Honduran earthquake of 2009 destroyed half of coral reefs of Belizean Barrier Reef lagoon
Monday, September 12, 2011 - 18:30
in Earth & Climate
Earth's coral reefs have not been faring well in recent decades, facing multiple threats from pollution, disease, elevated water temperatures, and overfishing. Often referred to as the "rainforests of the Sea," coral reefs support a wide variety of marine life, help protect shorelines, and contribute significantly to tourism and the fishing industry. A new study looks at a rare but catastrophic impact on reefs: the damage caused by natural disasters such as an earthquakes.