“Sponges are very common invertebrates - the second most common invertebrate found on coral reefs,” said Associate Professor Michael Borowitzka from Murdoch University’s School of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology.

“Despite being so common, their ecological role and the reason for their success is still unknown.”

Professor Borowitzka said many sponges were a rich source of bioactive compounds that had potential uses in medicines, pesticides and agriculture, and three or four sponge compounds were already in the late stages of commercial drug testing.

Funded largely by the Australian Research Council, he has been collaborating with Professor Ros Hinde from the University of Sydney on bioactive compounds formed by sponges for more than 20 years.

Now teaming up with Dr Adele Pyle from Flinders University, Professor Borowitzka and Professor Hinde have stepped back from bioprospecting to focus on the fundamental ecology and physiology of the sponges.

“We are examining the nutrition methods of sponges found in the coral reef system of One Tree Island at the Great Barrier Reef,” Professor Borowitzka said.

“Sponges often form symbiotic relationships with bacteria, cyanobacteria and algae. Their activity varies over time, and it is not known whether activity cycles are driven by the sponge, the symbionts or the interaction between the two.

“We are not even sure whether sponges feed through their symbionts or filter their own food, let alone understand what role sponges play in the ecology of a reef.

“Answering basic ecological questions like these may enable us to understand why sponges are present, which is a crucial part of future coral reef system management.”