HURRICANES

Hurricanes are just one type of natural disaster that can severely impact coral reef habitats. Strong winds create powerful wave action capable of tearing a reef apart. Run-off from massive quantities of rainwater dumped on nearby land can carry sediments, chemical waste, and debris out over the reef.

In August and September of 2005, hurricanes Katrina and Rita came roaring into the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Their effects on the land have been well documented. But, what of the reefs that lie 115 miles off the coast?

Hurricane Katrina passed well to the east of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary and is believed to have had minimal impact on the reef. Unfortunately, due to recovery efforts immediately following Katrina, we were unable to secure a vessel to check on the sanctuary before Rita came howling through. Hurricane Rita passed directly over the sanctuary as a Category 5 storm.

The first post-hurricane visit to the sanctuary didn't occur until October 2005. Several more trips were then taken during the following year to continue monitoring the initial hurricane impacts. A final report was generated in February 2007.

While some of Rita's physical impacts at the sanctuary were significant, affecting items as deep as 72m, positive changes also occured. The most significant benefit was the cooler water Rita left in her wake. Cooler temperatures were exactly what bleaching corals needed to aid in their recovery.

Click here to download a copy of Hurricane Rita Impacts at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (1.3MB pdf) which includes dramatic before and after photos at various locations in the sanctuary, as well as satellite images and data on temperature and salinity changes.