IN A celebration of World Ocean Day, SeaLink NQ and the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA) have announced a special tour to the MOUA ‘Ocean Sentinels’ installation, at John Brewer Reef.
The event will take place on Saturday, June 8, 2024 [World Ocean Day] and will see renowned marine scientists and conservationists converge on Townsville to participate in the tour, highlighting the significance of marine conservation.
SeaLink NQ operates vessels in the Whitsundays including Red Cat Adventures’ vessels.
General manager Darren Spearman they were ‘honoured’ to work with the MOUA and the esteemed scientists to offer this unique experience.
“This event underscores SeaLink’s commitment to marine conservation and provides an incredible opportunity for the public to engage with experts in the field,” he said.
The event will feature four of the Ocean Sentinel muses, including:
• Professor John ‘Charlie’ Veron, often referred to as the godfather of coral
• Dr. Katharina Fabricius, a respected coral ecologist and leading marine scientist at Australian Institute of Marine Sciences
• Dr. David Vaughan, renowned for his global ‘plant a million corals’ initiative
• Molly Steer, North Queensland marine conservationist and founder of the ‘Straw No More’ campaign.
MOUA chair Paul Victory said the World Ocean Day tour was a ‘once in-a-lifetime’ opportunity to hear directly from the ‘muses’ about their work and MOUA’s vision.
“This tour encourages meaningful conversations about the Great Barrier Reef, its beauty, its challenges, and our role in its preservation,” he said.
Participants at SeaLink’s World Ocean Day tour will also have the chance to explore the only underwater art installation in the southern hemisphere: Eight Ocean Sentinel sculptures by Jason deCaires Taylor.
The sculptures blend human figures with marine elements, symbolising the fusion of art and science amid the vibrant marine life of John Brewer Reef.
The surfaces of the sculptures are designed to attract marine life, allowing them to evolve over time as corals, sponges, and hydroids colonise them, reflecting the reef’s dynamic nature.
Located in the MOUA at John Brewer Reef off Townsville, the Ocean Sentinels are at a shallow depth, making them ideal for snorkellers and divers.
SeaLink NQ boasts Ecotourism Australia’s Advanced ECO Certification, highlighting a dedication to sustainable practices and authentic nature-based tourism experiences.
