Looking Out for Hurricanes and Corals
It may seem early, but hurricane season is right around the corner. Hurricane season begins on May 15 in the eastern Pacific Ocean, and on June 1 in the central Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Hurricanes have become more frequent and stronger, impacting coastal communities and economies. The five costliest U.S. hurricanes of record occurred in the last 15 years, with three occurring in 2017 alone. Yet communities and organizations are recognizing the benefits of natural coastal ecosystems, such as coral reefs, in decreasing the effects of storms.
Healthy coral reefs can absorb up to 97 percent of a wave’s energy, buffering coastal communities from storms and associated waves, flooding, and erosion. In fact, the U.S. is among the top 10 nations that receives decreased natural disaster risks from coral reefs. A U.S. Geological Survey study determined that coral reefs protect more than 18,000 Americans, over $825 million in coastal infrastructure, and nearly $700 million in economic activity from storm-related flooding every year.
NOAA and the coral reef community are taking new steps in recognition of these services. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently joined the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force, which leads U.S. efforts to preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. This will allow FEMA to regularly work with other federal agencies and local governments in preparation for and in response to hurricanes and other disasters.
For the first time, the Coral Reef Conservation Program is supporting FEMA’s ongoing recovery and restoration efforts in Puerto Rico as a result of Hurricane Maria. This partnership highlights the importance of coral reefs as natural structures that provide protection, and could serve as an example for future storm recovery activities.
Humans will continue to make their lives on the coast, and hurricanes will continue to put those lives and economies at risk. Coral reefs are one of the natural ecosystems that we can preserve both for the health of the ocean and for our safety.