Oceans 

Article by Deidre Prinsloo 9b and Elisabeth Polivka 9b (07.05.2026)

On the sixth of March, the school's UNESCO group got the opportunity to watch a screening of the documentary "Oceans" starring David Attenborough. The Movie, directed by Toby Nowlan, Keith Scholey, and Colin Butfield, concerns itself with various fishing and climate issues in the oceans all over our planet. Throughout the Thai National Geographic movie, released on the 8th of May 2025, we travel across the wide seas of our planet, hearing both stories of hope and devastation. We also got the extraordinary chance to talk to Lioba Schwarzer from the DUH about the movie as well as discuss various current issues.  

The documentary sheds light on an issue often not talked about that shreds our sea beds daily. Modern industrial bottom-trawlers drag chains or metal beams across the ocean floor in order to fish. Often, they are only looking for a single species, throwing away about three-quarters of their catch. This wasteful way of fishing destroys an area of the Amazon forest yearly. These metal chains drag across the seabed all over the world, fishing the same area over and over again, completely abolishing the sea life that once thrived there. These trawlers leave barren wastelands where colourful and flourishing ecosystems, that took hundreds of years to develop, lived and thrived. Not only do these boats wastefully kill large amounts of fish, but by unsettling the sea bed it also release carbon dioxide, which further damages our planet. 

Through an interview with John Adams, we are informed about the consequences the trawlers have in Liberia. He tells us how diverse their catch used to be. They were able to work with the ocean in order to support their communities. Now, their nets are empty, and only the smallest of fish remain. The very nets in which they were able to catch a variety of large animals now bring back plastic instead. As they rely on the ocean to support their families, these industrial tawlers sometimes leave communities to starve. Forcing the people who used to have an abundant supply of catch to chase after even the smallest fish. 

We are further informed that not even Antarctica is safe from the industrial fishing boats. These boats, however, hunt for Antarctic krill. The entire ecosystem of Antarctica relies on krill to survive. We are taking it away for fish farms, health supplements, and even pet food. These floating factories “suck hundreds of thousands of tonnes of krill into vast nets”. Thus, leaving no corner of our world untouched.  

The documentary does represent a flicker of hope by showing the immensely positive effects that the marine reserve of the Channel Islands has had. This area of the west coast of America had been so intensely fished that sea urchins, with no natural predators remaining, took over the sea, leaving nothing to fish behind. Thus, a ‘no-take zone’ nearly the size of 300 square miles was established. After only five years, the ocean had recovered. Vast forests flourished with different species returning and growing bigger than ever before. This reserve started to spill over, leaving surrounding areas filled with lobsters and other species, as the newly hatched shellfish were carried by the current outside the borders. Fisherman Ray Kennedy says that he pulled out the trap of his life while fishing on the border of the reserve. These ‘no-take zones’ have truly restored marine life to an unrecognizable degree. “ I think every fisherman I know will acknowledge the fact that the reserves are working.” 

The movie ends informing the viewer about a conference taking place in June 2025. This is where Frau Schwarzer from the Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH)  could answer our questions regarding the film. This UN oceans conference took place in Nice last year in June. This conference, also called UNOC, takes place every three years. Last year's conference resulted in a very important agreement. This conference produced great improvements in the protection of international water. 

The organisation from which she stems has three columns: politics or lobbying, campaign work, and, most importantly, they sue. They sue the government when they do not fully fulfil the laws. This, however, makes the DUH a little bit unpopular. They make sure that the government and corporations follow environmental laws and work against opposing lobbyists. 

The marine biologist informed us that the problematic trawling also happens in Germany. Not only in Germany but also in marine reserves which are meant to be protected. The Wadden sea that reaches across multiple states, is a marine reserve. Unfortunately, bottom trawlers are used to catch crabs here as they live on the seabed. This directly goes against the FFH policy (Flora, fauna, habitat policy), which forbids trawling as it goes against parts of this policy. 

Lioba Schwarer answered even more of our questions and informed us about other issues like the krill fishing in Antarctica. For further information on any of these issues one can take a look at the DUH’s website and even sign a petition against the use of bottom trawling in the German Wadden Sea. 

The documentary Oceans with David Attenborough uncovers many issues that often go overlooked in our vast oceans, showing us the beauty that is being lost daily. It informs about solutions and stories from all over the world. It is a story of our Earth's sea and how we are actively destroying it and robbing it of its biodiversity and impressiveness. From the blue whale to krill, each creature plays its part in sustaining a magnificent ecosystem, and it is our responsibility to play ours. The movie truly leaves one stunned, both by the breathtaking life and horrors committed by humans, both hidden beneath the waves. 

Sources: 

“Fokus UN-Ozeankonferenz 2025.” Meere Online, www.meere-online.de/fokus-un-ozeankonferenz-2025. 

“Deutsche Umwelthilfe, Schutzstation Wattenmeer Und WWF Fordern: Keine Neuen Ölbohrungen Im Wattenmeer Und Stopp Der Ölförderung Bis 2030.” Deutsche Umwelthilfe e.V., www.duh.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/pressemitteilung/deutsche-umwelthilfe-schutzstation-wattenmeer-und-wwf-fordern-keine-neuen-oelbohrungen-im-wattenmeer. Accessed 7 May 2026.

“Stoppt Die Zerstörerische Grundschleppnetzfischerei Im Wattenmeer!” Deutsche Umwelthilfe, l.duh.de/grundschleppnetz . Accessed 7 May 2026. 

“Ocean With David Attenborough - National Geographic Society.” National Geographic Society, 21 May 2025, www.nationalgeographic.org/society/ocean-with-david-attenborough . Accessed 7 May 2026.

Pictures: 

   Oceans With David Attenbrough. Aug. 2025, jisa.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Ocean-with-David-Attenborough-960x480.jpg.