazley.

Science and Innovation Minister John Day said the naming acknowledged Professor Beazley's dedicated advocacy of science in WA and her strong support of sponge research, as well as the work of the WA Museum.