When the article makes this stupid assertion, you know that it's a lefty environmentalist reporter at the keyboard. That's nonsense.
Really.. if coral reefs are soooo fragile, how can they lessen the effects of hurricanes or tsunamis, two of the most destructive forces of nature on the planet . . . except for Bush, of course.
They cut down the wave action damage...but of course are of no help against wind and surge.
Arggh! I broke down and looked it up. The millstone case. Well. It has been a long time. Still, a nice screen name.