Wild Isles episode 5 – Ocean: David Attenborough explores our seas, from the vibrant and surprising shallows to the abundant open ocean, and reveals some extraordinary and dramatic wildlife stories. Sir David Attenborough explores the surprisingly vibrant seas that surround the British Isles. The vast watery wilderness around us is over three times the size of our land mass, and yet to many, our oceans remain a mystery. Full of colour and teeming with life, the seas of Britain and Ireland are crucially important to a range of wildlife. This episode goes beneath the waves to uncover the thriving habitats that exist along our 22,000-mile coastline.
Sir David Attenborough is a renowned British broadcaster and natural historian who has dedicated his life to exploring and documenting the wonders of the natural world. His contributions to the field of natural history are immeasurable, and his work has inspired generations of people to appreciate and protect our planet’s biodiversity. In this article, we will explore Sir David Attenborough’s life, his achievements, and his lasting impact on the world.
Born in London in 1926, Sir David Attenborough developed a fascination with the natural world at a young age. He went on to study geology and zoology at the University of Cambridge before embarking on a career in broadcasting. Sir David’s breakthrough came in the 1950s when he became a producer and presenter for the BBC’s “Zoo Quest” series. This program took viewers on a journey around the world to explore exotic species in their natural habitats. Sir David’s unique ability to connect with audiences and convey his passion for the natural world made him a household name in the UK and beyond.
Wild Isles episode 5 – Ocean – Exploring the Rich Marine Life around the British Isles
The British Isles are surrounded by a vast watery wilderness that is over three times the size of the landmass. However, the oceans remain a mystery to many. Join Sir David Attenborough as he delves beneath the waves to uncover the thriving habitats that exist along the 22,000-mile coastline.
Seals on Norfolk Beach
During winter, thousands of grey seals can be seen on a Norfolk beach giving birth. Britain and Ireland are home to 40% of the world’s grey seals, and this number continues to rise every year. Once the pups are weaned, the females are ready to mate again, and heavyweight males engage in violent fights to win a stretch of beach, and ultimately, the females.
Vibrant Shallows
The vibrant shallows are home to various important habitats, including rich beds of seagrass that serve as nurseries for many animals and play a vital role in carbon storage. The seagrass is also home to the seahorse, one of the strangest fish in our waters. A male and female seahorse perform a delicate mating dance in the water, entwining their tails as they mate for life.
Deeper Waters
In deeper waters, patterned cuttlefish prowl for food. At night, tiny algae floating in the water alert the cuttlefish to nearby prey, using bioluminescence to snatch their victims, even in the dead of night. The spider crab undergoes a mass migration along the shallow seabed, forming a massive body of thousands of crabs. The slow-moving royal flush sea slug uses the water currents to carry them to new and food-rich areas.
The Shetland Islands
The Shetland Islands, the most northerly point of the British Isles, are home to more than a thousand otters. A young otter dives to the sea floor in search of fish and crabs, relying on its catch to stay warm in the frigid northern waters. The undisturbed coastline here provides an ideal hunting ground for otters.
Corryvreckan Whirlpool
Off Scotland’s west coast lies the Corryvreckan whirlpool, the third-largest whirlpool on the planet. Clashing currents recycle nutrients to the surface, creating a rich soup of tiny floating algae that serve as food for zooplankton. These alien-looking animals are in turn a crucial food source for the basking shark, the largest fish in our waters.
Herring and Mackerel Shoals
Herring and mackerel form vast swirling shoals as they feed on plankton, attracting aerial hunters like gannets, which dive at speeds exceeding 60 miles an hour to snap up the fish. As they hit the surface, the gannets fold their wings to avoid breaking them on impact.
A Touching Goodbye
In a heartwarming piece to camera, Sir David bids farewell to a young Manx shearwater chick embarking on a 6,000-mile journey across the oceans to South America. This poignant moment serves as a reminder of how vital the British Isles and their abundant seas are to the survival of wildlife worldwide.
