Status and importance of research on marine sponges in India with special reference to sponges on coral reefs

Marine sponges are integral parts of the marine environment and play key ecological roles, especially in coral reef ecosystems. Though research on marine sponges started in the 1800s, most of the works to date have focussed their attention on taxonomy and marine natural products from sponges in India. The lack of ecological studies on sponges is attributed to the requirement of scuba diving skills and hectic field work. Major Indian coral reef regions are undergoing severe decline due to climate change and other factors. The interaction between corals and sponges has become essential in the context of global climate change. More studies are warranted for the better management of coral reefs in India. This paper reviews the studies carried out on sponges thus far and explores the critical areas where more research is desired.