A Synthesis of Human Figures and Natural Marine Forms.

The MOUA Ocean Sentinels snorkel trail on John Brewer Reef was officially opened on June 8, 2023, in honour of World Oceans Day, by the MOUA Muse and renowned marine scientists from across the country.

Distinguished Professor Peter Harrison, who in 1981 was one of the first people in the world to witness the global coral spawning phenomenon on Magnetic Island, along with Dr. Katharina Fabricius, a renowned coral ecologist, and Dr. Richard Braley, aka the "Giant Clam Man," will join tourists on a "special-event" tour experience organised by the new trail's creators. This new path was inspired by these well-known marine experts. Dr. John "Char"

In addition to the eight eco-friendly green-concrete sculptures, the Coral Greenhouse, the first underwater museum in the Southern Hemisphere, will be erected on John Brewer Reef in May 2023. Snorkelling around these sculptures will be like stepping into a marine science documentary. According to international sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor, the artworks are a synthesis of human figures and natural marine forms and were created primarily by Australians whose work in marine science and marine conservation has been highly praised and influential in our understanding of reef protection.

“These eight pieces will be the third installation in a series of ocean-based artworks installed throughout the Townsville region. All eight models are renowned for their expertise in the field of marine science and marine conservation, and their hybrid forms make reference to their contribution to their specific field of study.”

Dr. Katharina Fabricius, the inspiration for Ocean Sentinel and a renowned coral ecologist, is honoured to be a part of an installation of this magnitude, which further establishes Townsville as the world's premier location for marine science and coral research.

"It's [MOUA] a living piece of art that communicates to the people how important research is, how important coral reefs are, and how all these aspects—art, science, and humanity—can come together to protect the reef."

Through the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund, the Attracting Tourism Fund, and the Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund, the Queensland Government has committed $4 million to support stages 1 and 3 of the Museum of Underwater Art project. This announcement was made by the Hon. Stirling Hinchliffe MP, Minister for Tourism, Innovation, and Sport, and Minister Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement.

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

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

This project not only brings these sculptures and the surrounding Great Barrier Reef to life, but it also makes a citizen science programme accessible by encouraging visitors to record their observations through the iNaturalist programme, which records data that will aid in the ongoing protection and management of the reef.

Chair of MOUA, Paul Victory, said the launch of the Ocean Sentinels, coinciding with World Oceans Day, was important to the vision of MOUA in sparking a meaningful conversation about the reef and its oceans.

“The purpose of World Oceans Day is to encourage a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and our region's place in being the headquarters for the Great Barrier Reef, and access to some of the world-leading minds in marine research makes this installation more than beautiful artworks – it's about storytelling, citizen science, and encouraging real change through visiting the reef.”

“MOUA is about bringing people and science together. By visiting the Great Barrier Reef from Townsville—arguably some of the most pristine examples of coral reef globally—and exploring internationally acclaimed art, we are hoping visitors will leave with a deeper appreciation of how vitally important our oceans really are.”

Claudia Brumme-Smith, CEO of Townsville Enterprise, a destination management organisation serving the Townsville, North Queensland area, says the new installation is a huge drawcard for the region and current dive site; the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, it has become a must-see attraction, and the addition of this snorkel product is expected to further improve the quality of the region's reef experience.

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