Sponges are to dye for! Sponges are important members of the community on both nearshore hardbottom habitats and coral reefs. As filter feeders, they pump water through their pores and feed on plankton, bacteria, and dissolved organic matter in the water column. Sponges can filter hundreds of gallons of water a day, removing excess nutrients and helping to keep waters clear. FWC researchers are using a non-toxic dye to measure the filtration rate of sponges in Florida Bay. #habitatrestoration #f