Video Series

The Great Australian Bight is a stunning marine sanctuary, where over a thousand kilometers of dramatic cliffs stand as a natural fortress, safeguarding the ocean's vibrant life. Among the most cherished visitors to these shores are the Southern right whales, a gentle giant whose presence is both awe-inspiring and ecologically vital.

You might not be familiar with this endangered species, but the Southern right whales are crucial to the health of our planet. These majestic cetaceans play a key role in carbon sequestration, oxygen production, and maintaining oceanic biodiversity. Their existence directly impacts not just the marine ecosystem, but also the air we breathe and the climate we experience.

However, the survival of the Southern right whales is increasingly jeopardized by human activities. One of the most destructive threats they face is seismic blasting—a technique used to explore the ocean floor for oil and gas. This method involves powerful bursts of compressed air that ripple through the seabed, disrupting natural behaviors for whales. Repeated and accumulated exposure to acoustic energy over an extended period of time could cause severe damage among whales and other marine species.

"To build a bridge of compassion and understanding for an animal like a Southern right whale that very few people even know about. You have to do a little more than just talk about it. You really have to create an emotional bridge, and we do that through film and photography," shares our co-founder Cristina Mittermeier.

In our latest episode, our co-founders embark on a multi-year expedition along Australia’s remarkable coastline to capture the beauty and resilience of the Southern right whales as they nurture their young in these protected waters. Accompanied by award-winning wildlife photographer Scott Portelli, Cristina and Paul aim to raise global awareness about the critical importance of these ocean leviathans and deepen our understanding of their underwater world.

Discover the extraordinary journey of the Southern right whales in our latest episode!

To learn more about the vital role whales play in our ocean, visit the following link:
The Whale Pump: Why Is Poop So Important for the Planet?: https://www.sealegacy.org/the-whale-pump-why-is-poop-so-important-for-the-planet/.

Thank you to our Executive Producers:
MAC3 Impact Philanthropies
Ocean Born Foundation (@oceanbornfoundation9775)
Andy Mann
Cristina Mittermeier
@PaulNicklenPhotography

A special thanks to:
@ScottPortelli
@sonycine, Emmanuel Lubezki and their film crew for the production and footage usage from “The Knowing”.

Director
Paul Nicklen

Producer
Scott Portelli

Field Producer
Rosie Leaney

Underwater Photography
Cristina Mittermeier
Paul Nicklen
Scott Portelli
Andre Rerekura
Marcelo Johan Ogata (@bugDreamer)

Camera Operations/AC/DIT/Dive Safety
Marcelo Johan Ogata

Head of Production
Tyler Dunning

Editor, Color, Sound
Bryan Kowalsky

Editor
Jason Smith

Digital Asset Manager
Dee Wasielewska

Assistant Editor
Mark Matarese

Visual Effects
Harry Lee

Additional Footage
Andre Rerekura
Jaimen Hudson (@jaimen)
Jason Smith
OpenPlanet.org
Pond5

The SeaLegacy team recognizes and acknowledges the Goreng, Menang, and Wudjari people as the traditional owners of the Fitzgerald River National Park.

#whales #story #conservation #science

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Australia's Great Barrier Reef is facing a mass coral bleaching event, driven by climate change and an El Niño climate pattern. Coral reefs, which can take 10,000 years or more to grow, are now encountering their fifth bleaching event in just eight years.

Join us in the upcoming episode of "A Sea of Hope," where we delve into this pressing issue under the guidance of our co-founders Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier and in collaboration with the world's leading scientists specializing in Australia's unique ocean and coastal ecosystems. This episode highlights the significance of coral reefs, the threats they face, and the dedicated efforts of those working tirelessly to protect them.

Far from a tale of devastation, this is a narrative of hope, education, and shared experiences from the front lines. Discover the cutting-edge science and compelling stories that shed light on the importance of coral reefs and the urgent need to preserve these vital ecosystems.

Explore more from our expedition at:
https://www.sealegacy.org/expedition/great-barrier-reef-australia/

To learn more about coral reefs, visit the following links:

- What are corals?
https://www.sealegacy.org/what-are-corals/

- We’re Losing Coral Reefs. What Does That Mean for Our Ocean and Our Communities?:
https://www.sealegacy.org/why-is-coral-important/

- Coral Bleaching: The Ecosystem’s SOS Signal
https://www.sealegacy.org/what-is-coral-bleaching/

Read "Behold the Beauty of Australia’s Coral Reef — and Learn About the Existential Threat to Its Future" from co-founder Cristina Mittermeier and Katie Couric Media: https://katiecouric.com/news/sustainability/coral-reef-bleaching-australia/.

Thank you to our Executive Producers:
Jon McCormack
The Kissick Family Foundation
Andy Mann
Cristina Mittermeier
Paul Nicklen

A special thanks to:
Dr. Emma Camp
Heron Island Research Station
University of Technology Sydney
University of Queensland's Science Engagement Department

Director/Producer
Gina Papabeis

Director of Natural History
Paul Nicklen

Director of Photography
Nicolas Rakotopare

Underwater Cinematography
Cristina MIttermeier
Paul Nicklen

Camera Operator/AC/DIT/Dive Safety
Chad Shagren

SeaLegacy 1 Crew:
Captain Mike Gestal
Mike “Archie” Archibald
Thiago Domit

Head of Production
Tyler Dunning

Editor
Bryan Kowalsky

Color & Sound
Bryan Kowalsky

Digital Asset Manager
Dee Wasielewska

Assistant Editor
Mark Matarese

Graphics
Harry Lee

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SeaLegacy’s A Sea of Hope is back and diving into the vast waters surrounding Aotearoa (New Zealand), where protected, bountiful, oceanic beauty contrasts nearby overfished ecosystems turned barren.

Co-founder Paul Nicklen uncovers the impact of insufficient marine protections with the help of local father-daughter ocean advocate duo and founders of Young Ocean Explorers, Steve and Riley Hathaway. Together, they break down the way extensive pressure on our ocean’s predators kickstarts a ripple effect throughout their once-flourishing habitats. The team compares struggling, transformed ecosystems to the lush kelp forests within one of the world’s first marine reserves. In areas where overfished species are protected, the relationships between species are preserved, and the entire habitat remains in a state of functional balance.

This principle of interconnectedness within the natural world is further explored with local Māori leaders Kelly Klink and Dan Hikuroa, who share their knowledge and urge action. They each remind us of our individual duties to be diligent and thoughtful ancestors, ensuring that we pass on healthy land and sea environments to future generations who will inherit our Earth.

The time for ocean action is here, and you can be a part of the change! Join our Tide community and help support stories that inspire conservation for us and the planet: https://share.sealegacy.org/tide

To learn more about how marine protections impact our ocean, visit the link here: https://www.sealegacy.org/marine-protected-areas-recovery-in-action/

To learn more about the importance of kelp forests, click here: https://www.sealegacy.org/kelp-forests-protectors-of-biodiversity-climate-resilience-and-coastal-economies/

Explore more from our expedition on our website: https://www.sealegacy.org/expedition/auckland-new-zealand/

Thank you to our Executive Producers:
The Cooper Family
Julia Jackson & Grounded.org
Andy Mann
Cristina Mittermeier
Paul Nicklen

Additional special thanks to:
Steve Hathaway
Co-Founder
Young Ocean Explorers

Riley Hathaway
Co-Founder
Young Ocean Explorers

Dan Hikuroa
Associate Professor, Māori Studies
University of Auckland

Kelly Klink
Tribal Historian
Ngāti Rehua

Additional footage contributors:
Greenpeace
OpenPlanet.org/Silverback Films
Pond5
Steve Hathaway
Tourism NZ Visual Library

Featuring “Champagne” and “Pluck” from Piano Piano 2 by Jeremiah Fraites. Jeremiah Fraites appears courtesy of Dualtone Records, MercuryKX and Decca Publishing, a division of Universal Music Publishing Group (BMI)

Director/Producer
Gina Papabeis

Director of Natural History
Paul Nicklen

Director of Photography
Andy Mann
Cristina Mittermeier
Paul Nicklen
Steve Hathaway

Camera Operator/AC/DIT/Dive Safety
Chad Shagren
Ryan Tidman

SeaLegacy 1 Crew:
Captain Mike Gestal
Mike “Archie” Archibald
Thiago Domit

Head of Production
Tyler Dunning

Editor
Adam Svatek

Color & Sound
Bryan Kowalsky

Digital Asset Manager
Dee Wasielewska

Assistant Editor
Mark Matarese

Visual Effects
Harry Lee

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In the latest installment of “A Sea of Hope,” our co-founders share how the humpback whale’s remarkable story of recovery inspired us to choose them as the champion personifying our pursuit of change. Our ocean’s giants swim on and continue to strengthen in numbers – acting as a testament to what ocean protections can achieve for creatures beneath the waves. The humpback’s successful rebound inspires our continuous efforts and embodies the spirit of our intended action.

Dive in with our co-founders, Andy Mann, Cristina Mittermeier, and Paul Nicklen, as they capture stories of the enamoring humpback whale from across the globe. Along their journey, the team outlines the origins of the SeaLegacy1’s orange sails and our mascot. Learn more about the humpback’s resilience through their comeback from near extinction and witness the ongoing struggles they face.

Thank you to all who supported our efforts on November 28th’s Giving Tuesday! With the contributions of our Tide members and donors, we are forging forward into more ocean action! Help us continue to sail toward a healthier future for our ocean by signing up for the Tide: http://bit.ly/SeaLegacyTide.

Special Thanks to:
Members of “The Tide,” SeaLegacy’s Monthly Recurring Giving Program

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A los pies de los icónicos picos de las montañas de la Patagonia chilena, un poco más abajo de la superficie azul del mar, yace un bosque de kelp biodiverso y prístino. En este episodio de “Mar de Esperanza”, el experto en políticas oceánicas de Mission Blue, Max Bello, y la Ministra del Medioambiente de Chile, Maisa Rojas, se unen al equipo de SeaLegacy para explorar lo maravilloso y espectacular que es este ecosistema único en el mundo.

Abundantes y diversas formas de vida encuentran hogar en el bosque de algas continuo más largo del mundo, a las afueras de la costa, en una región donde se encuentran cientos de fiordos y más de 40.000 islas e islotes. Acompaña a nuestro co-fundador Andy Mann mientras se sumerge con el equipo de exploración en una aventura para descubrir los tesoros de la Patagonia chilena y evaluar el estado de salud de este ecosistema productivo y salvaje. Descubre los colores neón naturales, los tallos inmensos de kelp, algunos de los personajes marinos que habitan la zona, y las impresionantes habilidades de captura de carbono de los bosques submarinos!

Un agradecimiento especial a:
Max Bello
Maisa Rojas
@BlueMarineFoundation
Plum Foundation
@Mission_Blue
Deep Blue Patagonia

#MarDeEsperanza #oceano #conservacion #arte #ciencia #algas #naturaleza #Patagonia #buceo #submarino

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At the foot of Chilean Patagonia’s iconic peaks, just beneath the sea’s blue surface, lies a pristine, biodiverse kelp forest. In this episode of "A Sea of Hope," International Ocean Policy Expert Max Bello, and Chilean Minister of the Environment Maisa Rojas join the SeaLegacy team to explore the wonders and importance of this one-of-a-kind ecosystem.

Bountiful, diverse life finds a home in the world’s largest continuous kelp forest, here off the coast of this region’s hundreds of fjords and over 40,000 islands and inlets. Dive in with co-founder Andy Mann as he and the exploration team go on an adventure through the undiscovered treasures of Chilean Patagonia, while assessing the health of this wildly productive ecosystem.

Uncover the natural neon colors, the towering kelp stalks, the wondrous marine characters that inhabit the area, and the remarkable carbon-capture abilities of the forest beneath the sea!

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A los pies de los icónicos picos de las montañas de la Patagonia chilena, un poco más abajo de la superficie azul del mar, yace un bosque de kelp biodiverso y prístino. En este episodio de “Mar de Esperanza”, el experto en políticas oceánicas de Mission Blue, Max Bello, y la Ministra del Medioambiente de Chile, Maisa Rojas, se unen al equipo de SeaLegacy para explorar lo maravilloso y espectacular que es este ecosistema único en el mundo.

Abundantes y diversas formas de vida encuentran hogar en el bosque de algas continuo más largo del mundo, a las afueras de la costa, en una región donde se encuentran cientos de fiordos y más de 40.000 islas e islotes. Acompaña a nuestro co-fundador Andy Mann mientras se sumerge con el equipo de exploración en una aventura para descubrir los tesoros de la Patagonia chilena y evaluar el estado de salud de este ecosistema productivo y salvaje. Descubre los colores neón naturales, los tallos inmensos de kelp, algunos de los personajes marinos que habitan la zona, y las impresionantes habilidades de captura de carbono de los bosques submarinos!

A special thanks to (un agradecimiento especial a):
Max Bello
Maisa Rojas
@BlueMarineFoundation
Plum Foundation
@Mission_Blue
Deep Blue Patagonia

#SeaOfHope #ocean #conservation #art #science #kelp #science #nature #Patagonia #diving #underwater

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Cinco años después de su protección, el Parque Nacional Revillagigedo de México rebosa de un resurgimiento de vida, dando la bienvenida de nuevo a las increíbles especies nativas de la región, como la raya manta gigante en peligro de extinción.

La cofundadora Cristina Mittermeier y la científica marina Frida Lara exploran lo que es posible cuando damos espacio a la vida acuática para que se recupere y prospere. El dúo saluda a una raya manta gigante como a una vieja amiga, mientras da volteretas, vuela y se desliza por el agua. La curiosa criatura tiene un gran significado simbólico y desempeña un papel ecológico vital dentro del océano y toda la vida marina afectada por su mera presencia.

La abundancia y diversidad de vida que Cristina captura dentro del Parque Nacional Revillagigedo demuestran que proteger nuestros ecosistemas marinos es la solución para salvar nuestro océano. Solo iluminada por la presencia de la raya manta gigante en peligro de extinción, los logros de esta región actúan como una luz guía de esperanza para la conservación en todo el mundo.

Únete a la Marea hoy mismo para ayudarnos a seguir abogando por y compartiendo historias sobre la creación de áreas marinas protegidas en todo el mundo. Haz clic aquí para registrarte: http://bit.ly/SeaLegacyTide.

Un agradecimiento especial a:
Frida Lara
@bluenaturealliance6840
@orgcas3736
@betadiversidad6064

#SeaOfHope #TurningTheTide #art #science #conservation #nature

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Five years after its protection, Mexico’s Revillagigedo National Park bounds with a resurgence of life– welcoming back the region’s incredible native species, like the endangered giant manta ray.

Co-founder Cristina Mittermeier and marine scientist Frida Lara explore what’s possible when we give aquatic life space to recover and thrive. The pair greet a giant manta as an old friend, as it flips, flies, and glides through the water. The curious creature holds great symbolic significance and plays a vital ecological role within the ocean and all the marine life impacted by its sheer presence.

The bounty and diversity of life Cristina captures within Revillagigedo National Park prove that protecting our marine ecosystems is the solution to saving our ocean. Only brightened by the endangered giant manta’s presence, this region’s achievements act as a guiding light of hope for conservation worldwide.

Join the Tide today to help us continue to advocate for and share stories on creating marine protected areas worldwide. Click here to sign up: http://bit.ly/SeaLegacyTide.

A special thanks to:

Frida Lara
@bluenaturealliance6840
@orgcas3736
@betadiversidad6064

#SeaOfHope #TurningTheTide #art #science #conservation #nature

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Illuminating the depths and revealing a neon display of biofluorescence, in A Sea of Hope, co-founder Paul Nicklen leads a journey through the night, diving into unfamiliar worlds. Using blue lights to capture underwater biofluorescence, one of nature’s most striking phenomena, Paul plunges into “a void of blackness.” Cutting through the dark with only his beam of light, he relinquishes control and uncovers the underwater secrets usually shielded within the dark expanse.

Paul, joined by friend and fellow underwater photographer Marcelo Johan Ogata unveils the psychedelic display emitted from certain corals and animals when observed under blue light. The lights reveal the incredible contrast of these organisms from day to night alongside the abundant aquatic activity that bustles under the cloak of darkness.

In awe of the incredible wonders of life in the deep blue, Paul and Marcelo ponder the consequences of our changing climate and highlight the urgency necessary to save these extraordinary ecosystems.

Join the Tide today to help us continue sharing lively spectacles, illuminating stories, and highlighting solutions to the pressing realities that await us just below the surface. Click here to sign up: http://bit.ly/SeaLegacyTide.

A special thanks to:
@bugDreamer
Shelton Du Preez
@nicole.helgason
Dr. Vincent Pieribone
@RoneyDives

#SeaOfHope #TurningTheTide #art #science #conservation #nature

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A young indigenous person from the shores of Panama's Guna Yala Comarca takes us on a journey into the heart of their community, their Ocean Grandmother. Explore the hope for a brighter future that thrives throughout Guna Yala to save the surrounding seas that all life depends on.

In the episode, Diwi Valiente, a dedicated indigenous climate activist, finds themself at personal crossroads of ocean conservation and a changing climate. Their people are becoming the first documented case of an Indigenous community that is being forced to relocate due to climate change.

Diwi invites our co-founder Cristina Mittermeier and SeaLegacy 1 crew into their village, as they tell us of their future vision for their island-dwelling people. A deeply connected person to the ocean and nature, Diwi shares about their community's culture and wisdom, reflecting on how valuing their people's traditions and customs could help solve some of the challenges that they and their people are currently facing. But there is still hope to save their community.

Join The Tide and our community of action-takers for our planet, wildlife, and people at: https://bit.ly/SeaLegacyTide. Become a part of the global ocean movement with Cristina and @PaulNicklenPhotography, as together we help support the voices of our coastal communities and rewrite their narrative to a brighter future.

A special thanks to your impact partners:
@sonyelectronics
@miambientepma
@The Leatherback Project

Additional footage by:
Christian Clauwers (https://www.clauwers.com/)

#SeaOfHope #TurningTheTide #art #science #conservation #30x30

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Diving in the icy kingdom of Antarctica soon brings you face-to-face with one of the continent’s most highly regarded predators of the sea, the powerful leopard seal. And yet, when our co-founders Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier share a remarkable encounter with one special seal, the experience reveals a charismatic and nurturing side to these animals rarely shared with the rest of the world.

“Being in the water with a leopard seal is one of the most beautiful things you can ever experience in life. They’re very, very curious. And their curiosity, I think it’s what’s special,” Paul Nicklen.

The leopard seal patrols the frigid realm with ease, grace, and endless wonder toward any life that enters its home. However, the future of its domain remains in peril.

Covering nearly 20% of Earth’s southern hemisphere, Antarctica regulates the global climate, slowing down warming temperatures and capturing carbon dioxide from the surrounding air. The continent also creates a nutrient-rich environment for phytoplankton, the very foundation of the world’s food web, to grow and thrive. Today, Antarctica is vulnerable to melting ice shelves, losing land mass to rising sea levels, rampant overfishing, and increasing algae blooms that greatly limit the growth of vital plankton. But there is still hope to save its ecosystem.

Join The Tide and our community of action-takers for our planet, wildlife, and people at: https://bit.ly/SeaLegacyTide. Become a part of the global ocean movement with Paul and Cristina, as together we help support the vital protection of the leopard seal’s home, Antarctica, and rewrite its narrative to a brighter future.

A special thanks to your impact partners:
@NatGeo
MAC 3
ASOC: Antarctica Southern Ocean Coalition

And our special advisors:
Rodolfo Werner
Göran Ehlmé

#SeaOfHope #TurningTheTide #antarctica #art #science #conservation #30x30

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"When I look out across our Bahamian waters in my blue country, I know that I'm looking out into a sea of hope," @andremusgrove.

Freediving with tiger sharks is how André Musgrove challenges the misconceptions surrounding these vital animals and connects with his home in The Bahamas. As an underwater cinematographer, filmmaker, and photographer, André spends most of his time freediving on one breath for intimate encounters with some of the world’s most misunderstood predators. His love for the ocean is rivaled only by his passion for revealing its hidden beauty to his community and visitors from across the world. By teaching others to fall in love with the ocean, André hopes to protect its vulnerable wildlife for a healthy, brighter future.

Want to become part of the global ocean movement and help support artists, conservationists, and shark advocates like André? Join The Tide and our community of action-takers for our planet, wildlife, and people at: https://bit.ly/SeaLegacyTide.

A special thanks to your impact partners:
@BahamasNationalTrustYT
Beneath the Waves
Bimini Scuba Center
@BiminiSharkLab

And a huge thank you to our friend and ocean hero, André Musgrove!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andremusgrove/
Website: https://www.andremusgrove.com/

#SeaOfHope #TurningTheTide #art #science #conservation

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