Reflections on the Impact of the Volcanic Eruptions on the Sea Around Montserrat
A story of reefs to resilience.
Greetings, my name is Veta Wade, an ocean researcher, Montserratian born and raised, and blue economy advisor based in Montserrat. The Soufrière Hills volcano has been a major part of our island’s story since the mountain awoke in 1995. It has shaped not just the landscape but also my personal journey. Over the years, I’ve seen how volcanic activity has dramatically affected our marine environments—devastating them in some instances, but other times giving them a chance to bounce back. As I think about all the changes we’ve experienced, I can’t help but feel a mix of nostalgia, loss, and hope. This is a tale of resilience—not just of the land, but of the sea that surrounds us.
After being voluntarily evacuated at the height of volcanic eruptions in 1997, at just 17 years old, I returned to Montserrat in 2011 with a singular goal: to help in the redevelopment of my island. I longed to reconnect with my roots, and I chose to focus my attention on the ocean—a realm I knew little about but felt drawn to explore. By the time I returned at 31, I had learned how to swim, a skill later nurtured by local fishers who welcomed me into their world. They taught me the art of freediving, and soon I found myself diving down to 100 feet without a tank, discovering the underwater wonders that had once felt so distant.
My journey into the ocean was not just about exploration; it was about understanding the impacts of the volcano on our marine environment. The volcanic eruptions have wreaked havoc on our land and marine habitats; approximately 1.1 km³ of andesitic magma has entered our waters as ash and debris (Wadge et al., 2010). Compounding this issue, ongoing mud flows, or lahars, during periods of heavy rains/flash floods wash into the sea, further compromising ocean health. Just imagine, now 16 years later, the quantity of runoff from these lahars would undoubtedly have further devastated our nearshore reefs, to an amount that is completely unknown and insurmountable. Also, some of this debris is also reaching our deepwater reef, as fishers confirm that when the fish pots are hoisted from deeper water of ~150m+ there is evidence of volcanic mud on it. Through the "fishers bootcamp" (what I call the years I spent fishing, diving, hanging out with members of our fishing community), I learned firsthand about the challenges they faced and their aspirations for the future. Their stories were filled with both hardship and aspirations, reflecting the resilience of a community that has endured so much.
As I engage with local fishermen like Captain John Howes, I hear their concerns about the evident decline in marine ecosystems. Montserrat has faced many natural disasters over the past 30 years, and the evidence of degradation is clear. Fishermen reminisce about spearfishing in waters where visibility exceeded 120 feet; now, volcanic ash has reduced that clarity to a mere one or two feet after heavy rains. This uncertainty highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive scientific understanding of our marine ecosystems and the ongoing impacts of volcanic activity. Geographically, Montserrat does not have any major estuaries, or lagoons or mangrove habitat, which are important for fish species to spawn and provide a safe habitat for juvenile fish to grow larger. Yet, like every other Big Ocean State and Territory it faces the uncertainties of today's most existential threat - climate change!
In the late 1980s and early 90s, the Government of Montserrat constructed an artificial reef at Isles Bay/Garibaldi. This reef was just beginning to support various fish species and allow them to form schools and populate adjacent fishing grounds when the eruptions began in 1997 and continued until 2010. The devastation was immense, rendering more than two-thirds of the island's landmass uninhabitable and causing further destruction to the surrounding reefs, which became buried under volcanic mud and rock debris. Fishermen like Captain Howes expressed their concerns that these eruptions likely killed millions of fish and crustaceans, leading to significant economic losses for Montserrat’s fishing industry. Unfortunately, due to this ongoing disaster, the artificial reef has been neglected and received no maintenance since 1997, stalling any potential recovery.
Working alongside the fishers, I started an eco-tour business called AQUA Montserrat, which by 2014 birthed a non-profit—Fish N Fins Inc.—focused on teaching kids to swim, snorkel, and engage in marine science. In this capacity, I have witnessed the gradual recovery of marine life. Each freedive and reef patrol became a revelation; I was no longer just an observer but a participant in the story of our underwater world. The vibrant colours of the corals and the playful fish that danced around me filled me with awe and renewed my sense of purpose. New coral colonies are being rebuilt here millimeter by millimeter, and I have come to believe that when left alone, nature will heal itself.
Engaging with local fishers provided further insights into the delicate balance between human activity and marine ecosystems. They shared their concerns about fish stocks, sedimentation moving with the currants and potential continuing to smother reefs, and fish noticeably moving to cooler waters. I understood their deep desire to further explore what lies beneath the surface, participate in science, and answer the question of where the fish have gone. They seek out more lucrative fishing grounds or innovations that could reduce fishing effort while maximizing catch size. There was a sense of concern about engaging more interested youth in the sector. Yet, amidst their struggles, and experiences of destructive practices of the past, like dynamiting reefs as accepted fishing method, they had seen the sea bounce back before, and they believed it could do so again.
Through my work with Fish 'N Fins Inc., we’ve inspired a new generation of youth to care about our marine environment. Many of our alumni are now pursuing degrees in environmental sustainability, engineering, and biology. Together, we patrolled the reefs, monitoring coral health, removing debris, and identifying invasive species. We are now looking to create innovative models for community science. These shared experiences at Fish N Fins not only sparked the youth's curiosity but also nurtured my own passion to learn more. We are all stewards of this beautiful ocean, and it is our responsibility to ensure its health for future generations.
Collaborating with scientists like Dr. Grace C. Young has deepened my understanding of the impact of the eruptions on the sea. Her documentary,co-directed with Federico Fanti, "Ocean's Breathe (2019)," examined Montserrat’s smothered reefs, creating 3D models of the regrowing coral off our buried capital.. It was encouraging to see that, despite having been smothered in the 90s, they are slowly recovering and rebuilding.
My journey back to the sea has been transformative and powerful. I now look out at the ocean with a sense of belonging, helping to raise the public perception of pursuing ocean careers as more than fisheries or biology, understanding that it is not just a body of water but a vital part of my identity. The volcanic eruptions may have caused devastation, but they also sparked a renewed commitment to look beyond the reef into alternative economic opportunities provided by Montserrat’s deepwater.
This reflection serves as an autoethnographic exploration of my relationship with the coral reefs around Montserrat, intertwining my personal experiences with the broader cultural and environmental narrative of our community. The impact of the Soufrière Hills volcano on the sea around Montserrat is a story of devastation and recovery. While the eruptions buried much of our vibrant marine life, they revealed the strength and resilience of both the reefs and our community. As we navigate the challenges ahead, I hold onto the belief that the ocean will heal and restore, just as we have learned to do. Ensuring that the connection to the sea grows stronger for generations to come is critical as we unlock new opportunities for a thriving and equitable blue economy.
Oh wow! How stark is the difference between the Lime kiln reef and Plymouth reef😯 Shows how fragile the ecosystem is and how the effect of natural disasters can linger. Plus the fact that recovery is not linear and it takes so long too. Encouraging to know that slowly there are positive changes being seen though. Thank you for all the heart and passion you put into this - it matters 🌊🐟🩵