David Attenborough’s Latest Film Slams Destructive Fishing Practices
Renowned naturalist David Attenborough has once again used his platform to bring attention to the devastating impact of human activities on the environment. In his latest film, Ocean, which airs in cinemas from May 8, Attenborough condemns the industrial fishing method of bottom trawling, describing it as a practice that is "draining the life from our oceans".
According to a report by The Guardian, Attenborough’s film highlights the destructive nature of bottom trawling, a method that involves dragging heavy nets across the seabed, causing widespread destruction to marine life and habitats. The film features world-first footage of bottom trawlers, including a scallop dredger off the south coast of Britain and another in Turkey, showing the devastating impact of this practice on the ocean floor.
The film’s directors, Keith Scholey and Toby Nowlan, have worked closely with Attenborough to bring attention to this critical issue. Scholey notes that Attenborough has "gone a lot further" in his criticism of industrial fishing practices than he has in the past, highlighting the urgent need for change. "He’s come to a new place," Scholey says. "He knows how much the public trusts him and how careful he has to be. He does want to bring about this change. So he absolutely has gone a lot further with this than before."
Attenborough’s message is clear: the world’s oceans are facing unprecedented threats, and urgent action is needed to protect them. He notes that industrial fishing has killed "two-thirds of all large predator fish" and that trawlers may be "removing the foundation of an entire ecosystem" in Antarctica. The film also highlights the issue of "modern day colonialism at sea", where huge trawlers operating off the coasts of countries reliant on fish for food and livelihoods are blamed for dwindling local catches.
As The Guardian reports, the film’s mission is to highlight the UN’s upcoming Ocean Conference in Nice, in June, where it is hoped a plan for ocean protection can be reached. Member states have agreed in principle to protect 30% of the world’s oceans from destructive fishing by 2030, as part of an agreement to stop biodiversity loss. Attenborough’s message is that this target needs more action.
The film also shows inspirational stories of ocean recovery in places where destructive fishing is banned, including off the Isle of Arran, Scotland, and Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, Hawaii. Attenborough notes that "the ocean can recover faster than we can ever imagine: it can bounce back to life". As Scholey notes, "success is possible". Attenborough attests, "I’ve seen it on a global scale once before".
As the naturalist approaches his 100th birthday, he tells viewers of the film that it is the seas that cover more than 70% of our planet that should be the focus of our concern. "I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land but at sea," he says. "We are at a crossroads, with humanity draining the life from the ocean".
The Guardian reports that the film’s directors and producers are hopeful that Attenborough’s involvement will bring attention to this critical issue and inspire action. As Nowlan notes, "there is an element of wake-up call, but really it’s a story of hope and recovery". Ocean will be available on Hulu and Disney+ later this year.
In conclusion, David Attenborough’s latest film, Ocean, is a powerful call to action, highlighting the devastating impact of destructive fishing practices on the world’s oceans. As The Guardian reports, the film is a story of hope and recovery, showing that with urgent action, we can protect the oceans and the life they support. With Attenborough’s involvement, it is hoped that this critical issue will be brought to the forefront of public debate, inspiring action to protect the world’s oceans for future generations.
The impact of bottom trawling on marine life and habitats is a critical issue that requires urgent attention. As Attenborough notes, "the idea of bulldozing a rainforest causes outrage, yet we do the same underwater every day. Surely you would argue it must be illegal". With the UN’s Ocean Conference approaching, it is hoped that this film will inspire action to protect the world’s oceans and the life they support.
According to The Guardian, the film’s message is clear: the world’s oceans are facing unprecedented threats, and urgent action is needed to protect them. With Attenborough’s involvement, it is hoped that this critical issue will be brought to the forefront of public debate, inspiring action to protect the world’s oceans for future generations.
