Montserrat Joins Global Network to Protect Marine Wildlife with Cutting-Edge Technology

Montserrat is among twelve UK Overseas Territories participating in the Global Ocean Wildlife Analysis Network (GOWAN).

GOWAN is a FCDO project being conducted by Blue Abacus in conjunction with all of the participating Territories.

This global network aims to improve the understanding of the marine wildlife of the UKOTs and help ensure these diverse ecosystems are protected and sustainably managed for future generations.

As part of the project, Montserrat received a complete set of stereo camera Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS) made by Blue Abacus.

Jason Meeuwig, cofounder of Blue Abacus and designer of the BRUVS, is currently in Montserrat training Dan Edwards and Chase Buffonge of the Department of Fisheries in the proper deployment and recovery of the BRUVS as well as how to manage the video data acquired by the units. They are also working alongside the Police Marine Unit to ensure the success of the project.

The BRUVS are being deployed in the waters of Montserrat to count, identify and measure marine life.

Blue Abacus will analyse any video data obtained in Montserrat to provide Montserrat with a better understanding of the local marine resources as well as to put it into context with other participating Territories. 

The other 11 countries include the Ascension Island, Anguilla, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Gibraltar, Pitcairn Islands, St Helena, Tristan de Cunha and the Turks and Caicos Islands.