From a distance the scene looks almost picturesque: a tanker resting alongside a jetty while a high arc of water sweeps across its bow and disperses into the harbor air. Tugboats idle nearby, the water surface calm, the breakwater in the background keeping the open sea at bay. Yet for those who work in maritime logistics or environmental compliance, this moment represents something far more serious than a routine port operation.

National Geographic announced today an unprecedented collaboration with the world’s foremost natural historian, Sir David Attenborough, to create a feature-length documentary about the state of the world’s oceans. The 98-year-old broadcaster will present and author “DAVID ATTENBOROUGH: OCEAN” (working title), aiming to educate and inspire a global audience about the critical need to restore Earth’s vast, interconnected waters. The documentary, produced by Silverback with support from All3Media International, Ocean Ten Media, Minderoo Productions, National Geographic Society, Pristine Seas, Don Quixote ASBL, and The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, is set to debut in theaters in 2025.