What happens to sharks, dolphins, alligators, and other marine life during a hurricane? Experts explain why the storm's aftermath is often more deadly

Mon, 09/04/2023 - 05:20

A blacktip shark swims near a school of fish in the Indian Ocean near South Africa — Researchers studied how blacktip sharks travel when tropical storms and hurricanes approach.
Reinhard Dirscherl/Getty Images

Hurricanes affect marine life differently, depending on whether they can move or are stationary.
Marine mammals and fish often head for deeper water, but seagrass and oysters have to stay put.
After a hurricane, increased levels of freshwater, bacteria, and debris can also harm marine life.

When strong hurricanes hit land, the uprooted trees, destroyed homes, and other devastation are highly visible. What happens in the marine environments where they churn water and disrupt sediment isn't always as obvious.