In Sint Eustatius and Saba, I engaged in scientific diving as part of a collaborative effort with multiple organisations focused on protecting the coral reefs and their diverse marine life. Through coral reforestation, benthic surveys, and fish counts, our team worked to monitor and restore these critical ecosystems. 

Coral reforestation involved transplanting healthy coral fragments onto damaged reefs to encourage new growth and help re-establish vibrant reef structures. This practice is vital in areas where coral populations are declining due to climate change, bleaching events, and pollution.

Benthic research, or studying the seafloor and its organisms, allowed us to understand changes in the reef’s foundational habitats. By identifying the composition of substrates and the health of the benthic community, we gained insights into how resilient the ecosystem is to external stresses, such as rising sea temperatures and human activities. Fish counts were another essential component of our research, enabling us to track species diversity and abundance, which reflect the overall health and biodiversity of the reef.

Protecting coral reefs in places like Sint Eustatius and Saba is crucial because these ecosystems support countless marine species, provide coastal protection, and are vital for local economies that rely on tourism and fishing. Scientific diving plays an essential role in gathering data, monitoring ecosystem health, and informing conservation strategies to preserve these valuable reefs and the broader marine environment.