Before and After (IMAGE) University at Buffalo Caption Before and after views of a coral reef off the coast of St. John, US Virgin Islands. The reef, vibrant and full of life, is pictured in 2013 (left). The same reef is shown from a different view in 2017 (right), after hurricanes Maria and Irma tore through the region. The reef is now more sparsely populated, with many coral colonies either severely damaged or swept away. Credit Credit: Howard Lasker Usage Restrictions This image may only be used with news stories discussing the research in the associated press release. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.