Sara M. Melo Merino, Lorenzo Alvarez-Filip and Steven Canty | The Conversation

Living by the sea in the tropics means being exposed to some of nature’s most powerful forces. Hurricanes can bring storm surges, flooding and destructive waves that threaten homes, infrastructure and livelihoods. For many communities, coral reefs are a natural first line of defense against these storms. Yet, these vital ecosystems are under increasing pressure.