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Structure And Dynamics Of Sponge-Dominated Assemblages On Exposed And Sheltered Temperate Reefs, D. E. Roberts, S. P. Cummins, A. R. Davis, M. G. Chapman

Faculty of Science - Papers (Archive)

There have been few studies on the structure and dynamics of sponge-dominated assemblages, despite the fact that such assemblages are vulnerable to environmental impacts from many anthropogenic disturbances. Sponges are generally slow to recruit, slow growing and long lived; hence, they may be very vulnerable to anthropogenic and natural disturbances. In order to understand how such assemblages may respond to disturbance, it is essential to measure natural patterns of spatial differences and temporal changes, so that any future impact assessments can be identified. This study quantified and contrasted patterns of abundance in sponge-dominated assemblages on deep reefs (18 to 20 …