London
CNN
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In a conversation with Prince William, David Attenborough describes the human influence on the deep sea bed as “unspeakably terrible.”
In a video filmed at London’s Royal Festival Hall in early May and posted on Kensington Palace’s social media channels on Saturday, biologists and natural historians were reflected in the scale of human damage caused underneath the surface.
“The terrible thing is that it’s hidden from most people,” Attenborough said. “It’s amazing how bad we went to the deep sea floor. If you did something on land that would alienate it, everyone will be wrapped in their arms.”
The pioneering naturalists added that he was “applauded” when “the first time I saw filming for this film,” which showed the state of the seabed.
The feature-length documentary Ocean with David Attenborough explores “how his life coincided with the great era of ocean discovery” and “why healthy oceans stabilize and thrive the whole planet.”
The film will be available for streaming online starting Sunday, World Ocean Day.
“If this film does anything, if it just changes public consciousness, it’s going to be very, very important,” Attenborough said. “I hope that before we destroy this big treasure, those who see it will realize that something has to be done.”
The 99-year-old broadcaster told William that having an “appetizer to people’s front rooms” was “encouraging.”
“You can see this approaching in the whole family, sitting comfortably at home.
Looking back at the untapped frontiers of the ocean, William said the idea that there may be some marine areas that humans have never seen before is “attractive.” He asked Attenborough if the possibility still existed.
“There is no doubt,” the naturalist replied. “We are now in a situation where we can go to places you’ve never been there before.”
The Prince of Wales added that the discovery opportunity will provide “a moment of genuinely optimistic excitement that will enable the next generation to become bigger explorers.”
Environmental champion for over a decade, William has repeatedly cited Attenborough as “inspiration” for many years. More recently, it has been linked to the Guardians docusary, which focuses on the work of wildlife conservation rangers.
In 2020, the pair launched the Earth Shot Awards. It is an ambitious environmental initiative that seeks to provide green solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including marine conservation. The prize money will award five winners £1 million (approximately $1.2 million) a year. Organizers hope to have at least 50 pioneering environmental solutions funded by 2030.
“Ocean” is based on Attenborough’s long-standing collaboration with marine scientists working to explore and document the deep sea. The release comes amid concerns over threats such as deep sea mining, reduced biodiversity and vulnerability of marine ecosystems to climate change.
The documentary will also arrive just before the UN Marine Conference, which will take place later this month in Nice, France. Member States have agreed in principle to protect 30% of the world’s oceans, but progress has slowed. At “Ocean,” Attenborough is looking for more urgency.
Nell Lewis of CNN contributed to this report.
