David Attenborough’s film OCEAN
OCEAN was made and released in mid 2025 to mark the midpoint of the UN’s Decade of the Oceans and David’s 99th birthday.
The film explores the planet’s undersea habitats, revealing the greatest age of ocean discovery and emphasising the ocean’s vital importance while exposing its problems and highlighting opportunities for marine life recovery.
EcoNetwork Port Stephens, through the Minderoo Foundation, accessed the film’s full version (85 minutes) to deliver a free public viewing on Sunday 9 November 2025 in the St Phillips College auditorium.
The event was well supported with over 120 people in the audience
A panel discussion followed the showing, and EcoNetwork’s president Iain Watt hosted the Q&A, supported by 2 marine scientists, the manager of the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park and a National Parks & Wildlife Service ranger. Although the film was global in scope, most of the discussion focussed on Australian or local issues.
Preceding the public showing, EcoNetwork also engaged with 2 local schools, showing a condensed version of the film (25 minutes) to several classes across years 5-10 at St Phillips (2 showings; approx. 350 students) and selected senior classes at Tomaree High (2 sessions; 45 students). Discussion followed all sessions, in which students and teachers asked questions, shared their concerns and expressed interest in further marine educational opportunities.
EcoNetwork plans to harness the interest shown during these events to encourage greater community engagement in local marine issues, including a review of the management arrangements for the Port Stephens Great Lakes Marine Park which is due to start soon. We also hope to foster volunteer involvement in some of the exciting marine projects that EcoNetwork is planning for 2026. If you would like to find out more, please email info@econetworkps.org.
Check out one or two of the trailers — mostly different imagery