Ocean documentaries offer valuable insights about ecosystems, marine life, and the challenges our oceans face. They inform people about the steps to keep the oceans clean and raise awareness for their conservation. Several reports have shown that certain species in the aquatic world are facing extinction. These documentaries can be significant in exploring areas of oceans that have never been explored before.
Ocean documentaries also educate people about environmental issues such as pollution, habitat destruction, and climate change. By highlighting these problems, documentaries can motivate people to take strict action to improve the situation. So, for those looking for documentaries related to ocean life and conservation, here are some of the best projects available for streaming right now.
Blue Planet II
Hosted by Sir David Attenborough, Blue Planet II is one of the most visually stunning documentaries on ocean life. The 2017 documentary series features the camera crew traveling to the depths of the oceans and capturing stunning footage. The seven-part series also focuses on the behavior of sea animals. It is one of the rare documentaries that provides an immersive experience of marine ecosystems that have never been captured on camera.
However, spectators shouldn’t merely admire the series for its aesthetic appeal. They should also direct their attention towards the challenges confronting our oceans and how these issues escalate each year.
Blue Planet II is available to stream on Discovery Plus.
Chasing Coral
This 2017 Netflix documentary follows a team of scientists investigating the reasons for the drop in the coral reef population. However, they are not alone in this endeavor. The project also features divers and photographers who record the disappearance of coral reefs. One of the best aspects of Chasing Coral is how it uses visual proof to make a strong case for the declining health of the oceans.
The documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and garnered positive reviews. It was awarded the Audience Award for US Documentary. Moreover, Netflix acquired the streaming rights to the documentary and premiered it on its platform. It currently holds a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Chasing Coral is currently streaming on Netflix.
Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough
David Attenborough possesses a unique ability to enhance the impact of a documentary through his eloquent narration. The 2015 BBC-produced documentary series, divided into three episodes, explores the diverse species inhabiting the Great Barrier Reef. Throughout the series, Attenborough ventures to various corners of Australia to study these species while also shedding light on the numerous threats facing coral reefs and their ecosystems.
The visuals are breathtaking, and the scientific content is captivating. Moreover, the series boasts exceptionally high production values, enhancing the immersive exploration of one of the planet’s most remarkable natural marvels.
Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough is available to stream on the Smithsonian Channel.
A Plastic Ocean
The Plastic Ocean starts with a harrowing visual of how plastic pollution is one of the biggest problems that oceans face today. In this documentary, a team of experts from different fields comes together to observe blue whales off the shores of Sri Lanka.
However, they soon find themselves in a peculiar position when they see millions of tons of plastic waste going into the oceans every year. The documentary shows how plastic pollution is lethal for the marine ecosystem.
Released in 2016, the documentary is available to stream on Netflix.
