United States - December 11, 2024 Florida Bay, FL - In a heartwarming effort to understand the vital role of sponges in maintaining healthy waters, researchers from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) are using non-toxic dye to measure how sponges filter water in Florida Bay. As filter feeders, sponges pump water through their pores, removing plankton, bacteria, and excess nutrients that help keep the waters clear. Capable of filtering hundreds of gallons a day, these remarkable creatures play a crucial role in the health of nearshore hardbottom habitats and coral reefs. FWC's study underscores the importance of sponges in the ecosystem, showing how their filtration helps preserve the balance of Florida Bay's delicate waters. The research highlights the critical environmental contributions of these often-overlooked marine residents.