My project tests the hypothesis that microbiomes drive ecological differences among three new sponge species (Ircinia spp.). To test this hypothesis, I will sequence the metagenomes of 21 sponges (n=7 for each species) to infer how ecologically impactful processes differ among the new species. By describing the ecological relevance of these new sponge species, my project can help advocate for their protection, the preservation of ecological diversity, and ultimately the health of coral reefs.