4.2. Effects on community composition
We observed a diverse megafaunal community living on and
among glass sponges, with representatives from 7 phyla and 15
classes. Our data is consistent with other published studies documenting
communities associated with glass sponge reefs in the Strait of Georgia (Cook et al., 2008; Chu and Leys, 2010). While
benthic habitat of the Strait of Georgia is dominated by soft bottom
substrates (Levings et al., 1983), glass sponge reefs create expansive
habitats for invertebrates and fish.