Ocean Sentinels
Scuba dive, free-dive or snorkel into a world of wonder and experience a unique Australian sculpture trail.
Artwork
The Ocean Sentinels is a captivating series of underwater sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor, located at a depth of 5 meters and just a short swim from the Coral Greenhouse installation at John Brewer Reef in the Sea Country near Townsville. Standing 2.2 meters tall and weighing between 1 to 3 tons, the sculptures are a unique blend of human figures and marine elements, symbolising the fusion of art and science.
Each sculpture showcases a renowned marine scientist or conservationist, highlighting their significant contributions to reef protection. Crafted from a sustainable and resilient earth friendly concrete, the artworks are designed with a low centre of gravity to withstand the powerful forces of the ocean. With their surfaces intentionally designed to attract marine life, the sculptures are expected to transform over time as corals, sponges, and hydroids colonise them, mirroring the reef's dynamic nature.
By integrating indigenous cultures and traditions, these sculptures serve as an educational gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, underscoring its historical significance and the vital role played by leading marine science institutions.
Read the full artist description of the Ocean Sentinels by Jason deCaires Taylor.
-
![MOUA Ocean Sentinel Prof John Charlie Veron]()
Prof John Charlie Veron
The 'Godfather of Coral' discovered and described 20% of all coral species on the planet and is currently working on an ambitious mission to collect and preserve 400 species of coral in a biobank.
-
![MOUA Ocean Sentinels Peter Harrison]()
Prof Peter Harrison
Witnessed the first recorded mass coral spawning event at Geoffrey Bay on Magnetic Island and pioneered a revolutionary technique known as 'coral IVF' that is used to revitalise damaged reefs.
-
![MOUA Ocean Sentinel Katharina Fabricius]()
Dr Katharina Fabricius
Coral ecologist leading the Coral Reef Ecology and Monitoring team at AIMS with a focus on ocean acidification, water quality, climate change, and their impacts on reef health.
-
![MOUA Ocean Sentinels David Vaughan]()
Dr David Vaughan
Works on increasing aquaculture production while preserving marine ecosystem health and started Plant a Million Corals initiative, aimed at revitalising coral populations globally.
-
![MOUA Ocean Sentinels Richard Braley]()
Dr Richard Braley
'The Giant Clam Man' dedicated his life's work to studying giant clams and established the Aquasearch Aquarium on Magnetic Island.
-
![MOUA Ocean Sentinel Sir Maurice Yonge]()
Sir Charles Maurice Yonge
Renowned marine zoologist who lead the Great Barrier Reef Expedition in the 1920s that opened up the scientific world to the marvels of the reef and laid the groundwork for modern coral reef biology.
-
![MOUA Ocean Sentinel Jayme Marshall]()
Jayme Marshall
A Wulgurukaba and Yunbenen woman, who represents the next generation of Indigenous leaders, highlighting the crucial role played by Traditional Owners in safeguarding the future of the Great Barrier Reef.
-
![MOUA Ocean Sentinels Molly Steer]()
Molly Steer
A young activist who took action against plastic straws at the age of nine and embarked on the ‘Straw No More’ mission to eliminate single-use plastic straws from schools across Australia.
Jason deCaires Taylor
Jason deCaires Taylor MRSS is an accomplished sculptor, environmentalist, and underwater photographer renowned for his groundbreaking work in submerged and tidal marine environments. He created the world's first underwater sculpture park, which is now a National Marine Protected Area. Using environmentally sensitive materials, Taylor's sculptures encourage natural growth and explore themes of decay, rebirth, and metamorphosis. Through his innovative projects, he promotes marine conservation, raises environmental awareness, and showcases the captivating beauty of the underwater world.
Secure a Spot
Space on tour boats is limited so book your spot now to not miss out!
Maps
All of the underwater art installations including the Coral Greenhouse and Ocean Sentinels are located at the main Museum of Underwater Art site at John Brewer Reef in the Sea Country on the Great Barrier Reef which can be reached by boat from Townsville.
★★★★★
“MOUA is unique and truly a world class attraction! I love going back to this place to see how IT attracts different corals and marine life.”
Al Songcuan, Visitor
More Reviews
Diving & Snorkelling
Everyone should have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the underwater world which is why we've made sure there is something for everyone - scuba divers, free-divers or snorkelers of all experience levels are welcome at our museum and will find plenty of explore. The site is located in a protected part of John Brewer Reef in the Sea Country, so guests can relax and enjoy the experience without worrying about strong currents or other hazards. Explore the deeper Coral Greenhouse or more shallow Ocean Sentinels and make sure you take a side trip to the beautiful reef which is just a short swim away.
After your dive
Use iNaturalist to enhance your underwater experience and contribute to marine science. By uploading your dive and snorkel photos to the John Brewer MOUA project on the iNaturalist platform, you can easily identify the fish species you encountered during your underwater adventure. This will not only enable you to learn more about the diverse marine life you observed but also make you a citizen scientist and help provide valuable data points for marine biologists and researchers studying aquatic ecosystems.
★★★★★
“The coral greenhouse is stunning, the OCEAN SENTINELS ARE epic and the coral GROWTH and resident fishes are a delight. Cannot wait for another dive!”
Jo Stacey, Visitor
More Reviews
Don’t forget THe …
Coral Greenhouse
The Coral Greenhouse is a groundbreaking underwater museum located right next to the Ocean Sentinels, combining marine science, coral gardening, and environmental art and architecture to offer a fresh perspective on the Great Barrier Reef and its ecology.
FAQs
-
The underwater sculptures at John Brewer Reef are public art and can be freely accessed by recreational visitors to the Marine Park. However, if tourists would like to visit the John Brewer Reef sites by vessel and have the guidance of an expert guide, there are several commercial tourism opportunities available.
-
Absolutely! Scuba diving and snorkelling are highly encouraged at the sculpture sites. They offer an excellent opportunity to witness the underwater sculptures and explore the surrounding reefs. The sites are designed to accommodate both snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts, with shallow water areas (4-6m) specifically intended for snorkelling and deeper sections (12-18m) suitable for scuba diving.
-
To ensure the preservation and respect for the underwater sculptures, we advocate a no touching policy, similar to coral reefs. We aim to promote Responsible Reef Practices and will provide interpretive manuals, training, websites, and brochures to educate visitors about the importance of not touching the artworks. Over time, the sculptures will naturally accumulate marine life as corals and other organisms attach to them. This process not only adds to their visual appeal but also integrates them ecologically into the local environment, making them even more fascinating for visitors to observe.