Cost-benefit study confirms coral reef restoration could be a cost-effective way to save lives and money
Researchers developed a modeling system to quantify the value coral reef restoration could provide to 1,000 kilometers, or 621 miles, of coastline in Florida and Puerto Rico. The research compared how much flooding storms could cause with and without coral reef restoration at a 10 square meter, or 108 square feet, resolution. Researchers then determined how many people and how much property and economic activity reef restoration could protect by preventing coastal flooding. "Coral reefs are natural coastal barriers that can substantially reduce coastal flooding and erosion,” said Curt Storlazzi, lead author and research geologist from the U.S. Geological Survey.