Attenborough film shows ocean can "bounce back to life"
Feature-length documentary Ocean with David Attenborough is showing to global audiences following its world premiere screening in London.
The film, the first collaboration of its kind between natural historian Sir David Attenborough and National Geographic, shares the importance of the world’s oceans and the story of how they can - and must – be restored. After filming the natural world for over 70 years, Attenborough draws on his lifetime of exploration and knowledge of the sea to take audiences on a cinematic journey through the planet’s most spectacular undersea habitats.
“In this film, we share wonderful discoveries, uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, most importantly, show how it can bounce back to life.”
He investigates diverse marine ecosystems, from bustling giant kelp jungles and mesmerising coral reefs to towering seamount outposts, all of which are shown to be intricately connected, vital to avoiding climate catastrophe and in peril due to destructive forms of fishing.
As well as exposing the greatest threats to the oceans’ health, Attenborough points to inspirational stories from around the world with the message – if we take action now, the opportunity for marine life to recover on an unprecedented scale is well within reach.
Attenborough said: “My lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery. Over the last hundred years, scientists and explorers have revealed remarkable new species, epic migrations and dazzling, complex ecosystems beyond anything I could have imagined as a young man.
“In this film, we share those wonderful discoveries, uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps most importantly, show how it can bounce back to life.”
The documentary takes a particularly close look at the human actions leading to the oceans’ collapse and the effects of destructive fishing techniques, such as dredging and bottom trawling.
Footage also exhibits the oceans’ incredible resilience and ability to recover when protected, showcasing the protection solutions already at hand and the action needed to secure a healthier future for all.
The film is now showing in selected theatres around the UK and globally. Following its theatrical release, it will premiere on National Geographic on Sunday 8th June - World Oceans Day - and will be available the same day on Disney+.
Later this year, National Geographic Pristine Seas will make the documentary film available to educators at schools, universities, museums, and libraries and for educational and charitable conferences and events. Learn more at the National Geographic Society website.