This sculpture, Dr. Octopusface, is the first in a series of submerged sculptures to be positioned in The Port Barton Marine Park, Palawan, Philippines, as a multi purpose art/science/marine conservation/eco tourism project. Port Barton, Palawan is an area of recognised marine biodiversity and also marine ecosystem degradation. This area has been negatively impacted by lack of marine park management and anchor drops from marine tourism. The sculptures will have several functions; a sculpture under water providing new habitat for marine life and new substrate for coral growth, over time becoming a living sculpture and ecotourism attraction. The sculpture will also act as a base to several mooring buoys. Providing an alternative to anchoring. Anchors and chains can damage 7% of coral reef habitats at marine tourism sites. Port Barton, as with all of Palawan, is following the WWF recommendation to support the exchange of Marine based eco tourism for fishing to provide sustainable livelihoods and solutions to marine conservation. Marine tourism is an opportunity to promote positive environmental change and to bring widespread media attention to marine conservation issues.
Submerging sculptures as mooring buoys bases allows a marine tourism opportunity for experiential environmental education and social media sharing.
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Huge thanks to our funders; Sculpt the Future Foundation. Sculpting skills of Palawan Visual Artists. On going consultancy and support from The Marine Foundation, WWF Philippines, DENR, The San Vicente Coastguard and Marines, The Port Barton Boatmen Association and the super hero skills of Ronie Somerano, Tang and the team from Ricky’s Easy Diver Port Barton. To support, volunteer or more info please check www.atelieraquatic.org, @atelieraquatic Thank you :)
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