The vital role Bermuda’s reefs play in protecting the island from hurricanes will be highlighted at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute tonight.

In the wake of devastating Caribbean hurricane strikes, reef expert Thaddeus Murdoch will discuss Chasing Coral, a documentary film examining the world’s vanishing reefs.

The film follows a team of divers, photographers and scientists who set out on an ocean voyage to discover why reefs are dying.

Dr Murdoch was the local collaborator for the film.

He told The Royal Gazette: “Chasing Coral documents the global coral bleaching event of 2016. Bermuda was lucky to be spared but almost all other reefs in the world were hurt.

“Reefs protect Bermuda from hurricanes like Maria and Irma. Florida suffered more damage than they should have because they lost the Florida Keys reefs in the last 20 years. Some 97 per cent of wave energy is blocked by reefs.

“Global climate change is causing global coral bleaching and an increase in massive hurricanes.

“Fish kills also increase as the climate warms. We need to monitor and manage Bermuda reefs and fishes to keep Bermuda safe from storms.

“The Bermuda reef ecosystem analysis and monitoring programme I run monitors both the whole reef system and its fishes.

“We make our reports public and give them to the Government to improve adaptive management of Bermuda’s sea life.”

The event will be held at BUEI tonight at 7.30pm.

The talk will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

The event is free but donations will be accepted.

Anyone interested in attending can book a place on 294-0204 or by visiting the BUEI gift shop.