Rapid diversity and abundance decline in a Caribbean coral reef sponge community

摘要: Abstract Sponges are abundant and diverse on coral reefs, play key functional roles; but virtually nothing is known of their dynamics. This the first report reef sponge community dynamics documented by a series censuses in which volume species every individual were recorded. At start 14 year study, there 1395 individuals, representing 39 nine orders, total 33,721 cm 3 censused area shallow Caribbean San Blas, Panama. The most striking results 5 steady disappearance (51.3%) throughout study period, steep drop (42.6%). Species keratose orders with massive growth forms lost disproportionately. Sponge losses could not be attributed to predators, physical disturbance (including hurricane), extreme episodes other abiotic factors, or disproportionately great loss rare due random fluctuations. Disease may have played role. High rates at this nearby sites local phenomenon, scattered reports disease mass mortality sponges from suggest these data reflect region-wide losses. Monitoring programs designed for corals mobile unitary organisms can miss changes because very high diversity, facile fragmentation fusion, quick complete dead sponges, impedes perception if no prior censuses. Whether declines extensive will remain unknown until repeat been accomplished additional sites. increase water clarity, bind live frame, facilitate regeneration, suggesting that accelerate reefs.