World leading marine scientists for World Oceans Day in Townsville, Australia /

Muse of the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) and acclaimed marine scientists from around the country have gathered in Townsville to celebrate the official launch of the MOUA Ocean Sentinels snorkeling trail on John Brewer Reef, which coincides today with World Oceans Day.

Renowned marine scientists and muse of the new path – Professor John “Charlie” Veron OAM – also known in his field as the godfather of coral, Distinguished Professor Peter Harrison – notable as one of the discoverers of the global phenomenon of coral spawning on Magnetic Island in 1981, Dr. Katharina Fabricius – respected coral ecologist, and Dr. Richard Braley – known as the ‘Giant Clam Man’ – will accompany passengers aboard a ‘special-event’ tour experience, facilitated by commercial tourism and Eco-certified operators Sealink Queensland and Adrenalin Snorkeling and Diving.

Installed in May 2023, the eight earth-friendly green concrete sculptures on John Brewer Reef combine to provide an immersive marine science snorkeling experience, adjacent to the Southern Hemisphere’s first underwater museum, the Coral Greenhouse diving attraction which opened in 2020.

International sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor says the artworks are a synthesis of human figures and natural marine forms; mainly Australians whose work in marine science and conservation has been highly acclaimed and influential in our understanding of reef conservation.

“These eight pieces will be the third installation in a series of ocean artworks installed throughout the Townsville region. All eight models are known for their expertise in marine science and marine protection and their hybrid forms refer to their contribution to their specific field.”

Ocean Sentinel muse and respected coral ecologist, Dr. Katharina Fabricius, is proud to be part of such a globally important installation that further cements Townsville’s position as the premier place for marine science and coral research – anywhere in the world.

“Are [MOUA] a living work of art that communicates to people how important research is, how important coral reefs are and how all these aspects – art, science, humanity – can come together to protect the reef.”

Minister of Tourism, Innovation and Sport and Minister assisting the Prime Minister in Olympic and Paralympic Games Sport and Engagement, Hon. Stirling MP Hinchliffe said the Queensland government has pledged $4 million to support phases 1 and 3 of the Museum of Underwater Art project through the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund, the Attracting Tourism Fund and the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

“Tourism is a cornerstone of the North Queensland economy and by investing in world-class tourist attractions such as the MOUA, we are helping to grow the tourism industry and create good jobs in the region,” said Mr Hinchliffe.

“As part of the Palaszczuk Government’s roadmap Towards Tourism 2032, we recognize the need to invest in unique new experiences to draw visitors to regional Queensland on our runway of events for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics and Paralympic Games.”

While exploring these sculptures and the neighboring Great Barrier Reef, this project also brings to life an accessible citizen science program, encouraging visitors to record their observations through the iNaturalist program which captures information that will aid in the continued protection and management of the reef.

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MOUA Chairman Paul Victory said the launch of the Ocean Sentinels to coincide with World Oceans Day was important to MOUA’s vision to spark a meaningful conversation about the reef and its oceans.

“The purpose of World Oceans Day is to encourage a global citizen movement for the ocean, our region’s place as the headquarters for the Great Barrier Reef, and access to some of the world’s leading marine research makes this installation more than beautiful works of art – it is about storytelling, citizen science and encouraging real change by visiting the reef.”

“MOUA is about bringing people and science together – visiting the Great Barrier Reef from Townsville – arguably some of the most pristine examples of coral reefs worldwide – and exploring internationally acclaimed art. We hope visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation for how our oceans are really vital.”

Destination management organization for the Townsville North Queensland region – Townsville Enterprise CEO Claudia Brumme-Smith says the new facility is a huge draw for the region, and the current dive site – the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere – has become known as a must -see attraction, and this new snorkeling product is expected to further enhance the reef experience in the region.

“As the headquarters of the Great Barrier Reef, the Coral Greenhouse has been a game-changer for Townsville, and what we know is that snorkelling products – which is what the Ocean Sentinel route will be, is something that will be very attractive for trade and cruise lines around the world, enhancing our domestic and global appeal and generating the exposure and visitor economy that this beautiful part of the world rightly deserves.”