FAQs

will there be a cost to see the underwater sculptures?

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.

Can I go Scuba diving and snorkelling at the sculpture sites?

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.

Can I go fishing or spearfishing near the sculptures?

Limited recreational fishing and spearfishing are permitted in the Conservation Park Zones, including the John Brewer Reef area. However, to ensure public safety and the appreciation of the underwater sculptures, MOUA kindly requests that fishers refrain from engaging in fishing or spearfishing activities within 50 meters of the sculptures. This allows visitors to fully enjoy and appreciate the sculptures while ensuring their preservation.

Can I touch the underwater sculptures?

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.

What is the size of the individual sculptures?

The underwater sculptures are three-dimensional and come in various sizes. The human figurative sculptures are created to be life-size, providing a realistic and immersive experience for visitors. The largest sculpture among them stands at approximately 2-2.5 meters in height. The range of sizes adds diversity and visual interest to the underwater art installation, creating a captivating underwater landscape for visitors to explore.

Will the underwater sculptures be cleaned and maintained?

The underwater sculptures at John Brewer Reef will not be cleaned intentionally, as they are designed to allow coral and other marine organisms to grow naturally on them. This ongoing transformation and interaction with marine life are integral to the artistic concept of underwater installations. Over time, the marine life will add another dimension to the sculptures, enhancing their beauty and ecological significance. Thus, there are no plans for regular cleaning or maintenance of the sculptures, allowing them to evolve and thrive in harmony with the underwater environment.

Is it safe for visitors to interact with underwater sculptures?

Ensuring the safety of visitors, as well as marine life, is of paramount importance. The individual pieces of the underwater sculptures are designed specifically to avoid entanglement and entrapment hazards. The location, arrangement, and method of installation are carefully planned to minimise any potential risks to visitors. It is crucial to take into account various safety considerations such as marine life (including sharks and stingers), weather conditions (including currents and visibility), vessel traffic, as well as snorkelling and scuba activities. All these factors are taken into consideration and managed to ensure the safety of visitors who wish to interact with the underwater sculptures.

Will cyclones or extreme weather damage the underwater sculptures?

The underwater sculptures have been strategically placed in sheltered waters and are firmly secured with anchors. Additionally, they have been engineered to withstand the impact of a category 4 cyclone, ensuring their durability and resilience. While precautions have been taken to mitigate damage from severe weather, in the event that the sculptures are affected, MOUA is committed to promptly addressing any damage. They will undertake the necessary cleanup, repair, and restoration efforts to ensure the sculptures remain intact and can continue to be enjoyed by visitors.

What happens if sculptures are damaged?

In the event that the sculptures sustain damage, a thorough assessment will be conducted. MOUA, in collaboration with the artist and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), will carefully consider the extent of the damage. Based on this assessment, a decision will be made regarding the appropriate course of action, which may involve accepting, repairing, or removing the affected sculpture. These decisions will be made in accordance with an approved permit and the established Environmental Management Plan, ensuring the preservation and integrity of the underwater art installation.

Who owns the sculptures and who is responsible for them long-term?

The sculptures at John Brewer Reef are owned by the Museum of Underwater Art Ltd (MOUA). As the owner, MOUA assumes the long-term responsibility for the care and maintenance of the sculptures. This includes ongoing maintenance efforts conducted in consultation with the artist and in accordance with an approved permit and Environmental Management Plan. We kindly request donations to help us ensure the continued maintenance and preservation of these remarkable underwater artworks as otherwise they will have to be removed again.

What can citizen scientists do to help with research and education?

Citizen scientists play a vital role in contributing to research and education efforts surrounding the underwater sculptures. Here are some ways they can get involved:

• Monitor Habitats and Species: Citizen scientists can assist by monitoring the habitats and species found near the sculptures. Following the monitoring protocols established by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), such as the Eye on the Reef program, is highly encouraged.

• Share Photographs and Discussions: Sharing photographs of the sculptures and engaging in discussions on social media platforms is another impactful way to contribute. By raising awareness about the environmental, social, and educational benefits of underwater sculptures, citizen scientists can help promote understanding and encourage solutions. Don't forget to use the #MOUA and #LoveTheReef hashtags and tag the Museum of Underwater Art in your posts to connect with our wider community.

By actively participating in these activities, citizen scientists can contribute valuable data and insights, furthering our understanding of the marine environment and the significance of underwater sculptures.

How can I support the Museum of Underwater Art?

There are several ways you can support the Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA):

• Donate to MOUA: Your donations to MOUA contribute directly to important initiatives such as coral planting, promoting conversations about the reef, engaging Indigenous tourism, and maintaining the art installations.

• Encourage Visits and Share Experiences: Encourage your friends, family, and social network to visit MOUA and explore the reef. Share your own experiences and photos on social media, helping to spread awareness about the incredible underwater art and the importance of reef conservation.

• Participate in Citizen Science: Get involved in citizen science by using the iNaturalist app to document and contribute observations of marine life on the reef and land. Your contributions can provide valuable data for scientific research and conservation efforts.

• Support Carbon-Neutral Travel: Consider donating money to programs that ensure your travel is carbon neutral. This helps offset the environmental impact of your journey and supports sustainable practices in the tourism industry.

By taking these actions, you can actively contribute to the mission of MOUA and help protect the Great Barrier Reef for future generations. Together, we can make a difference in preserving this natural wonder.