![A research study led by East Carolina University assistant professor David Lagomasino studied potential reasons for mangrove forest dieback in Florida after Hurricane Irma in 2017. His findings could have implications for how other states, like North Carolina, manage the coast to prepare for extreme weather events. Credit: David Lagomasino/ECU](/sites/default/files/MANGdieback_cyclones_NC_US.jpg)
sprep-pa
A new paper published by an East Carolina University researcher in the Department of Coastal Studies shines light on the effect human-made infrastructure and natural topography has on coastal wetlands after major storm events...The study focused on the effects of Hurricane Irma, which struck Florida in 2017, and the damage it caused to the state's mangrove forests. The research team found that the forests suffered unparalleled dieback after the major hurricane.