Isn’t it surprising how little we seem to know about the wonders, complexities, and realities of our oceans? As the very lungs of our mother Earth are silently struggling, we continue to feed this growing culture of instant gratification, use-and-throw, and overconsumption. The first step to reversing the damage we’ve caused is becoming aware of it to begin with!
These 8 documentaries on our oceans bring to light a host of issues we need to be talking about, from sea-park cruelty to overfishing, plastic pollution, marine intelligence, and so much more.
1. Our Planet
One of Sir David Attenborough’s classics, this documentary examines the impact that our modern human lifestyles have on marine life. From seeing albatross parents unknowingly feeding their chicks discarded plastic picked up from the oceans to mother dolphins accidentally exposing their newborn babies to toxic pollutants through their contaminated milk, and many more such examples, we start to understand the extent of the damage caused by our lifestyle choices.
Watch it here on Netflix.
2. My Octopus Teacher
A filmmaker begins freediving in a kelp forest off the coast of South Africa, and has a remarkable encounter with an octopus who has him spellbound. My Octopus Teacher is not only a gorgeous wildlife documentary but also a tear jerking tale of how a man finds joy and purpose through his unlikely friendship with an octopus. This powerful documentary helps heal our deep disconnection from nature and marine life.
Watch it here on Netflix.
3. Seaspiracy
Kip Anderson’s sequel to Cowspiracy, this film sheds light on the alarming and lesser known truths about widespread destruction of our oceans caused by human behaviour. From plastics and fishing lines polluting the waters, to the irreparable damage of bottom trawling, illegal fishing and devastating hunting practices, Seaspiracy examines the ways in which humanity is wreaking havoc on the marine ecosystem.
Watch it here on Netflix.
4. Blackfish
An award-winning documentary about the ethical considerations and dangers involved in keeping marine animals captive. Blackfish highlights the story of Tilikum, the orca who was kept in captivity for the sole purpose of entertainment at the notorious Sea World. This documentary explores the orca’s intricate personality, the way she is abused and tamed into submission, and the growing delusion of misled workers who were endangered by this highly profitable sea-park industry.
Watch it here.
5. The Cove
The Cove highlights the story of O’Barry, who was once involved in capturing and training dolphins for the hit television show Flipper. When he eventually grew regretful of his actions, he gave up that life to become a dolphin activist, working relentlessly to expose the ugly reality of dolphin drive hunting – the practice of herding dolphins into a contained area where they are caught and sold to aquariums or brutally killed for their meat. While it’s definitely NOT an easy watch, doing it to become aware of such practices might be the least we can do.
Watch it here.
6. A Plastic Ocean
Filmed in 20 locations around the globe, A Plastic Ocean uncovers the alarming truth about what actually lies beneath the surface of our seemingly pristine oceans. This feature-length documentary educates us on the consequences of our culture of use-and-throw. The result will have you floored with never-before-seen images of marine pollution, and its ultimate consequences for human health.
Watch it here.
7. Mission Blue
This 2014 documentary film follows the legendary oceanographer, marine biologist, environmentalist, and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Sylvia Earle on her quest to protect the ocean from decline. It sheds light on the biggest threats such as plastics, overfishing, and climate change.
Watch it here on Netflix.
8. Chasing Coral
It’s no new news that coral reefs all around the globe are disappearing at an unprecedented rate. Chasing Coral examines the root causes of this rapid decline. Divers, photographers and scientists set out on an ocean adventure to reveal the truth. This documentary also stresses on the significance (and struggles) of communicating these seemingly distant concerns to the world.
Watch it here on Netflix.
Awareness is the first step towards change, and it is also the springboard to action. These documentaries on our oceans are a must-watch for anyone! Check them off your list one by one, and you’ll find yourself all the more driven to make a difference and spread the message to a broader circle.
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