What’s Happening?
The Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA), based in Townsville, has launched a national photographic competition inviting ocean lovers, divers, photographers, and citizen scientists to dive into creativity and marine conservation. The competition is now open and will close at 11:59pm AEST on June 5, 2025, aligning with MOUA’s World Ocean Day events.
Participants are encouraged to submit underwater photographs that showcase the intersection of marine conservation, vibrant coral reef ecosystems, and MOUA’s world-renowned underwater sculptures—including the striking Ocean Sentinels installation on the Great Barrier Reef.
“This competition is a great opportunity for photographers and ocean advocates to highlight the power and fragility of our marine ecosystems,” said Alec Leitman, MOUA’s Operations Co-ordinator and an amateur photographer. “Through photography, we can tell compelling stories from beneath the surface and inspire a deeper appreciation for ocean conservation.”
Entries are open to all skill levels and will be judged based on artistic merit, originality, and how effectively they capture the theme of marine conservation and creativity.
Why It Matters
The competition plays a crucial role in educating the public about the need to protect Australia’s ocean heritage. Through artistic expression, MOUA aims to foster greater community engagement with the Great Barrier Reef and its ongoing preservation.
The initiative allows photographers to become storytellers, using visual narratives to document the fragile beauty of marine ecosystems. It also supports MOUA’s broader mission of blending art, science, and conservation to spark public interest and awareness.
MOUA’s installations—including figures that represent Traditional Owners, marine scientists, and environmental advocates—serve as educational tools and artistic expressions of the relationship between humans and the ocean. This competition extends that vision by making the community part of the conservation dialogue.
Local Impact
Townsville continues to cement its reputation as a leader in reef-based eco-tourism and ocean awareness. As the home of MOUA—the only underwater art museum in the Southern Hemisphere—Townsville attracts global attention and visitors, with benefits flowing into the local economy and conservation education efforts.
Through this competition, MOUA is not only showcasing its own installations but also offering Townsville residents and visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the reef through their own lenses—literally and figuratively.
Photographs taken in the waters around John Brewer Reef and other North Queensland sites will form part of an online gallery, hosted on MOUA’s social platforms, boosting the visibility of both the region and the cause.
By the Numbers
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1: MOUA is the only underwater art museum in the Southern Hemisphere.
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6 major prizes: Day trips to John Brewer Reef, SeaCam photography vouchers, Bondi Beach surfing lessons, sustainable merch from SLB Art Co., and beach towels from SandCloud.
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1 global cause: The campaign aligns with World Ocean Day 2025, promoting international awareness of marine protection.
Zoom In
Entries must align with the theme of marine conservation and creativity. Submissions can highlight coral reef health, underwater wildlife, the interaction between people and ocean environments, or the artistic sculptures installed at MOUA. Judges will look for:
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Artistic quality
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Originality
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Relevance to conservation
All shortlisted entries will feature on MOUA’s official social media channels following the World Ocean Day 2025 events. The gallery will serve as a collective digital exhibition honouring life beneath the surface.
Zoom Out
The photographic competition is part of MOUA’s World Ocean Day 2025 campaign, themed “Breaking the Record at MOUA.” The initiative brings attention to ocean protection on a global scale, encouraging individuals to become part of the solution through awareness, participation, and celebration.
As climate challenges and biodiversity threats continue to impact marine habitats, grassroots movements like this offer a vital platform to rally public support and education through accessible art and storytelling.
What to Look For Next?
Look out for the announcement of winning entries in mid-June. Expect breathtaking imagery captured by everyday divers and artists showcasing the beauty of North Queensland’s reef systems. MOUA will also feature these images in upcoming educational campaigns to inspire long-term conservation action.
To enter or view full terms and conditions, visit:
👉 https://www.moua.com.au/events/world-ocean-day-2025-photography-comp
