Dying Sponges (IMAGE) Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute Caption Low oxygen conditions were most severe below a certain depth, evident in this photo of dying sponges. Credit Arcadio Castillo, STRI Usage Restrictions credit STRI 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.