Chris and Jenny Gardner reflect on this recent ‘must see’ film for anyone interested in the health of our planet.

While exploring the terrible degradation caused by the fishing industry as large trawlers scour the ocean floor taking everything in their wake, we also learnt of the amazing powers of the ocean to regenerate if left free of fishing in protected zones.

Attenborough, so committed and inspiring at 99 years, explores the planet’s undersea habitats using stunning photography to reveal the greatest age of ocean discovery, emphasising the ocean’s vital importance to our planetary life and exposing both the problems and the opportunities for marine life recovery. We went from abject despair at the sight of the huge fishing trawlers literally destroying the ocean floor, to hope and wonder at the possibility of these areas coming back to life, if left alone. Examples of communities who have created fishing free zones is both encouraging and inspiring.

If you want to know and understand more, don’t miss this amazing documentary currently showing in our movie theatres.

Written by Chris and Jenny Gardner, Ignatian Spiritual Directors and Givers of the First and Full Spiritual Exercises from Perth Western Australia.