This documentary, from 2017 and about 1.5 hours long, can be found on Netflix and follows photographers, scientists, and divers who are on a global quest to document the coral bleaching events. The documentary also highlights a major reason why corals are declining. A major cause of coral destruction is due to warming of ocean waters, which is caused by climate change.

Why corals are so important? Coral reefs help protect coastlines from erosion and storms. They actually help reduce the power of waves when they hit the coast, during a storm. They also play such an important part of the marine ecosystem. Over 25% of marine life rely on corals as their shelter. Corals also provide food and breeding sites for many different marine species.

Coral Bleaching Events: Let me explain a little bit about coral bleaching events. The documentary goes pretty in depth about coral bleaching events and shows before & after pictures, but I wanted to give some additional information. A coral bleaching event happens when coral is stressed. The cause of the stress could be a variety of factors such as temperature, light, nutrients, & pollution. Due to climate change and the warming of the waters, this has been a consistent cause of coral bleaching events and ultimately coral death. Corals can survive a bleaching event, but many don’t.

How are our oceans warming? Simply put greenhouse gases trap energy from the sun in the atmosphere, the oceans are absorbing that heat, which results in rising sea water temperatures. Over the last approximately 100 years, global sea water temperatures have risen approximately 2 degrees Fahrenheit. Even with just a 2 degree Fahrenheit rise, it is causing catastrophic damage in our oceans.

Overall, this documentary highlights the importance of this issue while driving home the urgency of this issue as well. I found “Chasing Coral” to excel in its ability to educate and inspire action. It explains the science behind coral bleaching and the intricate role these reefs play in marine biodiversity. “Chasing Coral” not only raises awareness, but also serves as a call to action. It urges viewers to recognize the impact of human activities on the environment and to support efforts to protect and restore these vital ecosystems. Overall, “Chasing Coral” is a powerful and thought provoking documentary that leaves a lasting impression, while highlighting the critical need for conservation and bold climate action.

Have you seen “Chasing Coral,” if so, what were your thoughts? If you haven’t, do you plan on watching it? Let me know in the comments.