Iranian-British Filmmaker Ali Tabrizi initially set out to celebrate his beloved ocean, but instead found himself investigating the harm that humans inflict upon the vulnerable seas. From plastics and fishing gear polluting the waters, to the irreparable damage of bottom trawling and by-catch, to illegal fishing and devastating hunting practices, humanity is wreaking havoc on marine life and, by extension, the entire planet. His new documentary film, Seaspiracy, is an eye-opening, impactful viewing experience that examines the global fishing industry, while challenging notions of sustainable fishing and showing how human actions cause widespread environmental destruction.

Ali Tabrizi grew up on the Southeast coast of England, and spent much of his early childhood exploring the world with his camera, daydreaming about the ocean and the hidden world beneath the waves. After his family moved to Iran for several years during a time of political turmoil and revolution, he became intimately aware of how untold stories can lead to corruption and injustice, sparking an interest in war photojournalism.

What Tabrizi masterfully uncovers in his film, not only challenges notions of sustainable fishing but will shock anyone who cares about the wonders of ocean life, as well as the future of the planet.

Per Seaspiracy’s facts:

  • Fishing has wiped out 90% of the world’s large fish.
  • Fishing is the greatest threat to marine wildlife.
  • 300,000 dolphins, whales & porpoises are killed by fishing operations per year.
  • Fishing kills 30,000 sharks every hour.
  • Longline boats set enough  fishing line in one day to wrap the earth 500x.
  • 70% of macro plastic at sea comes from fishing gear.
  • Plastic straws only comprise 0.03% of plastic entering the ocean.
  • Bottom trawling releases as much carbon as air travel.

 

As renowned marine biologist, Sylvia Earle, says in the film: “Most of the positive and negative things that bring about change in human civilization, start with someone…And no one can do everything. But every one can do something.”

So what can we as individuals do besides switching to a plant-based diet?

“Supporting us with a monthly or one-off donation is an incredible way to help us continue fighting for our oceans. We are already moving ahead with further investigative and educational content to share across social media, and are getting ready to launch a worldwide campaign to pressure world leaders to save our oceans and bring it to the forefront of environmental and political action.” Seaspiracy’s site notes.

You can watch Seaspiracy on Netflix.