Animals without the ability to move to safety have a greater chance of being harmed during a hurricane.
Life on land can be utterly devastated by a hurricane. Marine life is not as terribly effected directly by a storm, but there are consequences. According to the National Science Teachers Association, there are numerous reports of dolphins and sharks swimming further out to sea or deeper into the water just before a hurricane, keeping themselves safe from harm. Invertebrates, however, like sponge and coral, can break off and die during a hurricane. Long-term problems like pollution, oil and disrupted nesting sites can affect sea life after a hurricane.
Pollutants
Pollutants such as oil and fuel debris were found in the ocean after Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Andrew. These can smother sponges and bury bottom dwellers like lobsters in slime. Each life lost in the ocean affects the delicate ecosystem balance.
Debris
Debris like fishing line that is swept into the ocean can entangle sea turtles and manatees. Over time, the line can tighten, cutting into the animal's skin. Metal from homes, businesses and boats promote algae blooms that thrive on iron, creating an imbalance in the ecosystem.
Biological Effects
Many fish can become disoriented and die during a hurricane if they do not swim further under the water. Massive fish kills like those after Hurricane Andrew can occur because of depleted dissolved oxygen levels in the water. This also endangers the lives of other animals by lowering the ability for plants to grow. Coral reefs can be greatly harmed by storms, which in turn harms the animals that rely on the coral reef to survive.
Disrupted Nesting Sites
Turtles make an annual swim to certain beaches to lay their eggs. However, according to the National Science Teachers Association, if the beaches and water near the shore are too polluted, researchers believe the turtles will no longer nest there.
Tags: during hurricane, after Hurricane, Hurricane Andrew, National Science, National Science Teachers