“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.”
Marine environment viewing
With a world of access to information on the marine environment and its species now available it has never been easier to get an insight into the often hidden world that exists just off our shores. Issues and practices that may have remained hidden from the public eye are now being showcased by some incredibly dedicated and talented filmmakers.
Whilst the general public’s exposure to the oceans around our planet might still be restricted to more viewer friendly productions such as the BBC’s ‘Blue Planet’ series, for those who want to take a deeper dive into the true state of the oceans around us - and the often shocking abuse they suffer at the hands of those with a drive for profit - we will regularly update this section with recommendations for some of the most important documentaries available to view.
The sequel to one of the most eye-opening documentaries of all time is, due to the events that took place whilst it was being filmed, a different film from its predecessor, but it is no less powerful for that. Returning to many of the places from the original Sharkwater film, Rob Stewart discovers that despite a greater level of education, regulation and publicity, not much has changed in the fight to save the planet's sharks from human destruction. The last 20 minutes are a tough watch but they should be seen by all, if for no other reason than to show that the dedication of some humans to risk it all to save our species should become an example we all follow. Available to purchase via iTunes/Apple TV
Documenting the incredible open ocean diving exploits of Hawaii's most famous shark divers, this film features stunning footage of cageless divers peacefully interacting with the largest White Sharks alive today. Truly staggering footage and useful shark safety information for everyone from swimmers to surfers makes this a must-see for anyone with even a passing interest in the oceans most feared predators. Available to purchase via iTunes/Apple TV
In stark contrast to many ocean related documentaries that feature beautiful underwater visuals but little substance, this film spends almost 2 hours giving an in depth, gloss free overview of the fight to save the Ross Sea from exploration as a 'new' commercial fishery. Despite the information heavy angle the film still engages enough to keep even the casual viewer interested and I defy anyone to come away from watching it still believing the exploitation of marine ecosystems for profit is anything other than a human and planetary tragedy. Available to purchase via iTunes/Apple TV
Covering several areas of the current fight against mankind's wilful destruction of the oceans this film gives a wider, planet wide perspective of the struggles faced by our seas. With an overview of everything from shark finning to adult birds feeding their chicks raw plastic, the viewer will come away from watching with a greater appreciation of just how much work we have to do. Available to purchase via iTunes/Apple TV
Focusing on the work of acclaimed marine biologist Dr Sylvia Earl 'Mission Blue' takes an in-depth look into the process and reasons for setting aside areas of the marine ecosystem as dedicated national parks in order to protect our oceans from overfishing and human destruction. Filmed during the Obama administration, when viewed now it shows just how destructive and petty the actions of the Trump administration have been in reversing many of the protections that were newly afforded our planet's waters and how much work is left to do before the greed of the commercial interests completely eradicate what was once a healthy, abundant ecosystem. Available to watch on Netflix
These essential films should be at the top of every interested person’s watch list : -
Available to watch on Netflix
Available to watch on Netflix
Available to purchase via iTunes
Available to watch on Netflix
Available to watch on Netflix
Available to purchase via iTunes
Marine environment reading
As with visual documentaries, a huge wealth of knowledge, research and experience is available to us these days via good old books and whether you choose to read or listen to them the sheer amount of information they have to impart is staggering. Whilst some text books that focus on the “less famous” species that inhabit our oceans can be a little dry for entertainment reading, the big name players - dolphins, whales, sharks etc - will always generate enough stories and experiences to make reading about them as pleasurable as any made up novels. All books listed are available as both physical books and audiobooks.
The world's smallest marine mammal. The worlds most endangered marine mammal. The worlds most elusive marine mammal. The Vaquita has a lot of names attached to it, yet most people don't even know it exists. With a population that makes its home in just one small area of the Sea of Cortez and numbering in just the tens, the Vaquita is nevertheless the poster child for humanities impact on other life on this planet and its desperate need to protect them from extinction. This book will ensure you never look at the sea in the same way again.
An exciting adventure from the first chapter, this retelling of an incredible journey finds the author living solo on a sailboat just offshore of the Farallon Islands hoping to get a glimpse of the area's notorious "sisters", a gang of White Sharks who have made the Farallons their home. With unpredictable weather, biting cold and remoteness all adding to the mix, the story gives a valuable insight into the lives of White Sharks and their feeding habits, as well as the conditions some humans will endure to interact with these incredible fish.
An entire history of the oceans and its inhabitants covering every corner of the planet, this book should be on everyone with an interest in the marine environments list of must reads. Covering everything from our species' efforts to survive and colonise the islands of the Pacific to the invention and adoption of the fishing methods that have brought our seas to the very brink of extinction, this book will leave you in wonder of the oceans, the species who live there and the impact we have had on them both.
Some of the largest, most intelligent animals to have ever existed on this planet, yet almost destroyed in our own quest for oil and fat, Whales are arguably the most interesting marine life that currently roam the oceans. From Humpbacks to False Killers, Orcas to Blues this book traces the history of Whales' evolution over millions of years, through the desecration of the great pods and onto the current fight to ensure their survival against the harpoons of "scientific research." An intelligent, comprehensive book that - despite telling you almost everything there is to know about Whales - will still leave you wanting to learn more.
When it comes to the sea, most humans will tell you that dolphins are the one species they feel the most affinity with. Our species have been intertwined for thousands of years and an almost spiritual connection has developed in that time that few will deny is anything other than a love affair. Susan Casey is a master at describing experiences and locations as well as digging deeper into the truths behind our shared history and our future interactions on a changing planet.
Ocean enjoyment showcase
If you are looking for a more immediate fix of ocean related goodness the instagram accounts below are some of our favourites for showcasing and appreciating water based activities around our island’s beautiful coastline. Click each one to give them a follow via www.instagram.com
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