Coral reef restoration can reduce coastal contamination and pollution hazards
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Abstract
Coral reef restoration can reduce the wave-driven flooding for coastal communities. However, this protection has yet to be assessed in terms of the reduced risk of flood-driven environmental contamination. Here we provide the first high-resolution valuation of the reduction of flood-related land-based environmental pollution provided by potential coral reef restoration. Along Florida’s 460 km-long coral reef-fringed coastline, coral reef restoration could reduce the risk of sewage and petrochemical contamination by preventing the flooding of petroleum storage tank systems (-9%), onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (-4%), and wastewater treatment plants (-10%). The present value of critical infrastructure protection and contamination prevention benefits provided by coral reef restoration is $3,413,503, with some areas exceeding $1,500,000/km. Annually, 48,403 U.S. gal of petrochemicals, 10,404 GPD of wastewater treatment capacity, equivalent to $281,435, could be protected from flooding, demonstrating that coral reef restoration can provide environmental risk reduction and previously undocumented additional socioeconomic benefits.
Suggested Citation
Rottmueller, M., Storlazzi, C.D., Frick, F., 2025, Coral reef restoration can reduce coastal contamination and pollution hazards: Communications Earth & Environment, v. 6, 50, 14 p., https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-025-02019-4.
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Coral reef restoration can reduce coastal contamination and pollution hazards |
| Series title | Communications Earth & Environment |
| DOI | 10.1038/s43247-025-02019-4 |
| Volume | 6 |
| Publication Date | January 26, 2025 |
| Year Published | 2025 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Nature |
| Contributing office(s) | Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center |
| Description | 50, 14 p. |
| Country | United States |
| State | Florida |