14 Ocean Documentaries to Watch in Self-Isolation
BY ALLY HUGHES
Missing The Sea? Welcome to your very own ‘Marine Entertainment from your Home’! Each day for the next 10 days, we’ll be releasing a blog article full of juicy, ocean related content for you to explore from the safety of your living room couch...
You all know why I’m writing this article. I don’t even want to mention you-know-what as this article should serve as a catalogue of pure ocean-y escapism to help you get through these days stuck inside away from the salty air, sandy footprints, and soothing sounds of our beautiful oceans. Thank you to everyone in our community who has massively helped my research for this by compiling your own lists and threads online. So pop some popcorn and melt into your couch to enjoy the following documentaries…
Blue Planet - Need I say anymore?! The soothing voice of Sir. David Attenborough takes us on a deep dive into our wonderfully complex blue planet. You will likely need your entire supply of tissues and toilet roll to get through season II.
A Plastic Ocean - Craig Leeson investigates the environmental impact of plastic pollution on our oceans’ health
Mission Blue - Another obvious one for the list. A feature length documentary about the legendary oceanographer Sylvia Earle.
She Is The Ocean - This documentary follows the lives of nine women and their love for the sea. Also features Sylvia Earle and her amazing work.
Sea of Shadows - The enthralling and heartbreaking story of desperate efforts to save the Vaquita porpoise in Mexico. I cried during a seminar on this topic, you have been warned.
Turtle: The Incredible Journey - I am reluctant to add this as it was co-produced by SeaWorld Pictures, however ocean documentaries are really heartbreaking and this story of a loggerhead’s migration from Florida to Africa is just that bit more cheerful.
Blackfish - If you were wondering about my SeaWorld comments then watch this story of Tilikum, the killer whale kept in captivity and mistreated which resulted in the deaths of several people.
The Islands and the Whales - Whilst we’re on the topic of whales, check out this documentary about the hunting practices off the coast of the Faroe islands and the impact it has had on wildlife populations
Sharkwater - Go learn about sharks and help debunk the stories of monstrous human hunters!
Chasing Coral - A deep look into why our coral reefs are disappearing at alarming rates and why they are so important in ocean ecosystems.
End of the Line - A look into the consequences of industrial fishing and illegal practices. Fisheries biologists predict that global fishing stock will be depleted by 2048 if we do not change our ways.
Tales by Light - A series focusing on underwater photography and the story behind the picture. Not all photos are from the ocean but it does feature regularly throughout.
The Polar Sea - A series exploring the Northwest Passage connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans through the Arctic.
Life in the Blue - Stunning filmography of animals in their natural environment that will brighten the day of every ocean enthusiast.