Bridging the Deep: Montserrat’s Voice in Global Ocean Exploration
- Veta Wade
- Aug 19
- 4 min read
By Veta Wade | Fish ‘N Fins Inc., Montserrat
As humanity faces a turning point in ocean science, one fact remains shocking: less than 0.001% of the deep seafloor (>200m) has ever been visually observed. That’s not a typo—from 1958 to today, the area mapped by cameras globally (about 2,678km²) is just under four times larger than the entire island of Dominica, which covers approximately 751km². Most of these dives and observations took place in waters close to wealthy nations, leaving vast swathes such as the Caribbean almost entirely unrepresented. It’s a crisis of data, equity, and opportunity. That’s precisely why the Montserrat Deepwater Project—and its use of the Maka Niu underwater camera system—is not just a local story, but a lesson for the world.[1]
Filling Global Gaps With Local Knowledge
Project Deepwater is Montserrat’s answer to the call for more inclusive, data-driven ocean conservation. For our island—where 98.3% of the EEZ is deep sea—the barriers to participation in marine research have always been daunting: a lack of affordable technology, safety risks, and too little access to funding and expertise. Historically, local perspectives were left out; conservation was something that happened to us, not with us.
By co-designing and testing Maka Niu—an affordable, open-source deep-sea camera and environmental sensor—we are proactively changing that equation. Montserrat, through the leadership of community-led organizations like Fish ‘N Fins, is now adding it's first-ever underwater images to the world’s ocean dataset. Our deployments filled a true geographic gap: bringing low-cost visual observations to Caribbean waters, deepening knowledge, and changing the narrative.
Building on World-Class Ocean Missions—But Shifting the Lens
It’s important to recognize that Montserrat’s waters have been explored before: major oceanographic expeditions, such as those led by EV Nautilus, have mapped our seafloor with multibeam sonar and sent robotic submersibles to study underwater features. These missions provided invaluable bathymetric and geological data, establishing a scientific foundation for our region.
But what sets the Deepwater Project apart is who was in the driver’s seat. Our work was powered by a local, black woman-owned non-profit—Fish ‘N Fins Inc.—with grassroots leadership and community engagement. Rather than large, institution-led projects, we focused on testing affordable visual technology (Maka Niu cameras) and empowering Montserratians to gather their own deepwater observations. While earlier expeditions mapped our ocean’s shape, we brought real-time biodiversity monitoring and local stewardship to the heart of the process. This marks a historic shift: from being subjects of external research, to leaders and narrators of our own ocean story.
What made this contribution historic?
We changed the narrative: Unlike past expeditions supported by major institutions, our project was led by a small, black woman-owned non-profit—Fish ‘N Fins Inc.—powered by the community, working with local fishers, youth, and volunteers. There was no institutional funding stream; instead, our progress relied on grassroots passion, partnerships, and ingenuity.
We bridged a bias: As cited in the recent Science Advances article, "How little we’ve seen: A visual coverage estimate of the deep seafloor," almost all deep-sea expeditions focus on already well-sampled locations near affluent countries. Montserrat’s addition is measurable—filling a blank on the map, expanding coverage, and making global ocean models more representative.[1]. This wasn’t just science—it was community action, achieved against the odds.
We unlocked access: With Maka Niu costing around $1,000 USD, deep-sea exploration is now within reach for small islands—not only for big labs.
We empowered true ownership: Our deepwater tests and technology adaptations weren’t just about gathering data. They gave local people real responsibility, skills, and pride in protecting—and representing—their marine environment on a global stage.
What We’ve Learned & Why It Matters
Testing Maka Niu taught us that innovation thrives in community. In Montserrat, the Deepwater Project and Fish ‘N Fins worked alongside engineers, local fishers, and youth to problem-solve, adapt, and improve camera deployments and lander systems. Where international research sometimes overlooks local context, we made it central to the process.
The data we’ve collected—crucial images at depths of 200m, environmental sensor readings, and real-time uploads to open-access platforms—offer far more than numbers. Over time, they can tell us how changing water quality and volcanic activity may alter marine habitats. They help us spot trends, design better conservation strategies, and even train AI to identify Caribbean marine species. Most importantly, they build local skills, pride, and ownership of Montserrat’s ocean future.
A Model for Equity in Ocean Science
The Deepwater Project stands apart by being community-led and focused on real empowerment—not just extracting data, but building a foundation for sustainable management, entrepreneurship, and science education. Our comparative cost analysis showed Maka Niu beats government-owned systems for affordability and deployability, especially in small island contexts. The collaborative approach—youth and fishers helping design and troubleshooting, women leading research, fishers steering strategy—sets an example for the region and beyond.
Looking Forward: Blue Tech & Deep Opportunity
Biased, incomplete datasets lead to flawed global models. We must prioritize projects that give communities the tools, skills, and voice to observe and manage their own deep sea. The lessons of Montserrat echo globally: equitable innovation, open data, and local leadership matter.
Join the Conversation
The Montserrat Deepwater Project proves that even the smallest island can make a noteworthy, measurable contribution to global ocean exploration. If you want to know more, dive into my full blog post: The Deepwater Pilot in Montserrat: Putting People First in Ocean Conservation. Coming soon here at www.vetawade.com!
Tell a friend to tell a friend especially those in power. In the ocean’s deepest waters, Montserratians are lighting the way for blue innovation, equity, and a future where everyone’s sea stories shape conservation.
Veta Wade is a founder, advocate, and connectivity creator for Montserrat’s blue economy, working to make ocean science inclusive and community-centered in the Caribbean.
Science Advances, “How little we’ve seen: A visual coverage estimate of the deep seafloor,” May 2025.[1]
My journey is proof that no starting point is too humble for impact, and no community too small for big change. Ready to become part of this story, or bring it to your audience? Let's connect. -- Veta Wade
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