• David Attenborough's 'Ocean' film emphasizes the vital role of oceans in combating climate change and sustaining life on Earth.
• The film exposes the destructive impact of industrial fishing practices like bottom trawling and dredging on marine ecosystems and seabed carbon stores.
• Attenborough expresses hope in the ocean's capacity for recovery and calls for the protection of at least 30% of the world's oceans to ensure a healthier future.

David Attenborough, nearing his 99th birthday, has released a new film titled 'Ocean,' which he considers one of the most important of his career. The film underscores the crucial role of the ocean in supporting life on Earth and combating climate change. 'Ocean' combines stunning visuals of marine life with stark depictions of the damage caused by human activities, particularly industrial fishing practices such as bottom trawling. Attenborough hopes the film will inspire global leaders to take decisive action at the upcoming UN Ocean Conference to protect a third of the world's oceans and ensure their recovery.

• What: The release of 'Ocean,' a new documentary film by David Attenborough, which highlights the importance of ocean conservation and the threats facing marine ecosystems.
• Who: David Attenborough, Silverback Studios, Open Planet Studios, National Geographic, Arksen, film directors Keith Scholey and Toby Nowlan, scientists, global leaders, and coastal communities.
• When: The film was released in cinemas on May 8, 2025, coinciding with Attenborough's 99th birthday. It is being released ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, in June 2025.
• Where: The film showcases underwater environments and coastlines around the world, including locations such as the Great Barrier Reef, the UK, the Mediterranean Sea, Kiribati, Palau, and Hawaii.

David Attenborough's 'Ocean' serves as a stark reminder of the critical role oceans play in regulating the Earth's climate and sustaining life. The film's strength lies in its ability to blend stunning visuals of marine ecosystems with unflinching depictions of the damage caused by human activities, particularly industrial fishing. By highlighting both the destruction and the potential for recovery, Attenborough inspires hope while underscoring the urgency of the situation. The film's release ahead of the UN Ocean Conference provides a timely platform for advocating stronger protections for marine environments. The focus on bottom trawling and its impact on seabed carbon stores adds another layer of urgency, linking ocean conservation directly to climate change mitigation efforts.

After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea.

If we save the sea, we save our world.

The ocean can recover faster than we had ever imagined.

It is hard to imagine a more wasteful way to catch fish.

David Attenborough's 'Ocean' is a powerful and timely call to action for ocean conservation. The film effectively combines scientific insights with compelling visuals to illustrate the threats facing marine ecosystems and the potential for recovery. By emphasizing the importance of protecting a third of the world's oceans and highlighting the destructive impact of industrial fishing practices, Attenborough's film aims to galvanize global leaders and the public to take decisive action. As the world prepares for the UN Ocean Conference, 'Ocean' serves as a crucial reminder of the vital role oceans play in our planet's health and the urgent need to safeguard them for future generations.