Australian project boasts Jason deCaires Taylor's underwater art -

The first underwater art to hit Queensland are four sculptures by Whitsundays artist Adriaan Vanderlugt. In a bid to continue raising awareness and promote eco-tourism, Townsville has proposed an underwater museum with art from British sculptor Jason deCaires Taylor.

Find out more about these exciting large-scale pieces sinking along Queensland reefs.

© Getty Images

Whitsundays - In an effort to help the Whitsundays tourist industry that has been in a downfall since Cyclone Debbie, an art installation curated by local artist Adriaan Vanderlugt will gradually be introduced to Langford Reef.

© Shutterstock

Months - Over the span of a few months the pieces were moved from the beach to shallows to deeper water.

© Shutterstock

The first - These sculptures are the first underwater art pieces to be added to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

© Shutterstock

Collaboration - Stakeholders collaborating on the project, include State and Federal Government, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Whitsunday Regional Council and consultant Reef Ecologic.

© Shutterstock

Inspiration - With inspiration from Jason deCaires Taylor's underwater works around the world, this project aims to rejuvenate the reef's ecosystems while attracting tourists to the area.

© Reuters

Sculptures - Vanderlugt has created four sculptures representing fish, a nudibranch and crab. The sculptures are 1.8m long and weigh about 300kg.

© Getty Images

Underwater art - In this context, underwater art refers to sculptures made of natural materials. They are usually made using a mould or cast, and weigh a substantial amount so the movement of the ocean doesn't move them.

© Getty Images

Townsville - In conjunction with this first feat, Townsville has proposed the creation of an underwater museum along the beach forefront, The Strand in Townsville.

© Shutterstock

Museum of Underwater Art - Using artwork by Jason deCaires Taylor, Townsville stakeholders have received $2 million funding from the QLD Government.

© Shutterstock

Southern Hemisphere - The underwater museum and artificial reef would be the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

© Shutterstock

Economy - With art from a world-renowned sculptor, this project is estimated to bring in $42 million to the economy.

© Getty Images

Museum Of Underwater Art - MOUA specifies why the title of 'museum' is very important to the project. A museum is a place that holds objects of great value to society and the world.

© Reuters

Focus - The vision of MOUA is focused on preservation, conservation and education of the reef.

© Shutterstock

World Resources Institute - By 2030, over 90% of the world's reefs will be threatened by human activities, global warming, and acidification, according to the WRI.

© Shutterstock

Intervention - Almost 90% of reefs will be facing high, very high, or critical threat levels if there is no intervention.

© BrunoPress

Jason deCaires Taylor - Creator of the world's first underwater sculpture park, the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park and Museum in Grenada, Taylor aimed to get people engaged in their local underwater environment.

© Reuters

Life-size - In 2006, Taylor unveiled a collection of ecological underwater contemporary art that were concrete life-size casts of the local community.

© Reuters

Art as activism - In an attempt to bring awareness of the environmental conditions of reef ecosystems around the globe, Taylor has incorporated thought-provoking art and dropped it at the bottom of the sea.

© Getty Images

Destruction - With the destruction of entire marine habitats by bleaching, rising water temperatures, acidity changes, pollution and overfishing, artificial reefs have become an important part of maintaining a precious balance. 

© Shutterstock

Materials - In order to maintain the health of a delicately balanced ecosystem, Taylor uses non-toxic, pH neutral marine-grade cement, free from harmful pollutants.

© Getty Images

Cement - As it is highly durable, cement encourages coral larvae to attach and thrive on its rough texture. The nooks and small holes provide homes for fish and crustaceans.

© Reuters

Timing - Before the larval coral spawning occurs the sculpture should be in place downstream. The timing is important if it is too early other sea life can colonise before the coral can take hold.

© Reuters

Placement - Alongside the timing, the placement of the sculptures is equally significant to maximise positive environmental impact.

© Getty Images

Barren landscapes come alive - Barren sandbanks are the ideal locations to place the sculptures, boosting diversity and drawing tourists away from existing reefs, where they may do more harm than good.

© Shutterstock

Science - From the beginning through to becoming well established, scientists can study and monitor the development of a functioning artificial ecosystem.

© Shutterstock

Local community - Employment as museum guides is also a local economic benefit, taking visitors deep sea diving, snorkelling or in glass-bottomed boats.

© Reuters

Funding - To further marine conservation efforts and raise money for coastal patrols to enforce protective laws, admission fees to see these underwater art treasure troves will provide crucial funding.

© Reuters

Lost - Over the past few decades, over 40% of the world's natural coral reefs have been lost due to human contribution and climate change.

© Reuters

Underwater - These underwater art museums aim to provide awareness, preserve the reefs in their natural states, and protect it from harm, while encouraging future growth.

© BrunoPress