Ep 3. Coral Reefs

Blue Planet II Season 1 Episode 3 titled Coral Reefs captures the breathtaking beauty, diversity, and fragility of the world's coral reefs. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in marine life ecology and conservation.

For most ocean life, coral reefs are a vital lifeline. Covering less than one percent of the ocean, these reefs support over 25 percent of marine species, serving as homes, breeding grounds, and food sources for countless underwater creatures. However, human activity, including overfishing, pollution, and climate change, has put coral reefs in danger.

The episode begins with breathtaking aerial shots of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the world's largest coral reef system, portraying its myriad colors and shapes. David Attenborough's authoritative voiceover takes us on a journey to explore the bustling life that resides within. Starting with the little clownfish, who make their homes between the anemones on the reef, up to the incredibly impressive hunting methods of the giant groupers that hunt in the coral, the smallest and largest creatures are fully on display. All of these creatures are inextricably bound to the reefs for survival, all while being co-dependent on each other.

The documentary showcases the relationship between small fish and anemones, which has developed over millions of years, creating a mutualistic relationship in which both species protect each other. While anemones may look like defenseless creatures, they can be quite dangerous, as illustrated by a time-lapse of a giant clam closing its shell around a would-be predator.

The episode also shines a light on the work of scientists studying the coral reefs. The episode contains footage from a new submersible camera that can capture images of coral at a much higher resolution than ever before. This footage shows a remarkable view of coral polyps interacting in real-time, illustrating how corals survive and thrive.

However, in the face of immense challenges to these underwater worlds, conservationists work tirelessly to preserve them. The documentary also delves into the efforts of conservationist teams who work to make sure the reefs remain vibrant and healthy. To ensure their preservation, fishermen collaborate with scientists to remove an invasive species of starfish that is preying on the coral. Scientists also work on coral plantation, where they grow coral fragments and transplant them on reefs. Despite these efforts, the threats facing coral reefs continue to be enormous.

In the episode's most poignant moment, David Attenborough takes the viewer to Fiji, where the reefs have been devastated by increasingly warm waters caused by climate change. The programme showcases bleached corals, which are left white and lifeless by the high water temperatures. With such water, fish have struggled to survive, and the coral and its ecosystem have died. It is both astonishing and heartbreaking to witness the effect of humanity, from pollution to climate change.

Lastly, the episode focuses on the role that humans can play in affecting coral reefs positively. By visiting a sustainable seafood farm in Mexico, the importance of protecting global fish stocks is highlighted. It also focuses on the importance of eco-tourism when it is done sustainably. When eco-tourism is managed correctly, it can enable locals to make money and employ residents and help protect these vulnerable underwater ecosystems.

Overall, Blue Planet II Season 1 Episode 3 Coral Reefs is an awe-inspiring, educational, and sobering look into the world's coral reefs and what we must do if we want to preserve them. It encourages both awe and action to protect ocean inhabitants.