It would be ideal to be able to accurately map and understand
the potential ecosystem role of glass sponge reefs, or any sensitive
marine habitat, before that habitat is altered by human activities,
either intentionally or unintentionally. Our study enabled us to
understand glass sponge reef resilience to a one-time disturbance
event (cable installation) as well as collect observations of changes
over time to the sponge reef's natural state (control transects).