Through Attenborough's optimism about the ocean we may be lulled by an undercurrent of complacency

Daily Maverick

16-06-2025

In his latest – and likely last – documentary, the renowned biologist and natural historian leaves a message of hope – but will the world listen?
The recently released feature-length documentary Ocean with David Attenborough is a visual marvel that makes a compelling case for preserving the health of the ocean.
It opens with the argument that what lies under the surface of the ocean has, until now, remained a complete mystery to humankind. It is only with the technological advances of the 20th and 21st centuries that we have been able to see what dwells beneath the waves, but only now have we begun to turn our attention away from the enchanting magic of the ocean towards the beasts senselessly destroying it.
The documentary features devastatingly detailed and unforgiving footage of bottom trawling, a fishing technique that involves dragging large nets across the sea floor, capturing and destroying all in its path. So massive are the scars left behind that they are visible from space, Attenborough says.
Released in the lead-up to the UN's Ocean Conference, which began on 9 June, Ocean with David Attenborough is a clear call to action. It aims to galvanise global support for banning bottom trawling and expanding marine protected areas. There is also growing pressure on nations to ratify the High Seas Treaty, a crucial agreement that will only come into force once 60 countries have ratified it. As of 9 June, just 32 had done so.
In the UN's hands
The scenes of the barren graveyard left behind by trawlers are quickly banished by Attenborough's declaration of hope. Marine life has a remarkable ability to recover – if only left alone, he says.
Within just a few years life can bounce back. No matter how overfished and exploited the ocean is, if an area is protected for long enough, life stubbornly returns. In addition, healing is not limited to protected areas – life leaks out, carried by the currents.
Only 3% of the world's oceans are fully protected from exploitation. Attenborough hints at the solution: protecting at least 30%. But, delivered as his 'greatest message of hope', the film risks lulling audiences into inaction. In a time of unprecedented urgency, could hope inadvertently breed complacency?
The UK recently announced it would extend bans on bottom trawling from 18,000km² to 30,000km² of its offshore areas, affecting 41 of its 128 marine protected areas.
France, co-host of the Ocean Conference with Costa Rica, boasts that it has surpassed the 30% protection target set for 2030. But environmental groups warn of a troubling discrepancy between promises and practice. In reality, despite the claims, only about 3% of French waters are protected from destructive activities.
According to the advocacy group Oceana, more than 100 bottom-trawling vessels operated for more than 17,000 hours in 2024 in France's six marine nature parks in European waters.
Attenborough also draws attention to a more insidious problem: enforcement. In international waters, where no single nation has jurisdiction, ensuring compliance is exceedingly difficult. Marine protection, he suggests, has often amounted to little more than optics.
Out of sight, out of mind
Ocean conservationist Luke McMillan said in a LinkedIn post: 'Perhaps [the documentary's] gentleness will be its strength. If not, then I fear we're lost. If Sir David can't move the needle, what hope is left for the rest of us trying to?'
Renee Bonorchis, founder of The Ocean Advocate, points out that Attenborough focuses on bottom trawling, but the ocean faces far more adversity than this issue. One example is the acidification of water caused by increased carbon dioxide in the air, which causes the calcium carbonate that makes up sea creatures' shells to 'melt'.
The documentary may cause some consternation for a few days, but once that feeling fades amid the bustle of daily life, will the state of the ocean once again be a case of out of sight, out of mind?
Attenborough has declared this documentary to be his last as he approaches his centenary. But, having left the fate of the ocean in the hands of the UN, the documentary dangles the tempting comfort of complacency. If it's all up to them, what can we do anyway?
The Ocean Conference has the mandate to formalise an ocean agreement. 'If these agreements are reached and stuck to, it will make a difference, but we've seen so many global agreements and treaties and very few of them are fully committed to by the member states, which is why it comes down to us, as individuals,' Bonorchis says.
'If you want to see the change, be the change.'
Practical steps to make a difference in South Africa
Download the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (Sassi) mobile app: Get readily available information about sustainable seafood on your phone by downloading this useful app from Google Play or the App Store.
Avoid single-use plastics: Use canvas bags for shopping and support stores that use sustainable, biodegradable packaging.
Get actionable insights into adapting your context for sustainability: Download the Sustainable Seas Trust's Plastic-Free Seas: An Action-Focused Guide for Plastic Management in Africa to learn how the Global South can become the world's leader in sustainable waste management.
Marine-friendly sunscreen: Many sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that damage coral reefs and other marine life. Ensure your sunscreen is marine friendly.
Reduce your carbon footprint: Increased carbon in the air increases the acidity of the water, severely affecting marine life. Reduce your carbon footprint by working at home when you can, reducing international travel and using less electricity.
Join protests: Show the powers that be that you care by joining protests. Extinction Rebellion, GreenPeace and Green Connection are some examples of active groups championing climate rights.
Reduce your meat consumption: Consuming meat contributes significantly to the release of greenhouse gases. Changing to a majority vegetarian or vegan diet is a simple way to make a big impact.
Vote for the climate: Keep the climate in mind when you are voting for political leaders. So far, none of the major political parties in South Africa has led with a climate agenda in its campaigning. DM
This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.