16S rRNA microbiome sequencing of sponge Rowella lancifera
Marine sponges host diverse microbial communities that are essential for their health, yet the role of these microbes in helping sponges cope with environmental stress is not well understood. This study aimed to investigate how changes to the sponge microbiome affect the sponge's ability to tolerate heat stress, such as during marine heatwaves. By experimentally altering the microbial community and measuring the sponge's physiological responses, we demonstrated that a stable microbiome helps buffer sponges against thermal stress. These findings highlight the importance of microbial partners for sponge resilience and suggest that maintaining healthy sponge-microbe interactions could be critical for preserving the health of marine ecosystems under climate change.