15 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. Photo credit: Fish ‘N Fins Inc. 2015 - where we began! Our mission is now based on advancing community-based marine conservation through scientific research, technology, education, and programme design. Veta Wade is an ocean researcher and passionate advocate for sustainable development and an equitable blue economy in the Caribbean. As one of the co-authors of the World Bank funded, Global Industrial and Technological Trends in the Blue Economy & Policies to Promote Growth in the Caribbean, Veta emphasises the importance of empowering local communities to engage in innovation and responsible management of natural resources.
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