LONDON — British naturalist David Attenborough expresses optimism for the future of the world's oceans in his new documentary Ocean, despite the extensive damage they've endured. The film premiered on Tuesday (May 6) evening in London, with King Charles among the attendees. In Ocean, Attenborough—renowned globally for his decades-spanning work in environmental filmmaking—explores the threats the oceans have faced over the years, from harmful industrial fishing to widespread coral reef decline.

"After nearly a century on Earth, I’ve realized the most vital part of our planet isn’t on land—it’s in the sea," he states in the film's trailer. The full cinematic release is set for Thursday, coinciding with Attenborough’s 99th birthday. Enric Sala, executive producer and founder of National Geographic Pristine Seas, noted, “When David began, there were only two TV channels and he was already recognized as the voice of nature. Today, even with countless media platforms, he still holds that role.” Tuesday’s premiere followed a special daytime screening for students and teachers, also attended by Prince William, though he did not speak. Both King Charles and Prince William have long advocated for environmental conservation, with William launching the Earthshot Prize in 2020 to promote innovative environmental solutions.

Attenborough has maintained a close relationship with the royal family over the years, supporting the Earthshot initiative and previously collaborating with Queen Elizabeth II on the 2018 documentary The Queen’s Green Planet. Sala emphasized the importance of engaging young audiences. “We hope the students who saw the film today leave inspired, wanting to follow in David’s footsteps,” he said.

Though the film paints a stark picture of the ocean’s current condition, it also shares signs of hope, highlighting areas where marine life has rebounded. “The ocean has the ability to heal more quickly than we imagined—it can come back to life,” Attenborough says in the documentary. “If we save the ocean, we save our planet. After a lifetime of filming Earth, I know nothing is more important.” The film’s release comes ahead of the upcoming United Nations Ocean Conference in June, where efforts will be made to gather more support for a 2023 agreement aimed at protecting marine biodiversity—an accord still awaiting enough signatories to take effect.