Bermuda’s “ocean champions”, who gathered for an exclusive screening of Sir David Attenborough’s upcoming documentary, are sharing his message about the importance of marine conservation.

Ocean with David Attenborough premiered locally at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute last week ahead of the United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France.

Sir David, an English broadcaster, biologist, natural historian and writer, draws on the 99 years of his life to drive home the message that ocean recovery is crucial for human survival.

The screening was hosted by The Nonsuch Expeditions and presented by production company 10% for the Ocean in collaboration with the Sargasso Sea Commission.

The film’s Bermuda premiere drew a full house including many prominent figures in Bermuda marine conservation, scientific research and advocacy communities, as well as government officials and dignitaries.

David Freestone, the executive secretary of the Sargasso Sea Commission, said: “The message is clear — the ocean's health is essential to the health of the planet.”

Dr Freestone added: “We know the threats and we know that tools like area-based management can help.

“Now it is up to us to collaborate and put measures in place to ensure these iconic areas keep functioning as they should.”

The film explores the world’s ocean and coastal communities using “breathtaking visuals and calm, yet engaging, narration”.

Sir David speaks to the themes of ocean discovery, dependence on the ocean for human survival, as well as activities that are causing unprecedented marine destruction.

However, the film ends with a message of hope as Sir David shares examples of the ocean’s resilience and ability to recover — when properly protected.

Panel speakers included Mark Guishard, chief operating officer of the Arizona State University Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences; Jean-Pierre Rouja, the founder of Nonsuch Expeditions and cofounder of BioQuest and Station-B; Jessica Mello, blue economy expert at Blue Bridges; and Fae Sapsford, a marine research fellow for the Sargasso Sea Commission.

The panel was moderated by Ali Hochberg, a sustainability consultant and responsible tourism specialist.

Among the guests were Jaché Adams, the Minister of Public Works and the Environment, and Kim Wilkerson, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

"It was a privilege to attend this important screening and engage with others committed to protecting our ocean as marine conservation remains a priority for the Government,” said Mr Adams.

“I want to thank all of the organisers and sponsors for their efforts and look forward to working collaboratively to help ensure the sustainable use of Bermuda’s marine resources for generations to come."

Mr Rouja has previously worked with Doug Anderson, the director of underwater photography for Ocean with David Attenborough, as well as co-producer Silverback Films.

In 2015, the team worked together in Bermuda for a month to produce a Sargassum fish sequence for the BBC Natural History Hunt series, also narrated by Sir David.

“We spent nine months of prep work and several weeks of filming to secure the three minutes of footage that made its way on to the screen, which is quite common for productions like this,” said Mr Rouja.

“The Nonsuch Expeditions has also joined the efforts of film producers 10% for the Ocean, as their mission aligns with ours and should be seriously considered by Bermuda’s philanthropic community.”

Among the discussions following the screening were Bermuda’s important contributions to ocean and atmospheric science at ASU-Bios.

Organisers said that the institute’s research had increased the fundamental understanding of baseline conditions in the ocean, its role in the climate system and how the ocean was responding to a changing global climate.

The development of cutting-edge ocean science technologies such as acoustic sensors that can monitor and protect marine species, and special modular sensors for coral reef assessment and management, were also discussed along with environmental DNA sampling and sequencing being carried out in partnership with the local non-profit BioQuest.

Bermuda’s potential for growing “blue economy” industries such as marine tourism, renewable energy and food production was another topic covered.

Jasper Smith, the founder of 10% for the Ocean, said: “We’re calling on individuals, businesses and foundations to take the 10 per cent pledge. By committing just 10 per cent of your annual giving to the ocean, we can end the most destructive forms of fishing, restore marine ecosystems and bring the ocean’s former abundance back to life.”

He said Sir David’s film “reflects the collective effort of hundreds of people working to spark a profound shift in how we protect the ocean”.