Do we fish the last ocean or do we protect it? The most pristine marine ecosystem on Earth, the Ross Sea has remained free from widespread pollution, invasive species, mining and over-fishing. Home to high concentrations of wildlife and an incredible array of animals, many found nowhere else on the planet, it is teeming with large predatory fish, whales, seals and penguins that collectively comprise the last intact marine ecosystem on Earth. It is a living laboratory providing scientists with the last chance to understand how a healthy marine ecosystem functions. Facing depleted fisheries everywhere else, the fishing industry has found its way south in pursuit of the Antarctic toothfish (sold as Chilean sea bass). Fishers plan to remove 50 percent of the adult toothfish from the Ross Sea and in so doing will destroy the natural balance of Earth’s last untouched ocean. Featuring beautiful Antarctic footage, this film presents the conservationist case and the campaign to counteract the fishing lobby.

 

Directed and produced by Peter Young

 

The Last Ocean

2012 NZ 85 min
Festival Year: 2013
Types: Documentary
Topic: Environmental Advocacy and Justice, Freshwater & Oceans, Global Perspectives, Sustainable Living