Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

David Attenborough turns 99 with a powerful message on industrial fishing in new documentary ‘Ocean’

The film also showcases positive examples of marine recovery

David Attenborough

The film features unprecedented footage of bottom trawling

WWF

Sir David Attenborough is marking his 99th birthday with the release of Ocean, a new feature documentary in which the veteran naturalist speaks more strongly than ever before against the environmental destruction caused by industrial fishing.

The film, which opens in UK cinemas on 8 May, focuses heavily on bottom trawling, a method Attenborough describes as "draining the life from our oceans". In a particularly stark moment, he states that the scars left by these vessels on the seabed are so extensive that “the trails of destruction can be seen from space”.


Attenborough, who has long been recognised for his measured tone, goes further in Ocean than in any previous project. He condemns what he calls “modern day colonialism at sea”, where large trawlers, often from wealthier nations, operate off the coasts of countries that depend on fish for both food and employment, contributing to the collapse of local fisheries.

The documentary asserts that industrial fishing has wiped out “two-thirds of all large predator fish”. In Antarctica, it warns that trawlers may be “removing the foundation of an entire ecosystem”. Creatures that survived the extinction event that wiped out the dinosaurs—such as sharks and sea turtles—are now under threat from human activity, as industrial vessels continue to fish aggressively in nearly every corner of the world’s oceans.

Keith Scholey, one of the film’s three directors and co-founder of Silverback Films, has collaborated with Attenborough for more than four decades. He notes that Attenborough has taken a bolder stance than ever before. “He’s come to a new place,” said Scholey. “He knows how much the public trusts him and how careful he has to be. He does want to bring about this change.”

The film features unprecedented footage of bottom trawling, including a scallop dredger operating off Britain’s south coast and another vessel working in Turkish waters. Scenes show huge metal beams dragging across the seabed, stirring up carbon-rich sediment and annihilating marine habitats, with fish and sea creatures leaping in vain to escape the advancing machinery.

“The idea of bulldozing a rainforest causes outrage, yet we do the same underwater every day,” Attenborough says in the film. “Surely you would argue it must be illegal.”

Attenborough has occasionally faced criticism for not taking stronger positions on environmental issues, particularly the climate crisis. He has previously explained that while constant doom-laden warnings risk alienating audiences, his role has always been to tell “gripping and truthful” stories about the natural world rather than to campaign outright.

Scholey believes that this approach has helped maintain Attenborough’s credibility and reach. “What David has succeeded at doing is remaining trusted by everyone, so that when he plays his cards, he can affect things in a huge way,” he said.

As he nears a century of life, Attenborough uses Ocean to underline a crucial message: the health of the planet depends on the oceans, which cover more than 70% of the Earth’s surface. “I now understand that the most important place on Earth is not on land but at sea,” he says. “We are at a crossroads, with humanity draining the life from the ocean.”

The release of the film comes ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice this June. The documentary aims to raise awareness of the urgent need for marine protection and press for real action on existing commitments. Under current international goals, UN member states have pledged to protect 30% of the world’s oceans from destructive activities by 2030 as part of broader efforts to combat biodiversity loss. Attenborough’s film suggests that this goal requires far greater enforcement and political will.

Scholey compares the rise of industrial fishing to the commercial whaling boom of the 20th century, which drove several whale species to the brink of extinction. It was only after the International Whaling Commission agreed to a global moratorium in 1982 that whale populations began to recover. Attenborough draws on this precedent to argue that reversing environmental damage is possible: “Success is possible,” he says, as a blue whale glides past his vessel. “I’ve seen it on a global scale once before.”

The film also showcases positive examples of marine recovery where destructive fishing has been banned. These include protected areas off the Isle of Arran in Scotland and within the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument in Hawaii. In these regions, biodiversity has begun to flourish again, with fish populations rebounding and marine ecosystems restoring themselves at a pace that scientists describe as remarkable.

Toby Nowlan, one of the film’s other directors and its producer, describes Ocean as “a story of hope and recovery” despite the urgency of its warnings. “There is an element of wake-up call,” he said, “but really it’s a story of what can be achieved when we give the ocean a chance.”

Ocean will be available to stream on Hulu and Disney+ later this year, following its cinema release.

More For You

Rachel Brosnahan and Jason Ralph

Jason Ralph fuels speculation over Rachel Brosnahan marriage after controversial Instagram activity

Getty Images

Rachel Brosnahan marriage speculation grows after Jason Ralph’s controversial Instagram activity

Highlights

  • Jason Ralph, husband of Superman star Rachel Brosnahan, liked a controversial Instagram comment hinting at trouble in their marriage.
  • The comment accused Brosnahan of having inappropriate chemistry with co-star David Corenswet.
  • Ralph has since turned off Instagram comments, but screenshots of the ‘like’ are circulating widely.
  • Fans are split on whether the action was accidental, sarcastic, or a genuine reflection of marital issues.

Rachel Brosnahan’s husband, actor Jason Ralph, is at the centre of a heated social media debate after he liked a provocative Instagram comment about her on-screen chemistry with Superman co-star David Corenswet. The online reaction has been swift, with fans speculating whether his action was a subtle dig, a careless mistake, or simply a misunderstood joke.

The comment in question accused Brosnahan of crossing boundaries with a co-star and suggested Ralph should “stand up for himself” and “leave her.” Within hours, screenshots of Ralph’s ‘like’ were circulating across Reddit, X, and Instagram gossip pages. Soon after, Ralph disabled comments on his posts, but by then, the digital trail was impossible to erase.

Keep ReadingShow less
Christmas Karma release

Gurinder Chadha’s ‘Christmas Karma’ unveils first look posters and confirms November release

Gurinder Chadha reveals star cast and music lineup for ‘Christmas Karma’ ahead of November release

Highlights:

  • Christmas Karma, Gurinder Chadha’s festive musical adaptation of A Christmas Carol, hits cinemas on 14 November 2025.
  • Kunal Nayyar leads a star-packed cast including Eva Longoria, Billy Porter, Boy George and Hugh Bonneville.
  • Soundtrack blends gospel, bhangra, rap and pop with contributions from Gary Barlow, Panjabi MC and Malkit Singh.
  • The film celebrates Britain’s multicultural spirit with a fresh, modern twist on Dickens’ classic.

Gurinder Chadha, the celebrated filmmaker behind Bend It Like Beckham and Blinded By The Light, is set to deliver a new festive spectacle with Christmas Karma, opening exclusively in UK and Irish cinemas on 14 November 2025. The film’s first-look posters have just been released, giving audiences a colourful preview of its star-studded cast and vibrant energy.

The musical reimagines Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol through a contemporary British lens. Kunal Nayyar, best known for The Big Bang Theory, stars as Mr Sood, a modern-day Scrooge whose journey through self-reflection is guided by three eccentric spirits. Eva Longoria takes on the role of the Ghost of Christmas Past, Billy Porter embodies the Ghost of Christmas Present, and Boy George appears as the Ghost of Christmas Future. Hugh Bonneville plays Jacob Marley, with Danny Dyer joining as a London cabbie who becomes part of Sood’s transformation.

Keep ReadingShow less
Coolie review

Rajinikanth's Coolie ready to challenge War 2 at the box office

Instagram/sunpictures

'Coolie' review roundup: Audience divided over violence but laud Rajinikanth’s comeback

Highlights:

  • Coolie opens in cinemas worldwide on 14 August, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj.
  • Features Rajinikanth, Nagarjuna, Shruti Haasan, Soubin Shahir, Sathyaraj, and a cameo by Aamir Khan.
  • Early Twitter reviews praise performances but call for tighter storytelling.
  • Film earns £2.6 million (₹28.33 crore) on its opening day, clashing with War 2.

Rajinikanth returned to the big screen this week with Lokesh Kanagaraj’s action drama Coolie, one of the most anticipated Tamil films of the year. Released on 14 August, the movie opened with early morning shows across India and abroad, sparking a social media frenzy. While fans lauded the superstar’s performance and Nagarjuna’s commanding villain role, opinions on the storyline were split. Despite the divided reception, Coolie has made a strong start at the box office, collecting £2.6 million (₹28.33 crore) on day one.

Rajinikanth Ignites Fan Frenzy with \u2018Coolie\u2019 Teaser Drop Coolie teaser drops 100 days early and brings Rajinikanth nostalgia with it Instagram/cooliemovieofficial

Keep ReadingShow less
Kathy Griffin

Kathy Griffin opens up about third facelift and painful healing process

Getty Images

Kathy Griffin admits vanity behind third facelift and describes graphic details of painful recovery

Highlights:

  • Comedian Kathy Griffin admits to having her third facelift along with eyelid and chin surgery.
  • The Emmy-winning star credits Beverly Hills surgeon Dr Ben Talei, who has also worked with singer Sia.
  • Griffin shared the recovery was “painful” and detailed the difficult first days post-surgery.
  • The My Life on the D-List star has a long history with cosmetic procedures dating back to her 20s.

Kathy Griffin is once again making headlines, not for her comedy, but for her latest cosmetic transformation. The 64-year-old comedian was photographed in Malibu this week looking noticeably more youthful after confirming she had undergone her third facelift, along with additional work on her eyelids and chin.

Griffin, known for her sharp wit and unapologetic honesty, was seen leaving a Pilates class wearing an orange T-shirt reading “Adopt, Don’t Shop,” navy leggings, black flats, and oversized orange sunglasses. Her signature red hair was tied back in a high ponytail as she carried a patterned tote bag in the bright California sun.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dua Lipa stuns in daring cutout Jacquemus gown as she kicks off early 30th birthday celebrations with fiancé Callum Turner in Ibiza

Dua Lipa marks milestone birthday in Ibiza wearing custom Jacquemus gown

Instagram/dualipa

Dua Lipa stuns in daring cutout Jacquemus gown as she kicks off early 30th birthday celebrations with fiancé Callum Turner in Ibiza

Highlights:

  • Dua Lipa began celebrating her 30th birthday ahead of her 22 August milestone while vacationing in Ibiza.
  • Joined by fiancé Callum Turner, her mother Anesa, and sister Rina, the singer wore a custom white sequin cutout gown by Jacquemus.
  • The celebrations included a seaside lunch, a berry-topped chocolate cake, and intimate moments with family and friends.
  • The couple confirmed their engagement in June after Turner reportedly sought advice from Lipa’s sister and close friends on the ring.

Dua Lipa is making her milestone year one to remember, kicking off her 30th birthday celebrations more than a week early with a sun-soaked getaway to Ibiza. The Levitating singer, whose actual birthday falls on 22 August, shared glimpses of the intimate gathering on Instagram on 12 August, featuring her fiancé Callum Turner, immediate family, and close friends.

The star’s chosen venue for the festivities was the Spanish island she has often called her “favourite place in the world.” She captioned her post:

Keep ReadingShow less