Thu May 08 09:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Attenborough’s New Film Exposes Ocean’s Plight, Urges Urgent Action

**Nice, France** – Sir David Attenborough’s new documentary, “Ocean,” paints a stark picture of the world’s oceans, highlighting their vital role in combating climate change while exposing the devastating impact of human activity. Released in cinemas globally and streaming on Disney+ and Hulu in June, the film coincides with Attenborough’s 99th birthday and serves as a powerful call to action ahead of the UN Ocean Conference.

The film showcases the ocean’s breathtaking beauty and biodiversity, from vibrant coral reefs to towering seamounts. However, it also reveals the alarming consequences of industrial fishing and climate change, featuring footage of mass coral bleaching and the destructive practice of bottom trawling, which indiscriminately catches marine life and releases vast amounts of carbon dioxide. Attenborough describes industrial fishing vessels as “vast factories at sea,” practicing a form of “modern-day colonialism” that depletes resources and harms coastal communities.

Despite the grim realities, “Ocean” offers a message of hope. The film highlights successful examples of marine conservation, such as Papahānaumokuākea, the world’s largest no-fishing zone, where fish stocks and seabird populations have rebounded. Enric Sala, founder of National Geographic’s Pristine Seas program and a scientific advisor on the film, emphasizes the ocean’s remarkable ability to recover when given the chance, particularly when overfishing is addressed. He points out that ceasing fishing in a particular area allows for immediate recovery.

The documentary emphasizes the need for fully protected marine areas, noting that less than 3% of the ocean currently enjoys such protection. Attenborough calls for urgent action to meet the agreed-upon goal of protecting 30% of the world’s oceans, referencing the successful comeback of whale populations after a commercial whaling ban as evidence that global change is possible.

Sala believes the film’s powerful imagery will resonate with world leaders, urging them to act decisively at the UN Ocean Conference. The film’s release aims to influence governments to move beyond agreements in principle to concrete implementation of marine protection measures. Attenborough’s urgent appeal underscores the crucial moment for global action to safeguard the ocean’s future.

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