January 29, 2005
1/28 - Respek Da Reefs: Tsunami tragically shows the value of healthy coral reefs
The tsunami did more damage to islands that did not have healthy coral reefs and mangroves.
It's pretty much common sense. Coral reefs are underwater structures which inevitably get in the way of an arriving tsunami and reduce its impact. The islands in the Indian Ocean that had destroyed their coral reefs through dynamite fishing and other destructive practices were lacking these structures. They paid a greater price than necessary.
Here's an article that tries to make comparisons between islands with and without healthy coral reefs, which is really pretty difficult scientifically given all the variables of bottom topography, distance and orientation from the epicenter. But regardless, destroying coral reefs removes a protective barrier, and building houses over mangroves puts you in the cross hairs of the approaching tsunami.
Just a lot of sad common sense.
Coral Reefs are Your Friends: treat them well and they will help protect you from tsunamis.