The Listener

Heather Spence is excited to be working with Jason deCaires Taylor to develop an underwater sculpture into a science lab. Spence, a Marine Biologist, is the founder of GRACIASS (Global Research and Art Center for the Investigation and Advancement of Sustainability Solutions). Her research program in Cancun began in 2007, and in 2010 expanded to include the first Passive Acoustic Monitoring in the Mexican Caribbean. "The Listener" is the result of a long collaboration between Spence and Taylor to find a way to incorporate her underwater sound research into his reef-forming sculpture. Jason deCaires Taylor working on The Listener sculpture in his studio Spence explains, "By combining the art of sculpture and the science of sound, our project helps people to connect to the environment." "The Listener" is covered with models of real human ears and actually listens... to fish. Fitted with NOAA-designed equipment, "The Listener" will provide much-needed data about sea life and coral reef development. Located within a marine protected area off the coast of Cancun, "The Listener" is designed to gradually become a new reef, and provides a fascinating alternative destination for divers. Collaborators include sponsoring partner the BioMusic Research Group at the University of North Carolina - Greensboro, Oceanwide Science Institute of Hawaii, Michelle's Earth Foundation, and local Cancun partners Universidad del Caribe, Comision Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas and Proyecto Domino.