Damp 1989

The Abyss PosterWhat was going on in 1989 that caused The Abyss, Leviathan, and Deep Star Six to be made in the same year?

Leviathan Poster

(Wikipedia actually adds to the trend, including The Evil Below, Lords of the Deep and The Rift)

Deep Star Six PosterDid we have some sort of underwater-alien SFX breakthrough? Were diving suits the new craze?