As he approaches his 99th birthday, Sir David Attenborough is set to premiere what he describes as one of the most significant films of his illustrious career. The documentary, titled Ocean, will debut tonight, May 6, 2025, at London’s Royal Festival Hall, and aims to raise awareness about the urgent need to protect the world’s oceans.
"After almost 100 years on the planet, I now understand the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea," Attenborough states in the film. This cinematic effort serves as a powerful call to action, addressing the critical state of the oceans and the threats posed by industrial fishing practices, particularly bottom trawling, which not only devastates marine ecosystems but also contributes significantly to climate change.
Producer Toby Nowlan describes Ocean as a departure from Attenborough’s usual documentaries, emphasizing its urgent message rather than simply showcasing new natural history behaviors. "This is not about seeing brand new natural history behaviours. It is the greatest message he’s ever told," Nowlan asserts.
Attenborough’s narrative is interwoven with hope, reflecting on the near-extinction of whales and their remarkable recovery since the ban on commercial whaling in 1986. "I remember thinking that was it — we’d lost the great whales," he recalls. "Yet decades on, their numbers are climbing again, proof that recovery is possible when the world comes together." This hopeful message is particularly timely, coinciding with a major United Nations conference in the coming weeks where world leaders will be under pressure to commit to protecting a third of the planet’s oceans.
"The ocean can bounce back to life," Attenborough insists. "If left alone, it may not just recover — but thrive beyond anything anyone alive has ever seen." This optimism is essential as the film aims to inspire collective action toward ocean conservation.
The film's release is coupled with a book, Ocean: Earth’s Last Wilderness, which will also be available starting May 8, 2025. Researchers from the University of Exeter contributed scientific advice for both the film and the book, bringing together the most significant marine discoveries of the last two decades. Dr. Casper van de Geer, who worked alongside Sir David’s co-author Colin Butfield, emphasized the importance of understanding the current state of the ocean and its future.
"Ocean is aimed at people who want to know more about the current state of the ocean and its future," van de Geer stated. The film showcases the beauty and diversity of marine life while simultaneously exposing the destruction wrought by practices such as bottom trawling, which damages the seabed and releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Professor Callum Roberts, who reviewed the film’s script for scientific integrity, highlighted the need to convey the grave impacts of industrial fishing. "For many years scientists like me have been revealing, study by study, the massive impact that fishing using bottom trawls and dredges has on seabed life," he said. "This film brings the collateral damage done by industrial fishing into stark focus, but also shows the amazing power of ocean life to regenerate when we protect it."
As the world prepares for the upcoming UN Ocean Conference, Attenborough’s film arrives at a critical juncture. It not only showcases the threats facing our oceans but also offers a vision of hope and recovery. "This could be the moment of change," he says, encouraging viewers to consider their role in preserving marine ecosystems.
Attenborough's legacy spans over seven decades, beginning with his first television appearance in 1954. His work has inspired countless individuals and raised awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. Even at 99, he shows no signs of slowing down; he has a five-part documentary series titled Parenthood set to air on the BBC this summer, further demonstrating his commitment to educating the public about the natural world.
In addition to the film, Attenborough's influence is evident in the numerous documentaries he has produced over the years, including the acclaimed Planet Earth and Blue Planet series. His ability to connect with audiences through storytelling has made him a beloved figure worldwide, and his latest project is no exception.
As Ocean prepares for its theatrical release, the anticipation builds for what many believe will be a landmark film in the fight for ocean conservation. Attenborough’s poignant reminders of the fragility of marine ecosystems are coupled with a call to action that resonates deeply in today’s climate crisis.
"If we save the sea, we save our world. After a lifetime of filming our planet, I’m sure nothing is more important," he emphasizes, urging viewers to reflect on their connection to the oceans and the urgent need for collective action.
The film will be available in cinemas across the UK starting May 8, 2025, coinciding with Attenborough’s 99th birthday, and will later be accessible on Disney+ and Hulu. With the release of Ocean and the accompanying book, Sir David Attenborough continues to inspire generations to cherish and protect the natural world.
