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‘Ocean’ – Sir David’s plea to save the sea

Ruth Williams, head of marine conservation, explains why saving our seas is key to saving our world

Wow, what a night, what a film!

I had the privilege of attending the premiere of David Attenborough's new film 'Ocean' on Tuesday 6th May.  Coinciding with his 99th Birthday, this is his most thought provoking and powerful film to date, with a strong political message.

Having lived the same length of time as one of the ocean giants, the blue whale, Sir David explained in simple terms, accompanied by incredible footage, that we all need a healthy ocean, and we need to act now to ensure our seas, and consequently us, have a future.

Ruth Williams, The Wildlife Trusts' head of marine conservation stood in front of the Ocean film poster with Matt Walpole, Chief Executive of Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Ruth Williams, The Wildlife Trusts' head of marine conservation with Matt Walpole, Chief Executive of Cornwall Wildlife Trust

I have been a marine conservationist for three decades and while I knew this film would be good, I didn’t expect the goosebumps from some of the incredible images, or for it to be so hard hitting. It was a real rollercoaster of emotions.

Firstly, I was grateful for being invited to be part of such a momentous marine event, then inspired by the incredible footage of how awesome our seas can be.

That followed soon after by real anger at what we as humans have done and continue to do, by allowing the hugely destructive practice of industrial scale fishing activity that now impacts every corner of our seas, including in our supposedly protected areas. And then finally, optimism, that we can make change and our seas can recover if given the chance.

Humpback whale (c) Richard Shucksmith/scotlandbigpicture.com

Humpback whale (c) Richard Shucksmith/scotlandbigpicture.com

Snakelocks anemone by Dan Bolt

Snakelocks anemone by Dan Bolt

© Alexander Mustard 2020Vision

Cuttlefish © Alexander Mustard 2020Vision

A spiny starfish on kelp just below the water's surface

Copyright Paul Naylor

Grey seal underwater

Grey seal ©Alexander Mustard/2020VISION

The film showcases not only the wonders of our ocean, but shocking underwater sequences of the damage bottom trawling and other fisheries cause, not just by ploughing up the seabed, but also through releasing the valuable carbon stored in those habitats.

It’s a powerful film, with a shockingly simple message - a message that aligns with our calls from The Wildlife Trusts.

We need properly managed Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with no destructive fishing or bottom trawling allowed.

Not only will this protect the wildlife within these sites, there will also be ‘spill over’ into the wider areas to support sustainable fisheries for the long term. And by protecting the seabed, we are locking away huge stores of carbon, ensuring a climate win at the same time. 

We need to listen to and support our coastal communities who can help to protect their local areas from the bottom up, and we can’t allow development to negatively impact our MPAs in the drive for growth.

Marine recovery is achievable, the evidence is there in the film, in full, big screen colour. We also have proof from our own marine programmes such as Sussex Wildlife Trust’s involvement in the recovery of Sussex’s kelp forests following the trawling ban there a few years ago.

There are some tough decisions to be made but with the United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice next month there is a real opportunity to progress the change we need, particularly for our MPAs. We hope that governments attending, including our own, will stand strong to deliver on pledges to properly protect 30% of the world’s oceans, and halt the most damaging forms of fishing within them.

I urge you to go to see this film and to support our, and Sir David’s, urgent calls for action - save our seas and we save our world....

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