London: On the eve of his 99th birthday, Sir David Attenborough is launching what he describes as one of the most significant works of his life, Ocean, a feature-length documentary he hopes will play a pivotal role in protecting marine biodiversity and addressing climate change.
The renowned broadcaster and natural historian believes that, after nearly a century on Earth, he has understood that the ocean, not land is the most crucial ecosystem for sustaining life.
“Ocean is the planet’s life support system and humanity’s greatest ally against climate catastrophe,” the film argues. It warns that the oceans are at a tipping point, with the future of marine life, and its ability to help regulate the climate hanging in the balance.
The film will premiere with a high-profile event tonight at the Royal Festival Hall in London, where a blue carpet is being rolled out in honor of the occasion. A-list celebrities expected to attend include Coldplay’s Chris Martin, actor Benedict Cumberbatch, astronaut Tim Peake, Geri Halliwell-Horner, and Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon.
Produced by Toby Nowlan, Ocean stands apart from previous Attenborough productions. Rather than focusing on rarely seen natural behavior, it delivers what Nowlan calls ‘the greatest message he’s ever told.’
The documentary spans the entirety of Sir David’s career and explores how both the state of the world’s oceans and our understanding of them have dramatically changed.
Sir David remembers his first scuba dive on the Great Barrier Reef way back in 1957, “I was so taken aback by the spectacle before me I forgot – momentarily – to breathe.”
One of the most disturbing revelations in Ocean is its portrayal of bottom trawling, a widespread industrial fishing technique that Attenborough criticizes for its destructive impact. New footage shows how heavy chains dragged by trawlers rip through the seafloor, flushing marine creatures into massive nets.
Shockingly, over 75 percent of the catch is often discarded, making it, as Sir David describes, “hard to imagine a more wasteful way to catch fish.” The practice also releases large amounts of carbon dioxide trapped in the seabed, exacerbating global warming. Despite its impact, bottom trawling remains not only legal but often subsidized by governments.
Despite the dire outlook, Ocean offers a message of hope. Sir David says what prevents him from losing hope entirely is the ocean’s remarkable capacity to recover and highlights the story of the world’s whales as an example.
In the 20th century, an estimated 2.9 million whales were slaughtered, the largest mass killing of any animal species in recorded history, measured by total biomass. At one point, only 1 percent of Blue Whales remained, and Attenborough feared they were lost forever.
However, in 1986, a global ban on commercial whaling was enacted following public pressure. Since then, whale populations have shown encouraging signs of recovery, a transformation that Sir David finds deeply inspiring. “The ocean can bounce back to life,” he says. “If left alone, it may not just recover but thrive beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen.”
Keith Scholey, one of the directors of Ocean and a collaborator with Attenborough for over four decades, reflects on the experience of working with him.
Scholey said that, Attenborough’s passion and sharp mind remain undiminished: “Every time you work with David, you learn something new… David keeps you on your mettle.”
The film includes stunning visuals, including a vibrant scene of dolphins gliding over coral reefs, emphasizing what could be lost, but also what can be saved.
Sir David’s message is ultimately one of urgent hope. Sir reminds viewers that nations have already promised to protect one-third of the world’s oceans. With a major United Nations conference approaching next month, he hopes Ocean will inspire global leaders to honor and act upon that commitment.
Attenborough emphasizes that restoring ocean health is not just a conservation goal but a global survival strategy. A thriving marine ecosystem could significantly boost carbon sequestration, helping stabilize Earth’s climate. “In front of us is a chance to protect our climate, our food, our home,” said Attenborough.
As he marks his 99th birthday, Sir David Attenborough remains a tireless advocate for the natural world he has devoted his life to exploring and defending. Ocean will be released in cinemas across the UK.
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