The Coral Reefs You Never Heard of, in Path of Trump's Drilling Plan

"Flower Garden Banks sanctuary is home to 180 species and miles of colorful corals in the Gulf of Mexico. An expansion plan, 10 years in the making, is now at risk."

"One of the planet's most unique coral reef systems happens to be nestled in one of the world's most active oil and gas production areas. And for a decade, federal agencies and outside experts have studied how to better protect this fragile marvel, the only national marine sanctuary in the Gulf of Mexico.

Now, President Donald Trump's executive order to unleash offshore drilling threatens to derail their solution: an expansion of the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, from 56 square miles to as much as 935 square miles.

The sanctuary, home to more than 180 species, is blanketed with a forest of corals, where schools of young grouper, snapper and other fish find protection from predators. The area is considered "essential fish habitat," vital for ensuring the survival of highly sought reef fish, which make up a significant part of the commercial and recreational catch in the Gulf."

Marianne Lavelle reports for InsideClimate News May 19, 2017.