Overwhelming Response to 'Oceans' Screening Sparks Action for Marine Protections
- Natalie Jessup
- Aug 31
- 2 min read
Mangawhai community packs venue beyond capacity as David Attenborough's latest documentary ignites passionate discussion about New Zealand's marine future.
Mangawhai movie screening
The old Church venue at Mangawhai was filled to overflowing last Saturday afternoon as the community turned out in unprecedented numbers for a special screening of David Attenborough's powerful new documentary "Oceans." The screening, organised by Mangawhai Movies, had to turn away dozens of hopeful attendees, with organisers now planning additional screenings to meet the extraordinary demand.
Mary and Malcom from Bream Bay Guardians
Devastating Impacts of Bottom Trawling Exposed
The film's exposé of the devastating impacts of bottom trawling resonated deeply with the packed audience, and following the screening, community members raised critical concerns about New Zealand's own role in ocean degradation.
A Question and Answer panel with Endangered Species Foundation’s GM Natalie Jessup, Oceans Advisor, Karli Thomas and Bream Bay Guardians Mary Sinclair and Malcolm Morrison, shared NZ’s extensive bottom trawling operations and how it is destroying marine ecosystems.
Particularly contentious was the government's decision to fast-track sand mining applications for Mangawhai, Pakiri, Te Akaū, and Bream Bay - areas already under significant environmental pressure and home to our most endangered bird, the tara iti.
Urgent Call to Action
During the Q&A, the Endangered Species Foundation (ESF) announced the launch of a new petition calling for an end to bottom trawling around New Zealand. The petition aims to protect the critical habitats of New Zealand's endangered marine species.
"Our Māui and Hector's dolphin numbers are plummeting at an alarming rate," Jessup told the audience. "We urgently need to stop bottom trawling in their habitats if we have any hope of saving these species from extinction. Every signature on this petition is a voice for our oceans and the incredible life they support."
Natalie and Karli from Endangered Species Foundation
Destroying Ancient Coral Forests
Karli Thomas, Oceans Advisor to the Endangered Species Foundation, as well as campaigner for the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, highlighted the destruction that bottom trawling causes to New Zealand's marine ecosystems.
"The destructive impacts of bottom trawling on coral habitats in New Zealand waters and the deep sea are catastrophic," Thomas explained. "These ancient coral systems, some thousands of years old, are being destroyed in minutes by heavy trawling gear dragged across the seafloor."
New Zealand's deep-sea coral gardens are among the most biodiverse marine habitats in the world, providing crucial nursery areas for countless species, including the fish that commercial fisheries ultimately depend upon.
Natalie and Karli walking at Mangawhai Heads. Photo on left shows rocks that were previously covered in sand.
You can help by signing our new petition to stop bottom trawling in Hector's and Māui dolphin habitats.
Additional Screenings Planned
Due to the extraordinary demand, organisers are working to schedule additional screenings of "Oceans" at Mangawhai. For more information about upcoming screenings, visit www.mangawhaimovies.com
