On a recent trip to Port Noarlunga, I came across a piece of public art that stopped me in my tracks—not because of its scale, but because of its meaning.
Known locally as “The Goggles”, this striking sculpture—formally titled The Blue Groper—is the work of artists Anna Small and Warren Pickering. Constructed from mild steel, copper, and stainless steel, it’s more than just a visual landmark. It’s a lens—quite literally—through which we’re invited to see and understand an underwater world that many of us overlook.
A Window Into an Underwater World
At first glance, the sculpture resembles an oversized pair of goggles, framing the coastal landscape beyond. But look closer, and you’ll notice intricate shapes layered within the frame—abstract forms that represent the rich biodiversity of the nearby reef system.
This isn’t accidental.
The artwork is designed to draw attention to the marine life thriving beneath the surface at the Port Noarlunga Reef—a protected area home to over 200 temperate marine species. It acts as both a symbolic and literal invitation: look closer, there’s more here than you think.
The Return of the Blue Groper
The sculpture’s original name, The Blue Groper, pays tribute to one of the region’s most iconic marine species—the Western Blue Groper.
This remarkable fish can grow up to 1.7 metres in length, weigh as much as 40 kilograms, and live for up to 70 years. A carnivorous species, it plays an important role in maintaining balance within the reef ecosystem.
What makes its inclusion even more powerful is the timing.
At the time the artwork was commissioned, Blue Gropers had been absent from the Port Noarlunga Reef for nearly 50 years. Their reappearance signalled something important: a recovering ecosystem. In that sense, the sculpture isn’t just observational—it’s celebratory.
Art With Purpose
This piece wasn’t created in isolation. It was commissioned and driven by Friends of Gulf St Vincent, a group dedicated to protecting and conserving the waters of the Gulf.
Their vision was simple but powerful:
Use public art as a tool to inspire, educate, and engage the community.
And it works.
Instead of signage or statistics, The Goggles uses curiosity as its entry point. You don’t just read about marine conservation—you experience it, even before you step into the water.
Why It Matters
We often think of conservation as something that happens “out there”—in remote oceans or distant rainforests. But standing in front of this sculpture, overlooking a suburban stretch of coastline, it becomes clear that these ecosystems exist right on our doorstep.
The health of places like Port Noarlunga Reef isn’t guaranteed. It depends on awareness, behaviour, and long-term stewardship from the community.
And that’s exactly what this artwork encourages.
It reminds us that:
- Marine ecosystems are fragile but resilient
- Recovery is possible with the right care
- Awareness is the first step toward protection
What struck me most about The Goggles wasn’t just the craftsmanship or concept—it was the way it quietly reframes your perspective.
It challenges you to stop, look, and think.
And in a world where we often rush past things without noticing them, that might be its greatest achievement.
