Here's the latest addition to the Museum of Underwater Art, located in Townsville, North Queensland, on the Great Barrier Reef. It is Australia's only underwater museum, and the latest project by one of our very favorite artists, Jason deCaires Taylor (read our articles about his global underwater art here, and explore ALL of the underwater museums here).

Ocean Sentinels is a series of eight hybrid form sculptures, a synthesis of human fgures and natural marine forms, that celebrates the Great Barrier Reef’s strong links to marine conservation and indigenous cultures and traditions.

The human figures are predominantly Australians whose work in felds of marine science and marine conservation have been highly commended and infuential in our understanding of reef protection. 

Each Ocean Sentinel is a complex synthesis of the human figure and natural marine elements which refers to the individuals' particular field of study and expertise. 

The snorkel trail aims to create an educational and informative introduction to Great Barrier Reef, celebrating its rich history and its connection to some of the world’s leading marine science institutions and its strong links to indigenous cultures and traditions.

These eight pieces are the third and latest art installation of MOUA, the Museum Of Underwater Art, Australia, a series of ocean-based artworks found throughout the Townsville region. All the sculptures are constructed with a low centre of gravity in order to resist strong oceanic forces. 

They are made from a new pH neutral, low carbon Earth Friendly Concrete and reinforced with marine stainless steel. 

The surfaces and forms of the artworks are designed to be colonised by marine life. It is hoped that in years to come a variety of endemic species, such as corals, sponges, and hydroids will change the sculptures’ appearance in vibrant and unpredictable ways. 

Like the Great Barrier Reef itself, they will become a living and evolving part of the ecosystem, emphasising both its fragility and its endurance. Over the past ten years, parts of the northern region of The Great Barrier Reef have been heavily impacted by coral bleaching. However, the reefs surrounding the Ocean Sentinels in the Townsville region are still some of the most spectacular and biodiverse reefs in the world. 

Also in the MOUA:

Since its installation in 2019, The Coral Greenhouse has evolved into a flourishing underwater garden with new marine life being attracted and scientifically documented. 

As benthic organisms begin to colonise, fish surveys indicated significant increases of diversity and abundance recording a 400% increase since its initial install. Of 131 corals transplanted in the Greenhouse in March 2020, survivorship has been over 92% and hard and soft corals recruited to the structure at a density of 8.35 hard corals /m2 and 10.9 soft corals /m2  

The Coral Greenhouse has been named one of Australia's best sculpture trails.

As warming sea temperatures affect marine ecosystems globally, the Museum of Underwater Art aims to engage and inspire communities, creating a space to learn about its history, its science, and, most importantly, its future.

All photos courtesy and copyright Jason deCaires Taylor, published with permission.