Sponges play important roles in many marine habitats, but we still know very little about them, their biology and ecology as compared with other animal groups. De Felice hopes this Northwestern expedition will aid in this understanding. What is known is that sponges form close relationships with other marine organisms like algae, shrimp and brittle stars. Working together, these animals rely on each other for protection and food and these relationships help keep the rest of the food chain functioning properly. In some parts of the ocean floor, sponges are the dominant species found to exist, serving to filter toxins out of the ocean environment.
Sponges also have pharmaceutical value.
Because sponges feed on the toxic chemicals excreted by other marine plants and animals and keep these chemicals in their systems to help protect them from predators, many sponges contain chemicals used in medicine. Some of these chemicals have already proved to be potent toxins against human pathogens like cancer and human respiratory, inflammatory, and cardiovascular ailments. Although De Felice isn't collecting enough material on this expedition to test for these medicinal properties, these new finds are the first step in learning more about these sea creatures. If enough of these new species are found to exist, it may be possible in the future to study them for possible medicinal use in the future. Still to be named, this newly discovered sponge was found off Pearl and Hermes Atoll Sponge collecting isn't for everyone.