The tremendous beauty of the oceans is the subject of Sir David Attenboroughʼs new film, available worldwide from 8 June – World Ocean Day – on National Geographic, through the streaming platform Disney+. Directed by Toby Nowlan, Keith Scholey, and Colin Butfield, Ocean with David Attenborough showcases the majesty and impressive power of the oceans.

The calm, authoritative voice of the English natural sciences expert – still an extraordinary communicator at 99 years old – is accompanied by an urgent soundtrack and punctuated with compelling evidence. The film is set against a backdrop of water and light, clarity and magnificent colours. But it is not only wonder that pulsates under its vast blue horizon: it is also complexity, drama, painful violence. It is an urgent need to ensure the health of the great oceans around the world.

David Attenborough Exposes Our Oceansʼ Wounds

From Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios, Ocean is David Attenborough and the National Geographicʼs first collaboration. The documentary is rooted in extensive marine scientific research and support from scientific advisers, among whom is the National Geographic Pristine Seas founder, Enric Sala.

Drawing on his life as an extraordinary explorer, and marine explorer, Attenborough accompanies us on a wonderful journey of discovery, revealing spectacular marine habitats with surprisingly diverse ecosystems: jungles of giant algae, barrier reefs, and mountains in the heart of the ocean.

But the film also exposes the oceansʼ wounds: coral bleaching, industrial fishing and overfishing from trawling and dredging, and a lack of respect for aquatic animal and plant life. It addresses the ruthless exploitation of the sea that damages, first and foremost – as with any environmental crisis – the most disadvantaged groups and social classes. This is illustrated by the images of Liberian fishermenʼs empty nets that catch more plastic than fish. Attenborough reminds us that everything is closely connected and that the oceanʼs health is crucial to avoiding climate catastrophe. ‘If we save the sea, we save our world,’ he states at the end of the film. Protecting the ocean concerns every human being.

Attenborough Rouses the Publicʼs Conscience

This spectacular, scientific, and, at the same time, human documentary reveals the delicate challenges the oceans must face. It encourages the viewer to gain a better understanding of the vital role our oceans play in saving the planet.

Viewers are informed about, and invited to observe, the wounds of – but also the possible solutions to restore – this ancient oceanic splendour. The world-renowned natural historian stresses that everything is connected; the ocean is fundamental to the stability of the climate and the wellbeing of the entire world.

He reflects on the consequences of specific and visibly harmful progress, but also on the new science that can ensure a future for the life of the sea, which means ensuring a future for life beyond the sea.

The naturalist exposes the greatest threats to the health of our oceans and, at the same time, reminds us that – if we act now – it is possible to restore marine life on an unprecedented scale. This is because the oceans have an incredible resilience and ability to recover – if they are protected.

David Attenborough Gives Us Hope for the Oceans

Ocean with David Attenborough explores wounds and hope, dark depths and rays of light, reminding us that it is inevitably we who must work to heal the oceans. If it is true that ‘the oceans have the power to protect’ and that they ‘give life’ (as is expressed in the documentary), then it is also true that our behaviour has a huge impact.

We live in a time of great scientific discovery, which offers an opportunity to study the oceans like never before, and these discoveries reveal the extraordinary tool that is marine reserves.

‘My lifetime has coincided with the great age of ocean discovery,’ Attenborough states. ‘Over the last hundred years, scientists and explorers have revealed remarkable new species, epic migrations, and dazzling, complex ecosystems … In this film, we share some of those wonderful discoveries, uncover why our ocean is in such poor health, and, perhaps most importantly, show how it can be restored to health.’

The documentary concludes with the message: ‘This film was released in 2025, halfway through the United Nationsʼ Decade of the Ocean. The worldʼs countries committed to protect 30% of the global ocean by 2030. Now, the responsibility lies with all of us to ensure this happens.’

The pressbook states: ‘Educators can be part of the solution that inspires young people – the ocean stewards of tomorrow – by discussing OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH in the classroom. Later this year, National Geographic Pristine Seas will make the documentary film available to educators at schools, universities, museums, and libraries, and for educational and charitable conferences and events for non-commercial purposes. Learn more at nationalgeographic.org/society/ocean-with-david-attenborough/.’

Article translated into English by Becca Webley