June 4, 2021 In yet another blow to the valuable coral reefs surrounding Barbados, a top marine researcher has revealed the ashfall from St Vincent’s La Soufrière volcanic eruption has caused a significant amount of damage to the island’s coral reefs. Susan Mahon, president of the Coral Reef Restoration Alliance told Q 100.7 FM radio Wednesday the harm done varied with the type of coral. Mahon’s revelations point to additional pressure on the fragile, living corals that undergird the island’s lifestyle and livelihoods. In the same week, a University of the West Indies report identified millions of dollars in reef damage from the anchorage of cruise ships off the island’s west coast as they sought shelter during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.