Welcome to our DIY World at Fish 'N Fins Clubhouse

Since returning to Montserrat in 2011, I've tried to create sustainably and I've wanted my methods to always reflect my values. At our Clubhouse at Little Bay, we've used discarded or used materials and reinvented or repurposed them with my own hands or those closest to me in our community. The result of these ongoing efforts is quite an enjoyable and ideal way for visitors to support alternative economies.

In 2013, our work at Fish 'N Fins progressed into marine education and conservation, and our family started a learning journey to create an autonomous family project less dependent on systems harmful to the environment and people. I supposed without really paying attention this is "DIY", " sustainability," and “cultural heritage,” rolled into one.

Yep, I've slowly been creating the world I want to live in with intent from 2012, the year I gave birth to my son. I always look for ( and seek to offer ) an exchange of knowledge and experience, to live a life aligned with our values, and to create a healthy relationship with the environment based on reciprocity. I think collaborating with my community especially our elders, in a way that protects local and traditional knowledge of native Montserratians is the most important part of my work.

Recently, the Montserrat Tourism Authority's, Community Environmental Stewardship Initiative (CESI) group of about 10 gathered driftwood, shared lunch, and then cultural practitioner Kirk Brade, a CESI Mentor and Police Inspector, demonstrated how to make a lamp from driftwood. The maker’s session was hosted at the Fish 'N Fins Clubhouse.

We had an amazing time, and one of our visitors shared this feedback:

In the past, I believed an event wasn't successful unless it drew in hundreds or thousands. Some organizations, likely still hold a similar belief—raising the question: how does one truly assess impact? For me, less is more; there are fewer people on my tours and workshops, allowing for genuine 1-to-1 connections. There is often more impact and power in these gatherings, it's slow, and it might not scale, but energy and genuine collaboration are invaluable. Friends, as Seth Werkheiser would say, "if you can't be so stoked and in love with what you're doing while you are doing it ( 1 to 1 or in tiny groups ), it’s going to be hard to attract others to whatever you are doing." As I become more intentional with my approach to building community I'm actively working on reducing the clutter in my mind, and body— I've joined the SOCIAL MEDIA ESCAPE CLUB, and I'm adding more lettuce to my fruit salads :)

At Fish 'N Fins our shared values are:

O Organic

R Regenerative

G Grassroots

A All Inclusive

N Natural

I Innovative

C Collaborative

If this aligns with you, we should hop on a Zoom call ( personally, I like Google Meet), it seems to just sync better with my scheduling system and I like that.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."

----- Margaret Mead

While I enthusiastically read and scan as many scientific papers and frameworks as possible, I find immense opportunities for learning and energy in the accomplishments of a small group focused on answering questions and solving environmental challenges. To learn more about our collective impact at Fish 'N Fins, visit our page at www.aqusfishnfins.com. Recently, we've adjusted our 2025 goals to better align with our core values and to dedicate more time to microlearning. One of the courses I'm hoping to enrol in soon is Human Nature's - Qualitative Methods in Conservation. A special thanks to Ali Hochberg for recommending this course via LinkedIn.

So I challenge you to consider: How is your community project going to benefit people NOW? 🤔 As one of my wonderful subscribers shared:

"How revolutionary would it be if each neighborhood created its own social work and organizing support network? Where you and all of your neighbors are connected in some way, the needs of the people are seen. known. felt. and you collectively works together to help meet those needs in a rich, symbiotic, interdependent relationship!"

---- Addie Gengenbach

The friendships, networks, and support systems that develop within our community are truly inspiring! I want to support more spaces to be designed like this for like-minded families, a way for us to world school ourselves and our children. Alternative economies give me hope and motivate me to continue creating and progressing, even if Fish 'N Fins doesn't receive a substantial government subsidy or grant funding, because bigger isn't always better. New England Aquarium's Marine Conservation Action Funds prove just this. Read: Over Two Decades of Data Show Small Grants Advance Ocean Equity!💖

Here's a photo of me during a CESI site visit at Marguerita Bay, Montserrat —being in the field is both healing and fulfilling for me. 📸

So, why not let me run your remote blue economy desk? I may not have a 6 figure project partnership (as yet ) but I've got grit, human creativity and community support of like-minded people from across the globe.

Friends, if you're considering creating or joining any Community Environmental Stewardship Initiative, or even volunteering at Fish 'N Fins this year, I encourage you to go for it! Why not join the movement that is creating BLUE-ER (Equitable and Regenerative) creative communities, new income streams, supporting ocean stewardship, and nourishing lives? What do you have to lose? 🌈

Until next time,

<3

Veta

Remember, you can directly support my work by :

Donating to Fish 'N Fins Paypal, or Hiring me for:

Conservation, Sustainable Fisheries, and Regenerative Tourism Initiatives

- Remote support, idea storming, and concept design.

- A keynote or guest lecture.

- Working together 1-to-1 to better integrate your projects in island communities.

-Press and Media Partnerships