We are happy to announce the publication of a paper relevant to Coral_List
\nreaders in *Nature Communications* this week by a coalition of ecologists,
\ngeographers, and oceanographers from academia, government, and an
\ninternational conservation organization. This research demonstrates how
\nmaintaining or restoring coral reefs ecosystems can not only reduce coastal
\nhazards, but how such efforts are more cost-effective than hard
\nanthropogenic engineering structures. This research links coastal hazards
\nand ecosystem health while providing insight into the cost-benefit analyses
\nthat often drive many management decisions.<\/p>\n
Title:
\nThe effectiveness of coral reefs for coastal hazard risk reduction and
\nadaptation<\/p>\n
Abstract:
\nThe world\u2019s coastal zones are experiencing rapid development and an
\nincrease in storms and flooding. These hazards put coastal communities at
\nheightened risk, which may increase with habitat loss. Here we analyse
\nglobally the role and cost effectiveness of coral reefs in risk reduction.
\nMeta-analyses reveal that coral reefs provide substantial protection
\nagainst natural hazards by reducing wave energy by an average of 97%. Reef
\ncrests alone dissipate most of this energy (86%). There are 100 million or
\nmore people who may receive risk reduction benefits from reefs or bear
\nhazard mitigation and adaptation costs if reefs are degraded. We show that
\ncoral reefs can provide comparable wave attenuation benefits to artificial
\ndefenses such as breakwaters, and reef defences can be enhanced cost
\neffectively. Reefs face growing threats yet there is opportunity to guide
\nadaptation and hazard mitigation investments towards reef restoration to
\nstrengthen this first line of coastal defense.<\/p>\n
The article should soon be available online for free via OpenAcess at:<\/p>\n
*http:\/\/www.nature.com\/ncomms\/2014\/140513\/ncomms4794\/full\/ncomms4794.htm Until then, please feel free to contact Mike Beck (mbeck@tnc.org) if you Have a wonderful weekend!<\/p>\n Curt<\/p>\n ——————————————————– Staff web page: We are happy to announce the publication of a paper relevant to Coral_List readers in *Nature Communications* this week by a coalition of ecologists, geographers, and oceanographers from academia, government, and an international conservation organization. This research demonstrates how maintaining or restoring coral reefs ecosystems can not only reduce coastal hazards, but how such efforts … Continue reading Coral list: Ferrario, F., Beck, M.W., Storlazzi, C.D., Micheli, F., Shepard, C.C., and Airoldi, L., 2014. \u201dThe effectiveness of coral reefs for coastal hazard risk reduction and adaptation.\u201d *Nature Communications*, 5:3794, DOI: 10.1038\/ncomms4794.<\/span>
\n
\nwould like a copy of the article.<\/p>\n
\nCurt Storlazzi, Ph.D.
\nU.S. Geological Survey
\nPacific Coastal and Marine Science Center
\n400 Natural Bridges Drive
\nSanta Cruz, CA 95060
\n(831) 460-7521 phone
\n(831) 427-4748 fax<\/p>\n
\n*http:\/\/walrus.wr.usgs.gov\/staff\/cstorlazzi\/
\n
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\nCoral-List mailing list
\nCoral-List@coral.aoml.noaa.gov
\nhttp:\/\/coral.aoml.noaa.gov\/mailman\/listinfo\/coral-list<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"