Sediment impacts on marine sponges

Pattern and intensity of human impact on coral reefs depend on depth along the reef profile and on the descriptor adopted

“…4e). Maldivian reef profiles usually show a steep inclination at 7e15 m depth (Lasagna et al, 2010b), and a terrace at about 20 m depth (Bianchi et al, 1997): this causes heavier sediment deposition on the comparatively levelled substrate at 20 m than on the reef wall at 10 m, and explains both the increased amount of abiotic attributes (mostly sand) and the decreased cover of other invertebrates, whose filter-feeding apparatus may get clogged by sediment (Bell et al, 2015).…”

Classical and new bioerosion trace fossils in Cretaceous belemnite guards characterised via micro-CT

“…Inhalant structures often display the exact opposite morphological principle: the diameters of the inhalant pores (ostia) can be significantly reduced by tissue features that subdivide the openings or by replacing a single larger opening with several smaller ones (occasionally referred to as cribriform papillae or as pore sieves; see Carter, 1879 andRützler, 2002). The limited diameter of these inhalant pores will reduce the incurrent speed and regulate the maximum particle size that can enter the sponge's canal system, thus providing an efficient filter that helps avoiding the intake of sediment grains and other unwanted particles that can clog the sponge's circulation system and compromise vital functions (Yahel et al, 2006;Bell et al, 2015;Schönberg, 2016). As far as the bioeroding sponges are concerned, this applies to all species of the genera Cliona, Cliothosa, Spheciospongia, and Siphonodictyon (see e.g.…”

Spongivory by Fishes on Southwestern Atlantic Coral Reefs: No Evidence of Top-Down Control on Sponge Assemblages

“…Local stressors such as sedimentation, nutrient inputs and overfishing also may contribute to reduce top-down effects decreasing fish predator density or favoring growing of certain sponges (Hughes, 1994;Roberts, 1995;Fabricius, 2005;Bell et al, 2015). High natural sedimentation rates intensified by human activities, can affect benthic sessile groups like sponges (Bell et al, 2015) and hermatypic corals (Fabricius, 2005).…”

“…High natural sedimentation rates intensified by human activities, can affect benthic sessile groups like sponges (Bell et al, 2015) and hermatypic corals (Fabricius, 2005). Nevertheless, some sponges can tolerate it, and in some cases thrive in turbid environments (Cerrano et al, 2007;de Voogd, 2012;Schönberg, 2015).…”