Hurricanes and corals in the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season
by NOAA Fisheries 13 Apr 2018 14:24 UTC
Coral Reef © NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program
The impacts of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season were historic.
But coral reefs, one of the first lines of defense for coastal communities, stood strong against the storms, protecting lives and properties in Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. But how do corals and their habitats look after being hit by 20-foot-plus waves, river-like ocean currents, and continuous sedimentation?
Join us on this journey beneath the surface of the tropical ocean to explore the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. This story map chronicles the initial efforts that took place from October to December 2017 to assess and restore impacted reefs.