Coral Reefs Damages Caused by Hurricanes in the Caribbean and Their Correlation with the Characteristics of Hurricanes and Reefs
This report investigates hurricane damage to coral reefs across the Caribbean Basin and evaluates how reef characteristics, storm intensity, exposure, depth, and wind conditions affect coral cover and reef structure. Findings help improve understanding of reef vulnerability and support conservation, restoration, and coastal resilience planning.
Subject Tags
- Climate adaptation
- Reefs
- Climate impacts
Overview
This report examines the impacts of hurricanes on coral reefs throughout the Caribbean Basin and explores how reef characteristics and hurricane conditions influence the severity of damage. Using data from hundreds of monitoring sites across 24 Caribbean countries, the study analyzes changes in live coral cover and reef rugosity following hurricane events. Researchers evaluated variables including wind speed at impact, storm duration, hurricane proximity, reef type, depth, exposure, and wave conditions to identify factors associated with coral reef damage. The findings show that reefs with higher initial coral cover and greater structural complexity often experience larger losses, while wind speed at impact and site exposure are important drivers of damage. The report provides valuable insights into coral reef vulnerability, ecosystem resilience, and the relationship between reef health and extreme weather events. These results can support reef management, restoration efforts, risk assessment, and the development of strategies to strengthen coastal resilience in hurricane-prone regions of the Caribbean.
Citation
Pérez-Cervantes, Esmeralda; Pardo-Urrutia, Fernando; Alvarez- Filip, Lorenzo; Secaira Fajardo, Fernando; Ruiz Alvarado, Claudia y Álvarez Rocha, Mariana. 2020. Coral reefs damages caused by hurricanes in the Caribbean and their correlation with the characteristics of hurricanes and reefs. Mesoamerican Reef Rescue Initiative - MAR Fund, UNAM and The Nature Conservancy.
TNC Authors
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Fernando Secaira
Coastal Risk & Resilience Lead. Mexico and North Central America
The Nature Conservancy
Email: fsecaira@tnc.org