Sea of Hope: America’s Underwater Treasures

Release Date: January 13, 2017

Watch Date: May 13 – May 14, 2025

“To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the U.S. national parks system, beloved oceanographer Sylvia Earle sets out to inspire a new generation to create ‘blue parks’ to protect the ocean realms. With the help of Nat Geo photographer Brian Skerry, Sylvia and a dedicated group of marine conservationists explore the blue depths and embark on a year-long environmental quest.”

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I think that, honestly, we were most excited to see President Obama on the screen. He’s kind of a reassuring presence in this trying time. We kept just wondering when he would show up.

The idea of continuing the great US tradition of national parks under the water is kind of genius. We need to protect our oceans and the life within it. People think, because they can’t see it, and because we’ve always described it as a bounty, it will always be there. But we’re killing it, rapidly. I don’t know if Canada has followed suit, but I can only hope so.

We did, unfortunately, look up if the park they fought for at the end of this documentary was approved, or expanded and just how well it’s going – and the answer is it’s not. Unsurprisingly, the protected area was at least greatly reduced if not completely removed, I can’t remember, due to a change in administration. The very next administration, let’s be honest. And that’s just really sad.

And that’s all I’ve got to say, whether or not this is a good documentary kind of pales in comparison to the fact that this is a good cause, a worthy cause, but none of it really matters because it’s not a change that anyone in power, currently, has time to focus on, and nothing that the American people have time, currently, to fight for. I hope that changes. I hope things ease so that they can broaden their horizons again beyond simply feeling safe, at least that’s what I’m seeing on the news, but I can’t promise anything. The world will continue to turn and I, as someone who once dreamed of being a marine biologist and fighting for these exact things, can only hope that the oceans will come along for the ride.