Coral Damaged by Sponges (IMAGE) Wildlife Conservation Society Caption This is a coral sample that shows a large borehole created by a sponge. Sponges proliferate in reefs with high levels of pollution, according to a new study. Credit M. Carreiro-Silva Usage Restrictions One-time usage only License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.