12 By Veta Wade M y 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 it awoke in 1995, and 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 free diving, 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 Veta Wade (Photo credit: Jason Willett, Fish ‘N Fins Inc.) 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. Through the "fishers boot camp", 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 fishers 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 Ocean’s Breath, Montserrat. Dive Site: Plymouth, an eerie and desolate terrain created by The Soufrière Hills volcano.
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