Sponge Microbiome Sequences

Sponges harbour diverse microbiomes that support colony metabolism through the symbiotic production of nutrients and molecular by-products. These microbiomes can be disrupted by pollution which may have fitness implications for the sponge. In this exploratory study we analysed the microbiome of the breadcrumb sponge (Halichondria panacea) from two geographically proximate sites along the north east coast of England (Cullercoats Bay and St. Mary's Island) that experience differing levels of intestinal enterococci contamination. Operational taxonomic units (OTU) were characterised by sequencing the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene from 33 sponges.