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.