Environment

WILL SPONGES RESCUE REEF SYSTEMS

Posted on: Tue 23 Feb 2021

Coral reefs across the world have been altered dramatically in recent decades. Human activity has contributed to massive coral die-offs in tropical oceans.

The degradation of reef-building corals is expected to worsen under trends, but most reef sponges are showing enough resilience to tolerate climate conditions projected for 2100.

To examine the role of sponge reefs, Des Lawrence speaks to Nicole Webster, Principal Research Scientist, at the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

The rise of sponges in Anthropocene reef ecosystems

Produced by Des Lawrence

Wiki image: Public Domain – US govt.

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