Ocean with David Attenborough – REVIEW

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On May 8th, 2025, the globally respected environmentalist, David Attenborough, will celebrate his 99th birthday. This significant milestone coincides with the release of his latest documentary titled ‘Ocean with David Attenborough.’ It’s a poignant moment as we listen to this cherished figure gazing out across the sea, reminding us that ‘as I reach the end of my life,’ he shares feelings that are nearly as moving as the footage captured by the film’s three talented directors. The documentary powerfully conveys Attenborough’s admission that in his long career, he now recognizes that the most vital location on Earth is not land but sea. He emphasizes that we stand at a critical juncture, with humanity threatening the ocean’s life. The film provides compelling evidence to support this claim, often leaving viewers saddened by its impact.

The excessive industrial fishing, particularly by large factory ships that employ the harmful practice of bottom trawling, is causing significant damage to the world’s oceans. This method, contrary to what one might think about Prince Andrew’s hobbies, involves dragging nets across the ocean floors, devastating delicate ecosystems in the process. The sight of marine life frantically swimming to escape before being caught and taken aboard is all too common. Tragically, 75% of the catch that ends up dead on board is discarded back into the sea as it holds no value for the fishermen. This wasteful practice can be spotted from space due to the vast amounts of CO2 released when the sediment on recently depleted sea beds is stirred up. The technique not only results in the death of turtles and apex predators but also disrupts the balance of marine life.

Communities who depend on fish populations for their income are being devastated as those populations decline. This environmental disaster is comparable to the destruction of rainforests, making for a grim realization that’s just as unsettling as it seems.

Although “But Ocean with David Attenborough” may seem like a grim outlook, it’s crucial to understand that the documentary’s second part focuses on hope rather than despair. It highlights several marine protected zones where wildlife has recovered significantly after years of conservation efforts. The release of this documentary is timed for an upcoming UN conference in Nice, scheduled for June 2025, at which member states aim to safeguard at least 30% of the world’s oceans from overfishing by factory fishing trawlers.

At their peak, Attenborough’s documentaries have been instrumental and inspiring in fostering hope – for instance, the 2017 release ‘Blue Planet II’ significantly altered perspectives on the world’s oceans, leading to a reduction in the dumping of massive amounts of non-biodegradable plastics. This latest documentary, beautifully captured, is expected to be equally influential.

Here’s the Ocean with David Attenborough trailer…….

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2025-05-07 02:23