The Montserrat Volcano

One of SEI's projects in Montserrat is an exciting showcase for how science, government, local conservation groups, and a civil engineering consultant worked together to meet the emergency needs of Montserrat and at the same time sustain key marine resources. A vital part of this project has been the training of local personnel in reef monitoring and biology. An added bonus is a new snorkeling trail for Montserrat. Also, refer to our report Little Bay Emergency Jetty, Montserrat, West Indies: Marine Monitoring and Mitigation: Final Report Executive Summary, recently published here on our website.

BACKGROUND

Volcanic activity forced the evacuation of the capital town Plymouth, and the surrounding area in the south of the island. The port facility which was located in Plymouth, was closed. Getting supplies on and off the island became more difficult. Further, it became clear that, with the port and airport close to the volcano, in the event of a major eruption there was no easy way to evacuate the island. In response to these needs, the British Government through the Overseas Development Administration's Emergency Aid Department (ODA) appointed Mouchel Consulting Ltd. to design and manage the construction of an emergency jetty to be funded by the ODA. The only reasonably sheltered bay in the safe zone of the island was Little Bay in the north, and even here severe groundswells are common throughout the year. Because of our on going work on Montserrat, the ODA requested that SEI carry out an Environmental Impact Assessment for the new jetty at Little Bay. At the same time, the Physical Planning Unit of Montserrat put together an Environmental Impact Review Panel to assess the results and implications. A team of SEI scientists, led by Dr. Brosnan, surveyed the bay and surrounding areas, and studied the proposed design.

The biological assessment showed that Little Bay is a major recruitment and nursery area for fish , lobsters, and other invertebrates( EIA: Non-Technical Summary). Rare and unusual invertebrates were found among the reefs. SEI scientists concluded that the original location would destroy a large part of this vital resource. They further concluded that the original design (to use shipping containers) was unsuitable because of degradation and its impacts on water flow. Scientists and the Environmental Review Panel wanted a better solution. SEI scientists recommended that a new design be developed and a new location be identified that would have minimal impact on the coral reef, and meet the environmental and constructional requirements. Mouchel created a new design (concrete modular with flow through spaces), and prepared a new location, minimizing reef impacts. The design was more expensive but it was agreed that having a environmentally sound jetty and good design was more important for Montserrat.

One problem remained: The new jetty would kill a narrow band of corals around the construction zone. Because of wave action, the jetty could not be moved further south. SEI scientists recommended transplanting this band of corals to a 'safe zone' Scientist also recommended monitoring the health of the reefs during the construction to ensure that the integrity of the marine environment was preserved. The British Government agreed to a short-term monitoring program.

 

ACTIVITIES

SEI carried out monitoring and coral transplants at the site. This included: photoquadrat analysis for corals and sessile invertebrates; fish transects; invertebrate transects; sediment analysis; water clarity analysis; and coral transplant. Control and impact sites are monitored.

We are happy to report that environmental impact has been kept to a minimum. All transplanted corals are healthy. SEI, and Mouchel Consulting Ltd. met regularly to review the environmental status, and to deal with any concerns. Weekly activity reports and detailed monthly reports were circulated to conservation groups, government agencies.

Tim Grubba developed a coral reef monitoring guide-answers to frequently asked questions, specifically for Montserrat but with wider applications within the Caribbean. This is available as an Ecology in Action publication. Alan Cooper developed an underwater snorkel trail for Little Bay.

 

LOCAL TRAINING

As part of this project SEI trained Dwayne Cassell, from Montserrat, in coral reef monitoring and biology. Dwayne is now working with the SEI team. Subsequently SEI sponsored Gerard Gray (Chief Environment Officer for Montserrat) to train as a SCUBA diver, and then trained him in reef monitoring. Patrick Laplace also trained in coral reef monitoring.

 

CONCLUSION

Our thanks to the individuals, organizations, governments and companies who by working together are making this exciting project a reality. This is a model project that can be used by other communities and islands that face potentially conflicting needs.

Little Bay Emergency Jetty, Montserrat, West Indies: Marine Monitoring and Mitigation: Final Report Executive Summary

© 2000 Sustainable Ecosystems Institute comments: sei@sei.org