The link between the sea sponge loss and climate change

Recent studies from ISME Communications reveal that the rise of sea temperatures are causing sea sponges to lose important microbes that lead to necrotic sponges.

Sea sponges play a crucial role in the coral reef ecosystem; they detoxify, collect bacteria and process chalcogens. Some species of sea sponges have even been wiped out in certain areas due to climate change impacting the sea temperatures, thus affecting certain species and climates of certain countries.

Image: Image supplied

Produced By: Bianca Mulheron

Featured In Story: Dr Emanuelle Botte – Research Officer at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of New South Wales

First aired on The Wire, Friday 16 June 2023