Tropical cyclones, though destructive, are part of the natural dynamics of the rainforest and reef. We see their land-based impacts most vividly, but they also impact coral reefs and seagrass beds.

Over the past 50 years there has been a decline in the forward motion of cyclones in the coral sea, which means the reef and seagrass beds can be exposed to destructive wind and wave energy for longer periods of time.

We catch up with Professor Steve Turton to find out how anthropogenic climate change is changing the frequency and location of cyclones, and why we can expect to see an increase in the intensity of severe tropical cyclones.