Skip to main content
Advanced Search
1967 Belgian Scientific Expedition - a filmic and photographic survey of the Great Barrier Reef
1967 Belgian Scientific Expedition - a filmic and photographic survey of the Great Barrier Reef

1967 Belgian Scientific Expedition - a filmic and photographic survey of the Great Barrier Reef

Photographer (born 1935)
Date1967
Object numberANMS1456[121]
NamePhotographic slide
MediumColour transparency film
DimensionsOverall (inc carrier) 50 x 50 mm
Copyright© Valerie Taylor
ClassificationsPhotographs
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Valerie Taylor in memory of Ron Taylor
DescriptionIn 1967, the Taylors landed one of their biggest career projects by participating in the Belgian Scientific Expedition. Today it is still the largest scientific expedition ever conducted on the Great Barrier Reef. This six-month filmic and photographic survey encompassed 2,300 kilometres of reef, from its southern end to its northern extremity. With a healthy budget, they were able to use top end underwater film equipment and may be some of the only people to have ever scuba dived the entire length of the Reef. SignificanceValerie and Ron Taylor had a slow progression into the scientific community as they metamorphosed from spearfishers to ocean protectors. While Valerie kept detailed diaries of their marine observations, their work was often derided as too popular and showy. But science came calling when they needed someone to field-test their most recent theory. From diving gear to spear tips and shark tags, the Taylors gave it a shot and reported whether it worked – or not.
Today, their scientific legacy is more highly regarded. Through their film, photography, field testing and advocacy, the Taylors’ roles as science communicators and ocean environmentalists started to be recognised. Valerie was awarded the prestigious NOGI award for Arts, presented by the Academy of Underwater Arts and Sciences (AUAS) in 1981. This recognised her record of accomplishment and excellence, making a global impact on diving via the arts. Valerie has tirelessly advocated for protection and promoted greater understanding of Australian marine environments and dually, continually internationally awarded. Some of these achievements include being appointed the Rider of the Order of the Golden Ark (1986), Wildlife Preservation Society of Australia’s Serventy Conservation Medal (2001), Australian Geographic Lifetime of Conservation award (2008) and Member of the Order for Australia (2010).