An Overview Of Our Solution
The Montserrat Reef Project - Overcoming Volcanic Damage to Create a Model for Marine Ecosystem Recovery
Who is this solution impacting?
Ecosystem
Oceanos/Costa
Community Type
Suburbano
Additional Information
- Population Impacted:
- Continent: América do Norte
Problem
Describe the problem
The Montserrat Reef Project is creating new marine ecosystems through the use of designed artificial reefs known as Reef Balls. Though the conditions on Montserrat are unique in regards to the damaged or destroyed habitat caused by the island’s volcano, similar stresses are faced throughout the region from development and, (just as found around other islands in the Caribbean), overfishing. This particular design allows local communities the ability to construct these reefs through the purchase of reusable molds and easily found building materials. The reefs are highly durable and have been proven to be able to handle tropical weather conditions over the past 14 years since the establishment of the Reef Ball system, (via the non-profit, Reef Ball Foundation).
Biodiversity Impact
Our reefs augment natural reef and relieve the stresses placed upon them by creating ideal fish nurseries and substrate bases for coral propagation. The design of the Reef Ball system creates the protective space needed for post-larval and juvenile fish as well as various marine creatures. These new nurseries form the base of a marine ecosystem that quickly expands in a short period of time. The design is also ideal for stimulating faster coral growth by using water circulation within the structures. Projects within the region have shown much higher growth rates than natural reefs resulting from water movement around the structures. Our project relocates corals imperiled by development or naturally damaged to the new habitat. Within only a few years these "simple" concrete structures have all the characteristics and species diversity of a healthy natural reef system. In the case of our project we have turned an area of sand hundreds of meters from any natural reef to an ever growing habitat. Our project is also in the process of addressing a heated topic within the Caribbean region, marine protected areas. The removal of long established fishing grounds is often viewed as a threat to heritage, freedom and livelihoods. These new habitats can potentially avoid this issue. Our new reefs create sites that did not exist before. Nothing is taken away but a new protected habitat is gained. These new reefs can also be studied easily and used to demonstrate the effectiveness of marine protected areas and marine ecosystem enhancement projects.
Solution
Our project protects biodiversity of tropical marine ecosystems both through the creation of habitat and through education. Our new reef already has many of the natural reef's residents. One of the big surprises though has been species that we have not seen in abundance or at all on the natural reefs colonizing the new habitat. During the coral propagation phase of the project close attention was paid, and will continue to be paid in the current phase two, to include a cross section of local species. Some of the species are listed as vulnerable. Additionally the new habitat is counteracting habitat loss caused by human factors and the volcano. Just as important though are the educational programs associated with our project. These programs have allowed both local and foreign residents as well as tourist to become involved with the project. We feel we are a true community effort. We will continue to expand our programs to reach more children, youth and adults with the emphasis on the importance and necessity of a healthy marine ecosystem both for local fisheries and as a tourist attraction. // Our project is currently expanding the first phase of the reef. With the completion of phase two's installation the reef will cover between 9 and 12 hectares. The project will continue to create additional habitat as funds become available with the plan to establish 2 additional similar sized habitats. A goal of our project is to bring this concept to other Caribbean islands with the focus on helping to reestablish a strong fisheries throughout the region.
Replicability
How many years has your solution been applied? 14 years// Have others reproduced your solution elsewhere? Yes // After a successful first phase, the project has managed to secure further funding to continue our work. The project managers have also established a local non-profit society to create further interest and support for our reef creation and marine ecosystem education programs. Currently our reef is visited and documented by the project team regularly and they have committed to conducting surveys for a minimum of the next three years. To create project revenue visits are conducted with tourists and the project has reached out to educational groups. One of the great aspects of our program is that the reef is self managing. Each visit, new species are being found and established colonies are expanding.
Human Well Being and Livelihood Impact
The Montserrat Reef Project is benefiting many members of our island's community. The benefits come in three forms: 1) Job creation - Directly, the Montserrat Reef Project hires individuals during the construction phase of the project, equipment operators, divers, and boat captains. As the project continues to expand more employees as well as full time staff will be required. Indirectly, the project creates tourism interest which results in jobs and revenue in various tourism sectors. 2) Increased fishery stocks, potential for reduced food costs - As discussed above the design of the reef creates a fish nursery habitat which will enhance stock counts and reduce stresses on natural reefs. By increasing local food supplies the reliance on imported food decreases. Additionally, a stronger fisheries can reduce food costs through increased availability and aid in the local livelihood. 3) Sustained habitats for future generations - Our project is creating habitats that are permanent additions to the local marine ecosystem. Just as a healthy natural reef the new habitat will continue to expand with marine life and coral growth. In areas that the natural reef system is weak and/or stressed our system can allow for needed recovery. We feel our project impacts a majority of the island in some way as well as future generations. // Long before the first Reef Ball was built in Montserrat we took the time to sit down with all the various stakeholders on island to discuss this project. The response was fantastic. Important relationships were formed with governmental department leaders, business people who depend on a healthy sea, and local residents. We made a point to invite the community to come be a part of the project as well as express their feelings. Now we continue to keep the residents of Montserrat involved in our project. We have begun work to create Montserrat's first marine protected area. We share data with the local governmental agencies. Phase two of reef construction has been slated when the greatest number of visitors and locals are on island so that more people may be involved. The project will continue to expand on it's use of media and social networks.