Attenborough’s ‘Ocean’ Screening–Our Call to Action.
By Asia Mill, Sustainability Networks Coordinator, Achill Legal
During the first week of November, the team at the LSA had the immense privilege of hosting a private screening of David Attenborough’s Ocean in partnership with the Blue Marine Foundation. It was more than just a film night; it was a deeply affecting event that brought together members of the LSA and the wider legal profession for a crucial conversation.
The film, a passionate, beautiful, and at times deeply troubling exposé, uses unique footage to show the reality of the devastation caused by bottom trawling. The impact on those present was huge; I could see how moved people were, with the raw violence captured on screen sparking a strong, emotional response and a lively discussion in the room.
Behind the Lens and Beneath the Waves
We were honoured to be joined by the film’s creators and leading ocean advocates: Doug Anderson (Director of Underwater Photography), Olly Scholey (Producer/Director, Silverback Films), Clare Brook (CEO, Blue Marine Foundation), and Dr Tom Appleby (Head of Legal Affairs, Blue Marine).
Doug Anderson shared that his commitment to ocean storytelling was born from witnessing the destruction caused by scallop dredging in Scotland – a community effort that ultimately led to the creation of the country’s first no-take zone, supported by Tom Appleby’s pioneering legal work. Olly and Doug described the immense challenge of capturing the first-ever cinematic images of industrial bottom trawling, a pivotal moment that forced global attention onto the destruction hidden beneath the surface.
Clare Brook noted the film’s real-world power, citing how sharing this devastating footage with UK policymakers helped catalyse action, including new commitments to restrict bottom trawling in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
The Law of the Sea: An Outdated Framework
A key focus of the evening was the complex reality of marine law. Dr Tom Appleby delivered a stark message, explaining how outdated legal systems are the biggest challenge in protecting the ocean. He pointed out that “The sea itself doesn’t really exist in the eyes of the law,” being historically treated primarily as a fishery – a legacy inherited from ancient Roman law.
This archaic framework not only permits but often subsidises the appallingly wasteful and destructive practice of bottom trawling. We learned that as much as three-quarters of a regular catch can go back into the sea, dead, leaving the ocean floor a barren desert. Overfishing isn’t just permitted globally; it is often unregulated and actively encouraged.
Blue Marine’s legal team is working tirelessly to challenge and change this, with recent landmark successes, including the protection of the Dogger Bank. Dr Appleby’s message to the lawyers in the room was a powerful call to action: “Pretty much every single legal discipline can help – the system is such a mess, there’s room for us all.”
Hope and the Extraordinary Potential for Recovery
Despite the current devastation, the panellists stressed an incredibly hopeful message: the ocean is resilient. Marine reserves can recover in as little as four years, successfully restoring biodiversity, supporting local fisheries, and revitalising coastal economies.
Olly told our audience that no-take zones result in greater numbers of fish and marine life that ultimately spread beyond the MPAs, benefiting fishing communities, marine mammals, and ultimately, all of us. Clare noted that even against a backdrop of bleak global politics, Blue Marine is winning the fight, “each week we notch up another area protected, another politician persuaded, another legal battle won.”
Doug and Olly spoke movingly about filming communities that had chosen conservation over fishing, protecting their reefs and allowing children to swim amongst thriving marine life – demonstrating that prosperity and conservation can go hand in hand.
A Call to Action for the Legal Profession
The evening concluded with a clear and urgent plea to take action now. As lawyers, you are uniquely positioned to make a difference. As Amanda Carpenter, who moderated the discussion, reminded the audience: “You are the secret superheroes of the planet. You sit at the centre of every transaction – you can influence the future of our world.”
If you haven’t seen Ocean, please see it now. Then, make a pledge for the sea – either as an individual or on behalf of your firm – and let us know via comms@legalsustainabilityalliance.com – so we can amplify your efforts.
Suggested pledges include:
- Offer pro bono support: Utilise your legal expertise to support conservation efforts
- Support Marine Protected Areas: Help legally and practically establish MPAs
- Review supply chains: Eliminate support for unsustainable practices
- Donate to Blue Marine or take part in one of their fundraising events
In the words of Sir David Attenborough, “if we save our seas, we save our world.”