At 99 years old, Sir David Attenborough, the iconic voice of nature documentaries, has delivered what may be one of the most profound messages of his storied career in his latest cinematic masterpiece, Ocean with David Attenborough. In this breathtaking feature-length documentary, the legendary broadcaster confronts his own mortality, stating that he is “nearing the end of my life.” Yet, far from a somber farewell, this film is a powerful call to action, blending awe-inspiring visuals with a sobering look at the state of the world’s oceans and an optimistic vision for their recovery.

Attenborough’s lifelong passion for the natural world began as a young boy gazing at the sea, a time when humanity viewed the ocean as a vast, untamable wilderness to be exploited for its resources. In Ocean, he reflects on how this perspective has shifted dramatically over his nearly century-long life. Advances in technology, such as scuba gear and deep-sea submersibles, have unveiled a vibrant underwater world teeming with life—coral reefs pulsing with color, kelp forests swaying like underwater jungles, and migratory species traversing vast oceanic highways. These discoveries, which Attenborough has shared with millions through his work, have redefined the ocean as Earth’s lifeblood, a critical ecosystem that regulates the planet’s climate and sustains biodiversity.

The documentary takes viewers on a journey through some of the ocean’s most spectacular realms. From the kaleidoscopic coral reefs of Raja Ampat in Indonesia to the hauntingly beautiful kelp forests off California’s coast, the film’s cinematography captures the ocean’s diversity and fragility. Attenborough’s narration, as always, is both soothing and commanding, guiding audiences through underwater worlds that feel otherworldly yet are vital to human survival. The ocean, he explains, is not just a habitat for marine life but a global system that absorbs carbon dioxide, produces oxygen, and stabilizes the climate. Without a healthy ocean, life on land would falter.

However, Ocean does not shy away from the grim realities facing this critical ecosystem. Attenborough confronts the devastating impact of human activities, particularly industrial fishing practices like bottom trawling, which tear through the seabed, leaving barren wastelands in their wake. The film’s visceral footage of trawlers churning up clouds of sediment and destroying delicate marine habitats is a stark reminder of humanity’s toll on the seas. Overfishing, plastic pollution, and rising sea temperatures due to climate change have pushed many marine ecosystems to the brink. Coral reefs, once vibrant with life, now bleach into ghostly white graveyards, a phenomenon captured in heartbreaking detail during recent marine heatwaves.

Yet, amidst this bleak portrait, Attenborough’s message is one of hope. He points to remarkable examples of ocean recovery, such as the resurgence of humpback whale populations following the 1986 global ban on commercial whaling. Once on the edge of extinction, these majestic creatures are now thriving in areas where protections have been enforced. Marine protected areas (MPAs), when properly implemented, have shown that ecosystems can rebound with astonishing speed. Fish populations recover, coral reefs regenerate, and biodiversity flourishes when destructive practices are halted. Attenborough emphasizes that these successes are not isolated but scalable, offering a blueprint for global ocean restoration.

The timing of Ocean is deliberate, aligning with significant global events. Released as a cinematic event on May 8, 2025, coinciding with Attenborough’s 99th birthday, the film amplifies its message ahead of World Ocean Day and the United Nations Ocean Conference in June 2025. These platforms provide an opportunity to push for the Global Ocean Treaty, which aims to protect 30% of the world’s oceans by 2030—a goal that, while agreed upon by nearly every nation, remains far from reality, with only 2.7% of the ocean currently under effective protection. Attenborough’s film serves as both a rallying cry and a reminder that the window for action is narrowing.

Reflecting on his own mortality, Attenborough’s words carry a weight that resonates deeply. “After living for nearly a hundred years on this planet, I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land, but at sea,” he says. This realization is not just a personal epiphany but a universal truth he urges humanity to embrace. The ocean, he argues, is our greatest ally against climate change, capable of sequestering carbon and supporting life on a scale unmatched by terrestrial ecosystems. By protecting it, we protect ourselves.

The documentary also highlights stories of communities and scientists working to restore marine ecosystems. From Indigenous fishers in the Pacific advocating for sustainable practices to researchers studying carbon storage in seabed sediments, Ocean showcases the human ingenuity and determination needed to reverse the damage. Attenborough’s optimism is grounded in these real-world efforts, proving that change is possible if political will and collective action align.

As Attenborough approaches his 100th year, his legacy as a storyteller and advocate for the planet is undeniable. From Zoo Quest in the 1950s to Planet Earth and Blue Planet, his work has shaped how generations view the natural world. Ocean stands as a culmination of his life’s mission—not just to reveal the wonders of nature but to inspire action to preserve it. The film’s blend of beauty, urgency, and hope makes it a fitting testament to a man who has dedicated his life to giving voice to the planet.

In a world grappling with climate change and biodiversity loss, Ocean with David Attenborough is more than a documentary—it’s a plea for humanity to recognize the ocean’s vital role and act before it’s too late. As Attenborough’s voice echoes through theaters and living rooms, his message is clear: “If we save the sea, we save our world.”