Located near islands in tropical regions Important sources of income for island economies Help tourism Protect beaches against erosion Many are being destroyed by pollution and overfishing Coral Reef Ecosystems: LIFE CYCLE OF A SPONGE: 1.Sponges can be produced through both asexual and sexual reproduction 2.Larvae separates from the parent and attaches itself to the bottom of the ocean. 3.Sponge filters water through its system, digesting plant and animal deposits. 4.Some sponges can live for as long as 5,000 years. Most of these are found in tropical regions. 5.Water pollution is the main cause of death for sea sponges. Algae (producer) Sun (energy) Phytoplankton Sponges Parrot Fish Nudibranchs Hawkbill Sea Turtle