Montserrat is a small, unspoiled volcanic island
in the heart of the West Indies. Named by Columbus after a Spanish monastery,
the island boasts a rich cultural heritage which includes Arawak, Carib,
Irish, African and British cultures. Montserrat has exceptional natural
beauty both on land and in the surrounding sea. Habitats range 
from coral reefs to cloud forest, and make the island
a paradise for the ecologically conscious traveler. Adding to the natural
interest is an active volcano in the southeast of the island. Volcanic
activity started in July 1995 and continues with new rocks being extruded.
(link to volcano site)
In summer 1995 SEI carried out the first scientific
surveys of Montserrats reefs. Our reef studies are ongoing, and the results
are being applied to marine park development (for conservation and ecotourism),
and fisheries management. (Image shows a researcher collecting sediment
traps to study the effects of sedimentation 
from
natural run off and from the volcano on the reefs). SEI recently produced
a short video on the reefs of Montserrat, "Under Emerald Waters: The
Coral Reefs of Montserrat". This video, filmed by underwater videographer
D. Kent Backman, and with a Paul Rademacher original score, has some beautiful
images of the unique underwater life of Montserrat.
Report
of the study on Montserrat's coral reef. Ecological Impacts Of The Montserrat
Volcano: A Pictorial Account Of Its Effects On Land And Sea Life. How you can participate
Sponsors and partners Order our video, Under Emerald
Waters
SEI