Ocean Siren is the name of an iconic sculpture that stands 12-feet above the water in Townsville, Australia. 

The sculpture is modeled after Takoda Johnson, a local student and descendant of Australia’s indigenous Wulgurukaba people. 

It’s an iconic sight and draws in visitors from all over to take in its majesty.

However, this is no ordinary statue. 

Ocean Siren monitors the temperature of the ocean in real-time. And she glows. 

Ranging from dark blue to dark red, her glowing color reflects the changing temperatures of the ocean surrounding the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). 

Temperatures near the GBR are vital to the health of endangered coral species, which have recently suffered the third mass bleaching event in 5 years. 

If you would like to learn more about coral bleaching, we’ve got you covered. 

Ocean Siren’s creator Jason deCaires Taylor says, “I think part of what’s happening in our underwater world is that it’s sort of forgotten and misunderstood. It’s out of sight. Yet major changes are happening, and major ecosystems are being lost. So, I wanted to bring that threat right in front of our faces and to convey in real-time what’s happening.”

First installed in 2019, Ocean Siren is the only above water piece of Queensland’s new Museum of Underwater Art (MOUA). 

A few other pieces, including the coral greenhouse, were just recently finished. They will soon be available for divers and snorkelers to visit.