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The South Soufriere Hills volcano has continued to escalate. On June 25, 1997 a large eruption sent hot pyroclastic flows (at nearly 1000 degrees Fahrenheit) rushing down the slopes. The landscape was laid bare and sadly lives were lost in the eruption. Since then continued activity has forced the evacuation of the central zone. Only the northern one-third of the island is now considered safe for human habitation. Activity has increased to the level that ash and pebbles are now falling on the far north of the island. (Prior to June almost no ash reached the northern end). The status of the Montserrat natural resources is not good. Entire reefs have been lost to the eruption, the once lust rainforests of the South have disappeared and the remaining forests are threatened. Species endangered before the eruption are now at high risk of extinction. These include, the Montserrat Oriole (an endemic bird); the Mountain chicken, and bats, among other species. Prior to the eruption edible native species including the mountain chicken and land crabs were abundant. Most of these populations were found in the now "unsafe zone" or in areas that have been destroyed by the eruption.
Montserrat's population is now crammed into the northern tip of the island. There are few facilities. This situation puts great pressure on the natural resource base. For instance, fishing effort is now concentrated on the northern reefs because the volcano has limited fishing areas (through reef destruction and hazards to human life). Catches are already down, and this trend will continue as the time-lag takes effect. It is vital that the fishing and reef status be addressed soon. Pyroclastic flows threatening the Belham valley are likely to have drastic consequences for the bats, crawfish, and land crabs that inhabit the drainage. Development in the north of the island has the potential to further stress the natural resources if it is not carried out in a strategic way. For instance, runoff can severely damage reefs and exacerbate the effects of fishing and volcanic impacts. Agriculture was most developed in the south. This has been lost to the volcano and any new agricultural developments will take place in the north. This must be carefully planned so as to maintain the natural resources. These issues and a plan for the future are addressed in the SEI proposal on sustainable development.
SEI is continuing its work in Montserrat, and we will keep you informed of developments on the volcano and the ecology of this unique island through this web page.
© 2000 Sustainable Ecosystems
Institute
 comments: sei@sei.org |