The Last Ocean: The Toothfish and the Battle for Antarctica's Soul

Beginning with a breathtaking opening shot of a penguin slowly traversing a vast snowy plain under an ice-blue sky, this gorgeously filmed, thought-provoking documentary looks at the impact of human activity on the “last ocean”: the Ross Sea on the Pacific edge of Antarctica. The adjoining land, Earth's last pristine marine ecosystem, is protected by international treaties—an easy agreement, since no economic use exists for its resident penguins, seals, and shorebirds. The Ross Sea, however, is another matter, since it is home to the giant toothfish, a creature that scientists know little about (they're not even sure how often it breeds). Familiar to consumers by the more appealing name of Chilean sea bass and often featured on high-end menus, the toothfish has been so depleted farther north that ships flying various flags now ply the Ross Sea as soon as the ice breaks up in search of this tasty behemoth. Filmmaker Peter Young supplements his stunning in-the-wild cinematography with footage of fish markets and pricey restaurants, person-on-the-street interviews, and thoughtful commentary from an array of scientists, including ecologist Dr. David Ainley, who has studied the region for over 40 years. Along the way, viewers learn that toothfish are at the top of the food chain, like tuna; as they disappear, the entire ecosystem reacts. Environmentalists want more protection, but governments tend to want to conserve jobs in the fishing industry. A noteworthy film that lays out many reasons why it is important to protect the last sea, this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Gardner)