Sponge Restoration in Florida Keys

This project aims to determine whether restoring the biocomplexity of shallow hard-bottom sponge communities in the Florida Keys can reestablish their ecological function, particularly as Essential Fish Habitat. The objectives include assessing the impact of sponge community biocomplexity on habitat suitability for various marine animals, examining its effect on trophic complexity, and evaluating changes in water column plankton communities and chemistry. The methodology involves a large-scale field experiment manipulating sponge biomass and diversity across established restoration sites. The study will measure macrofauna abundance and diversity, use stable isotopes to analyze trophic structures, and assess sponge filtration effects on water chemistry. This research addresses the degradation of coastal ecosystems due to factors like climate change and aims to restore essential ecosystem services through active restoration efforts, in collaboration with partners such as NOAA and The Nature Conservancy. The project will provide critical insights into the effectiveness of sponge restoration and engage the public and future scientists in preserving this vital ecosystem.