Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine January 2019 | Page 428
Scuba Montserrat’s . . .
Montserrat Reef Project
In 2010, we developed a strategy, worked with
the local community and government officials,
obtained grant funding, manually built and
installed an artificial reef off Woodlands beach,
called the Montserrat Reef Project. This artificial
reef was created using the scientifically designed
Reef Ball system. It is an ever evolving marine
habitat which replaces lost reefs in the volcanic
zone. Since its inception, we have expanded, and
actively maintain our reef. We also teach others
how to build these amazing reefs not just here on
Montserrat, but abroad as well. We are extremely
proud of the Montserrat Reef Project, that will be
part of Montserrat marine ecosystem for years to
come.
Recycling Project
Scuba
Montserrat
Submitted by Andrew Myers
Scuba Montserrat is
Montserrat’s longest operating
diving and watersports
company. We’re proud to be
celebrating over 12 years of
sharing the water wonders
of Montserrat. We’ve been
sharing the underwater world
with customers since 1991,
and have been working in
the Caribbean for more than
2 decades, ensuring that our
guests get nothing but the
best. Run by Andrew Myers and
Emmy Aston, who were named
as 2 of the people making the
Caribbean a Greener place, we
offer something beyond the
average tour. Safety is our first
and foremost consideration
when taking anyone out with
us, whether it’s for diving,
snorkeling, kayaking or just
lounging on a beach that
you’re looking for! We have
a wealth of experience and
local knowledge, and we work
hard to make sure that all
of our guests have the best
experience possible. We don’t
take large groups out because
we want the experience to feel
personal and special for you.
We are also extremely excited to
announce that we have received
a 2018 Darwin Plus Grant to
start an island wide recycling
and plastic reduction project
for Montserrat! Over the last
decade while running our dive
shop, we have often picked up
plastics and bottles as we swim
around Montserrat’s wonderful
reefs or play on our beaches.
Montserrat imports over
1,000,000 bottles a year, which is
a huge number, and that is only
some of the glass that comes
to our island every year! There
are hundreds of thousands
of plastic bags used annually,
not to mention literally tons of
single use plastic cups, straws,
cutlery, and containers. Over
the coming months, through
our dive shop and our newly
formed non profit organisation,
Island Solutions, we will begin
the process of tackling our trash.
This is some of what will be
happening over the next few
months:
>>> Installing dedicated
glass recycling bins at many
restaurants, bars and events
>>> Placing multiple marked
drop points around the island
for all types of glass bottles and
jars
>>> Working with local
businesses to introduce eco-
friendly cups, straws, cutlery
and containers at many of our
restaurants as well as being
easily and affordably available
to all
>>> Free reusable shopping
bag promotions so that every
household in Montserrat will
have them.