The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) has published a study finding that current models underestimate the impact of hurricanes and typhoons on coral reef communities
Researcher at AIMS, Marji Puotinen said the new research showed that big and strong cyclones could harm coral reefs as far as 1,000 kilometres away from their paths.
“Conventional modelling used to predict how a cyclone, hurricane or typhoon might impact corals assumes that wave damage occurs primarily within 100 kilometres of its track,” Dr Puotinen said. .
“If we assume damage from all cyclones occurs within a 100 kilometre radius of a cyclone’s track, we will underestimate the spatial extent for big, strong cyclones by up to 10 times,” she said.
“This could lead to making unfortunate choices when trying to prioritise conservation targets.”
Dr Puotinen said that while coral reefs had been living with cyclones for millions of years, recovery after a big battering was a slow process which could take a decade or more.
“This means that many coral reefs around the world will not have time to fully regrow before the next cyclone hits,” she said.
She said the research teams’ findings carried lessons for reef management and conservation strategies.
“When deciding where on the Great Barrier Reef, for instance, to invest millions of dollars to repair or enhance reefs, you don’t want to select a location likely to be regularly battered by cyclone waves,” Dr Puotinen said.
