Latest news with #MyOctopusTeacher
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Shark Whisperer OTT Release Date: When and where to watch marine documentary centered around Ocean Ramsey
Shark Whisperer OTT Release Date: In the vast expanse of the ocean, where myths and fears about sharks have long prevailed, one woman dares to challenge the narrative. Ocean Ramsey, a marine conservationist and social media sensation, takes centre stage in the upcoming documentary Shark Whisperer. Set to premiere globally on June 30, 2025, this compelling film will be streaming on Netflix. Diving into the depths: The story of Ocean Ramsey Shark Whisperer offers a close look into the life and mission of Ocean Ramsey, a woman who has impressed the world with her fearless, cage-free dives alongside some of the ocean's most formidable predators. Raised in Hawaii, Ramsey's connection to the sea was nurtured from a young age. Initially pursuing veterinary science, she eventually shifted her focus to marine biology, co-founding One Ocean Diving to further her conservation efforts. Ramsey's approach is as controversial as it is interesting. Her viral videos, showcasing close encounters with sharks, have sparked both admiration and criticism. Supporters laud her for humanising these often-misunderstood creatures, while detractors question the ethics and safety of her methods. The documentary touches on these debates, presenting a balanced exploration of her work and its impact on public perception. Behind the camera The documentary is helmed by a trio of directors: James Reed, known for the Oscar-winning My Octopus Teacher; J.P. Stiles; and Harrison Macks. Shark Whisperer features insights from marine biologists, indigenous knowledge holders, and fellow conservationists, offering a multifaceted view of the challenges facing marine ecosystems today. One striking statistic highlighted in the documentary is the alarming rate at which humans are impacting shark populations: approximately 100 million sharks are killed annually, compared to fewer than ten human fatalities from shark attacks each year. This stark contrast underscores the urgency of Ramsey's mission and the broader call to reevaluate our relationship with these apex predators.
NZ Herald
18-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Three days exploring Cape Town's outdoor fun
We started our Viva Expeditions trip on a blue-sky day, kayaking with the penguins – well, not with them, but respectfully close to them. The team at Kayak Adventures were so patient and gentle, guiding us through the turquoise waters of False Bay and giving us so much information not only on these little black and white cuties, but the whole marine environment, its challenges and what's being done to protect it. Watching these distinctly marked African penguins preening themselves on the rocks and bobbing together in 'rafts' at sea was such a treat. And yes, they looked exactly like they did in Penguin Town. Even better, parts of the incredibly popular My Octopus Teacher were filmed nearby. After paddling parallel to the coastline, we eventually turned towards the shore and couldn't resist stripping down to our togs for a quick dip. The water was so clear and the weather so perfect, it was hard to imagine how this day could get any more magical. On the paddle back to where we started, we spotted seals sunning themselves on the rocks; it seemed like everyone was living their best life in Cape Town that day. Day two Day two began with a walk led by travel writer, hiking guide and seemingly inexhaustible fountain of knowledge, Matthew Sterne, from Natural Wanders. Meeting at a kramat on Signal Hill, we found ourselves looking out over the iconic Lion's Head, Table Mountain, City Bowl and Robben Island within minutes at our first stop. It felt slightly surreal to be gazing upon the infamous Robben Island, a name I had heard so much about during – and after – Mandela's long imprisonment there. As we walked, we heard fascinating tales of the city's history, admired wild proteas and descended into some much-appreciated shady forest before emerging at Camps Bay beach, where white sands, turquoise seas and the refreshment table of our dreams awaited. Heaving with samoosas, local cheese, fruit, bubbles and sparkling Rooibos tea, it was everything an overheated, tired bunch of walkers could want. Even the snacks had a story: the woman who makes the samoosas became something of a media sensation after putting her children through school from sales of these delicious morsels, all while battling cancer. After fuelling up, we returned to the lighthouse on e-scooters. With the weather still on our side, it was exhilarating to whoosh our way down the promenade with Cape Town on one side and the wild blue ocean on the other, passing locals eating their ice creams, enjoying the green spaces and strolling around the waterfront. Day three Our final day brought more fun in the sun, but with slightly less exertion, as we glided easily and effortlessly by cable car to the top of Cape Town's crown jewel – Table Mountain. This towering monolith is a constant presence in the city, standing sentinel over the streets below. By day, it commands the skyline; by night, bathed in golden light (yes, they illuminate one whole side), it takes on an almost mystical quality. But nothing could have prepared us for the scale of the views from the top – dramatic grey outcrops in the foreground giving way to turquoise coastline below. At moments, the beaches could have been Australia; at others, there was a flash of the Côte d'Azur. It would have felt criminal not to grab a table at one of the bars to enjoy an Aperol Spritz with one of the best views in the world – what's a girl to do? (there's a great 20-minute loop away from the hospitality outlets, or other walks and hikes ranging from 45 minutes to three hours if you're feeling energetic). Just when it felt we'd reached the peak of our trip, we embarked on what would end up being an equally mind-blowing activity with Cape Sidecar Adventures. It's hard to find words to do this experience justice, as it's such a unique way to see the coastline that winds its way along the Cape Peninsula. One moment we were cruising the streets of Cape Town, the next on the open road with towering cliffs on one side and sparkling sea on the other. Spellbinding doesn't even begin to cover it. But it wasn't just the views – using this particular mode of transport is like stepping into a vintage postcard, wind in your hair and the roar of a classic motorbike in your ears. Seated snugly in these restored World War II-era sidecars, we rumbled through some of Cape Town's most striking landscapes – our jaws almost permanently on the ground. The icing on the cake was undoubtedly Brody, the dog, another Cape Town animal living his best life as he rides next to the owner on daily sidecar trips. It's not hard to see why Cape Town has been referred to as the most beautiful city in the world more than once. With its Mediterranean-esque vibe, vibrant culinary scene, fascinating Cape Dutch architecture, stunning waterfront, eclectic neighbourhoods, boutique shops, world-class museums and the winelands right on its doorstep, Cape Town isn't just a city – it's a whole package. Whether you're drawn by the jaw-dropping scenery and outdoor activities or a more city-side adventure, Cape Town will find a permanent place in your soul.
Daily Maverick
08-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Kelp forest protection critical to worldwide moves to protect biodiversity
In an increasingly disembodied and divisive world, the role of storytelling has become ever more important. Stories connect us to one another. They have the power to break down barriers and open hearts. They allow us to see ourselves as part of a bigger picture. Sea Change Project's mission is to connect people to nature through science-based storytelling. The success of our Academy Award-winning documentary, My Octopus Teacher, underlined this approach, and we continue to work on projects to bring nature into our hearts and homes. After all, nature is our home. This is the message we are now taking to global policymakers and business leaders, with a specific focus on kelp forests and the Great African Sea Forest where we do most of our daily creative and scientific work. Kelp forests are some of the most important ecosystems on Earth. They ensure biodiversity, support local communities and act as breeding grounds for fish stocks, and together with their associated seaweed species, play a major role in oxygen production and carbon sequestration. Covering about seven million square kilometres across 30% of the world's coastlines, these underwater sea forests produce 100 times more oxygen per hectare than terrestrial forests. In other words, a targeted and effective global kelp forest protection initiative is an important addition to the worldwide efforts to protect our biodiversity. Economically valuable Kelp forests are also economically valuable, contributing roughly $500-billion to the global economy each year. Their economic value in South Africa is in the region of about R450-million. More importantly, they provide massive value in maintaining the ecological balance of large portions of our coastal zones and contribute to the welfare of many communities who live along our shorelines. However, they face serious threats from climate change, overfishing, habitat destruction, acidification, extraction and pollution. Protecting and restoring these underwater forests is not only an environmental imperative, but also a necessity for the wellbeing of communities and the planet. Sea Change Project presented the case for the protection of the world's kelp forests to the G20 in Brazil in August 2024, and the item was included for discussion and approval in the G20 meetings being held in South Africa this year. We again presented the case for an expanded global programme of kelp conservation and restoration at the Oceans20 (G20) conference in Cape Town recently, which now presents an opportunity for the most powerful policymakers, scientists, economists and sustainability experts to find common purpose in one major project while driving multidisciplinary, multilateral collaboration with measurable and actionable outputs. The 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (Unoc), to be held in June in Nice, France, similarly presents a huge opportunity for multilateral scientific and ocean governance cooperation. Sea Change Project, with support from a growing number of international organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and states, will ask delegates at the conference to adopt the G20 action plan to protect the world's kelp forests. Much of the groundwork is already there. The UN Sustainable Development Goal 14, Life Below Water, provides a policy framework critical to the survival and protection of the immediate zones where kelp forests are found. A global network already exists for kelp protection, in the form of national legislation and demarcated marine protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures. Additionally, global targets, such as 30 x 30 (a plan to conserve 30% of the planet by 2030), can be harnessed to include the world's kelp zones, and communities who rely on and interact with sea forests are deep wells of local knowledge. The octopus in My Octopus Teacher showed us the innate wisdom of our wild world. Without nature, there is no planet. And without a planet, we have no home. We urgently need to place Mother Nature at the centre of all decision making — after all, she is our biggest shareholder. Watch our video, Mother Nature in the Boardroom, here. By partnering and collaborating across the world, kelp forests can be protected. Governments can drive global policy initiatives and enact legislation that recognises kelp forests as critical ecosystems. The private sector engaged with marine and coastal zones can align its commercial decisions with biodiversity policies, focusing wherever possible on kelp forest sustainability. Science-based insights Scientific institutions can conduct research on human impacts on kelp forest biodiversity and health, and provide science-based insights to inform policy and management practices. Local communities and indigenous peoples can share traditional knowledge for sustainable kelp forest management, and participate in policy advocacy and biodiversity protection measures. Finally, NGOs can engage local communities in kelp conservation efforts and advocate for including kelp protection in biodiversity policies, leveraging international agreements. It is encouraging to see the policy formulation on this issue taking place at state level. This is an opportunity for South Africa and the G20 to take the lead and promote a global project that will have a massive impact on biodiversity protection along coastlines. Our purpose at Sea Change is to bring people and nature into harmony by telling stories about the myriad plants and animals that live in and depend on the planetary ecosystems. We humans are part of these stories — and have been for billions of years. Together, we can ensure that they continue. DM
CNET
05-05-2025
- Science
- CNET
We Finally Have Video Footage of a Colossal Squid After 100 Years: How to Watch It
The colossal squid was identified and named 100 years ago, but humans have never actually seen one swimming around in its natural habitat. A remotely operated vehicle deployed from the Schmidt Ocean Institute has now captured footage of the juvenile colossal squid on March 9. It happened near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, about 430 miles southeast of South Georgia Island. Any discovery like this is a big deal, but this one is a bit cuter. This isn't just any colossal squid, it's a baby. The juvenile squid looks almost like it's made from glass. Its transparent body shows off its internal organs, and the slow movement of its orange tentacles draws attention to its glowing eyes. Scientists observed two curved hooks on the clubs at the ends of the squid's long tentacles. There are also hooks on the middle of its eight arms, an essential feature for colossal squids. It's a juvenile, so still has a transparent body that more closely resembles the creatures known as glass squids. The baby squid will lose that transparency as it ages. The video was taken at a depth of 1,968 feet, and the juvenile squid is nearly a foot long. A grown colossal squid can grow up to an estimated seven feet long and weigh up to 1,110 pounds, making it the heaviest invertebrate on the planet. We don't know much about how colossal squids live since they're hard to observe in their natural habitat. Scientists have found them in the stomachs of sperm whales, so it's a huge development to get video in the deep sea. Colossal squids are still a mystery, but a little less of one now. Where to watch the best sea animal documentaries While we still don't have much footage of the giant squid, there are some other wondrous ocean animals you can explore. We've rounded up some of the deep-sea documentaries out there, and the streaming services they're on below across Netflix, Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu, Discovery Plus and Paramount Plus. Netflix Seaspiracy My Octopus Teacher Our Oceans Puff: Wonders of the Reef Prime Video Blackfish Ultimate Oceans Australia's Oceans Atlantic: A Year in the Wild Wondrous Secrets of the Ocean Realm Disney Plus and Hulu Sea of Shadows Playing with Sharks Giants of the Deep Blue Secrets of the Octopus Secrets of the Whales Discovery Plus Expedition Deep Ocean The Blue Planet Blue Planet II Paramount Plus Great Blue Wild America's Wild Seasons Shark Squad Ocean Parks
Leader Live
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Giant Pangolins 'need time to shine' says Chester Zoo
The zoo is taking part in the Big Green Give between April 22 to 29, and all the funds raised will help protect pangolins in Africa. By sheer coincidence, Pangolin: Kulu's Journey also debuts on Netflix this week. The documentary, directed by Pippa Ehrlich, who also directed My Octopus Teacher, tells the story of a trafficked Temminck's pangolin and his path to re-release. Chester Zoo has been working with pangolins in Uganda since 2018 and is now reaching out to members of the public to support this year's Big Give campaign, which focuses on the giant pangolin. Thanks to increased media attention, pangolins are, hopefully, having a 'moment' which, according to Naomi Matthews, Africa Biomonitoring Manager in the zoo's Field Programmes team, is about time. Naomi has been advocating for pangolins since she joined the zoo 12 years ago and now manages the Chester Zoo giant pangolin project, working closely with the Uganda Wildlife Authority. She said: 'I was 21 when I first discovered what a pangolin was, while watching a David Attenborough documentary. 'I couldn't believe I'd never heard of them before, and they quickly became one of my favourite animals. 'Once I learned about the threats they face, I was passionate about making sure the zoo got involved in their conservation.' Pangolins are unique as the only mammals with scales. There are currently eight recognised species of pangolin, all threatened by poaching and habitat loss. Among them, the giant pangolin is one of the least documented and least understood and is also one of the most trafficked animals in the world. Naomi is blending field conservation – coordinating a conservation assessment of the species through camera trapping, behavioural research, and direct pangolin protection – with academic study, as her PhD research forms part of the project. 'I just think they're fascinating,' she said. MORE NEWS 'I've always loved the weird and wonderful mammals—the ones that don't really fit into other categories. 'Our whole team is passionate about pangolins, and it's that passion that keeps us going. 'Studying them is incredibly difficult and often challenging, but that's also what makes it so rewarding. 'We see waves of interest in particular animals. ''I think a lot of it is driven by social media and pop culture. 'First everyone was obsessed with meerkats, then capybaras, and now pygmy hippos are having a moment. I think it's time for pangolins.' Naomi's PhD on the conservation ecology of giant pangolins has been breaking new ground in understanding the species. So little is known about these gentle creatures that much of her work is starting from scratch. 'One of the highlights of researching them is watching them on our camera trap videos,' said Naomi. 'My PhD research set out to answer some of the key questions about giant pangolin, conservation ecology and behaviour. 'But it quickly became clear that to do that, we'd have to first improve our knowledge of where and how to find them—then work on counting them by developing new survey methods.' Naomi added: 'We're often asked: 'If you struggle to find them, how are they being so heavily poached?' 'The answer is that poachers often operate in large groups, sometimes with up to 20 hunting dogs, which sniff out pangolins and other wildlife indiscriminately. 'In contrast, we have to be far more wide-reaching, surveying up to 300 burrows at a time. We must be subtle, non-invasive, and patient.' There is a way to help pangolins have their moment and keep the giant pangolin project rolling. If you donate £5 during the Big Give Green Match Fund, we'll receive £10 – doubling your impact to help save this vulnerable species from extinction. From April 22-29, match-funders at Big Give have pledged to double all donations made to Chester Zoo's pangolin fund. The zoo is aiming to raise more than £16,000, which will go directly towards supporting pangolin conservation efforts in Uganda. Pledge here from noon on April 22 to help save giant pangolins at
