David Attenborough’s Ocean Documentary Premieres This June
David Attenborough’s new documentary delivers a powerful call for ocean conservation on National Geographic this June.
Johannesburg, 12 May 2025 — In a world increasingly plagued by ecological crises and climate alarmism, a necessary voice of reason and perspective resurfaces: Sir David Attenborough. The world-renowned natural historian is set to premiere OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH, a feature-length documentary that marks his first-ever collaboration with National Geographic.
Produced by Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios, the film will premiere on Friday, 13 June 2025 at 20:30 (CAT) across Africa on National Geographic (DStv 181 and StarTimes 220), and stream on Disney+ in South Africa. This release comes in strategic alignment with World Oceans Day, the United Nations Ocean Conference 2025 in Nice, and the midpoint of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030) — a timely reminder of the mounting marine challenges at hand.
“If we save the sea, we save our world,” Attenborough reminds audiences in this impassioned exposé.
This meticulously researched production, supported by a team of leading scientific advisors — including National Geographic Pristine Seas founder Dr. Enric Sala — explores Earth’s diverse, interconnected marine ecosystems. From the towering kelp forests and vibrant coral reefs to remote seamounts, Attenborough exposes the existential threats to ocean health: destructive industrial fishing methods such as dredging and bottom trawling, as well as unchecked exploitation under the guise of “sustainable development.”
Crucially, the documentary offers a counter-narrative to climate fatalism. Through breathtaking cinematography and real-world success stories, it reveals the remarkable capacity of marine environments to recover when protected. Solutions are presented as actionable, achievable, and already in practice — a far cry from the defeatist rhetoric too often peddled by mainstream environmental discourse.
Tom McDonald, National Geographic’s EVP of Global Factual Content, lauded the collaboration:
“There is no one better to deliver this landmark film than Sir David. I’m thrilled that audiences worldwide will be able to engage with his message through National Geographic’s global platforms.”
Later this year, National Geographic will distribute OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH to schools, universities, museums, and libraries for educational purposes, further amplifying its conservationist message.
In an era dominated by political posturing and climate hysteria, this documentary is a clear-headed, fact-based call to action: tangible solutions, proven recoveries, and a shared duty to reclaim the world’s oceans.
For more, visit National Geographic’s initiative.
