Coral Reefs Provide $1.8 Billion in Flood Protection Yearly in Florida, Hawaii and Five U.S. Territories
A school of manini fish pass over a coral reef at Hanauma Bay in Honolulu, Hawaii. (Donald Miralle/Getty Images) At a Glance The study found that reefs annually protect 18,180 people from flooding. By attaching a value to what reefs offer, policy makers may be more willing to protect them.Researchers say hurricane recovery funds should also be used for reef rebuilding. Coral reefs in Florida, Hawaii and five U.S. territories provide more than $1.8 billion in flood protection benefits every...