The Remarkable Corals of Hurricane Hole

A surprising abundance and diversity of corals was recently discovered growing on and among the prop roots of red mangroves in Hurricane Hole, a sheltered area within Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument, St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands. Among several coral species that play an important role in building the structural framework of coral reefs, USGS scientists also discovered a few rare species, normally found in deeper water. Several of the largest coral colonies had survived a major bleaching and disease event that devastated other corals on reefs in St. John in 2005 and 2006. USGS biologists are collaborating with scientists from the University of the Virgin Islands to understand what allows these corals to thrive. Photos are available online. For more information, check out a recent edition of USGS Soundwaves or contact Dr. Caroline Rogers at caroline_rogers@usgs.gov