Watch Sharks of the Mediterranean: A Vanishing Kingdom

Sharks of the Mediterranean: A Vanishing Kingdom is a 2016 documentary film that illustrates the significance of sharks in the Mediterranean ecosystem and the importance of conserving their populations before they become extinct. The film is directed by Will Ridgeon and produced by Malthe Løkkegaard and Kim Ankerstjerne.

The documentary commences with an overview of the historical significance of the Mediterranean Sea, one of the most populated places in the world, and its bio-diversity. The filmmaking team focuses on the threats faced by various shark species, including the blue shark, thresher shark, and the Great White Shark. The Mediterranean was once filled with over 47 shark species, but with over 66% being classed as threatened with extinction, the documentary highlights the various reasons for the decline.

The reasons for the dwindling populations are various: human activities like commercial fishing and shipping activities have caused habitat destruction and reduced food resources. Additionally, climate change is impacting the preservation and distribution of the species. Other factors include the use of shark fins for food in Asian markets, which is causing irreparable damage to shark populations worldwide. The team interviews a variety of marine biologists, conservationists, and environmentalists, all of whom endorse saving sharks as being indispensable for the maintenance of a healthy Mediterranean Sea ecosystem.

Several segments of the documentary are dedicated to each of these species that dive in the Mediterranean, during which the filmmaking crew undergoes mock shark attacks through the use of dummy arms to demonstrate the impact of shark bites on humans - providing context to the documented, horrific shark attacks. They also showcase state-of-the-art research methods and give the audience real-world case studies of people working to protect these endangered species by catching and tagging or carrying out medical checks before releasing them back into their natural habitat.

The documentary's high quality of underwater footage is also breathtaking, showcasing sea creatures such as jellyfish, sea turtles, octopuses, and schools of fish. The film promotes the need for shark conservation to boost the ecosystem, and to encourage national and international collaboration for proper regulation and limitation on fishing activities.

The conservation of sharks and other marine creatures are vital for maintaining a stable, reliable food chain and its ecosystem altogether. The filmmakers do an excellent job of shedding light on the need for immediate action, directing our attention to the unfortunate reality of the effect human activity has on the natural world. The documentary, Sharks of the Mediterranean: A Vanishing Kingdom, gives viewers an intimate experience of the beauty that lies in the Mediterranean Sea and, simultaneously, provides theoretical and practical measures towards saving the sharks' kingdom.

In conclusion, Sharks of the Mediterranean: A Vanishing Kingdom is a well-executed documentary, aimed at creating a positive change for the plight of rare and threatened shark species. The film is accessible to all age groups, and the compelling footage and expert interviews take viewers on a journey of these majestic creatures' dwindling populations. This documentary is a must-watch for all who care about marine life conservation, and who would like to see the Mediterranean remain a world-class marine ecosystem for many years to come.