This post is sponsored by Netflix #StreamTeam!
I read recently that large sections of the Great Barrier Reef have been officially declared dead, and that the Reef has actually been dying for almost 20 years due to overheated seawater. Hearing this news made me really sad. Partly because by the time I finally get to see it, it will have died off even more, and partly because we (humans) might have been able to prevent its die-off if we’d been better stewards of the planet.
Photo: Netflix
For those curious to know more, Netflix is on the case as usual with a Netflix Original documentary on the topic called Chasing Coral. A team of researchers, divers, photographers, and videographers spent three years documenting the die-off of coral reefs — also called bleaching — and this documentary is the result. The film is beautifully shot and scored, and of course is about a very important topic.
Photo: Richard Vevers © Chasing Coral
I learned some interesting things when I watched it, like the fact that an increase in the ocean’s temperature of just 1-2 degrees Celsius causes coral to die. The way it was explained in the film made a lot of sense — it’s the same as when we get a fever as an autoimmune response to a virus or infection.
When coral gets a “fever” due to stressful external factors like overly warm water, it bleaches, meaning it expels the algae that feeds it and gives it color. So what you’re seeing when you see bleached coral is its white skeleton through transparent skin. If conditions don’t improve, the algae can’t come back to the coral, and the coral starves and dies. Interesting, but sad.
If you’d like to learn more about the widespread die-off of coral in our oceans, I highly recommend streaming Chasing Coral on Netflix. If you want to get young kids to watch it with you, let them know that Kristen Bell, aka Anna from Frozen, sang the closing song for the film!
And if you want to take action to help the cause, there’s a downloadable guide on the Chasing Coral website that tells you how. One simple way: wear physical sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide instead of chemical sunscreens, which harm ocean wildlife. Both of us — Liz & Chanelle — are making the commitment to do that going forward.
Shannon Gurnee says
I’m always looking for a new show to watch and this one sounds like a good one. The coral reefs are so beautiful.
Agness of Fit Travelling says
I am so disappointed to read this, Chanelle! I should definitely check the documentary!
Courtney says
Omg it just breaks my heart that the reef is dying 🙁 definitely something on my travel bucket list! I hope I get to see it before it’s a total mess :-/
chei says
It’s just so sad knowing what’s happening to the corals. Have watched few documents in Philippines too. Hope to save them.
Brianne says
I am so going to watch this! I’m fascinated with ocean life!
Scott says
WE saw this already and were amazed by the statistics! Hopefully something long-term can be done.
Alissa Apel says
That’s so sad they are having issues! I did watch a show on PBS where a guy learned how to grow them. He’s trying to help with the problem. He can’t do it alone though.
I’ll have to do a painting on this. I’m painting a series on something beautiful that’s being destroyed. I’ll have to think about how I’d show it being destroyed though.
Ra'Nesha says
I watch Netflix all the time I never thought I would find a documentary on Coral Reefs. I’ll check it out.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
I will have to watch this documentary. I hate to see those corals dying! If we allow that to happen, we will cause a disruption in the food chain. and we may never get to see any more fish!
My Teen Guide says
This is so sad. We mindlessly destroy our coral reefs without thinking about the future generations. If this continues, we may no longer see any marine life. I hope the documentary raises awareness and that preventive measures are done to stop the death of the coral reefs.
Hali @daytodayMOMents says
i saw Chasing Coral, but didn’t click to watch – I will now. How sad to hear this is happening! 🙁
Jocelyn @ Hip Mama's Place says
This is a great way to raise awareness especially for people who love vacationing in beaches and islands that have rich coral reefs. We need to take better care of our marine life!
Dawn Lopez says
This is such a sad thing to read about! I had no idea that the Coral Reef was dying. I’ll have to watch Chasing Coral and get the facts. 🙁
Tatanisha Worthey says
I love finding really cool documentaries to watch on Netflix. Thanks for sharing this, I’ll have to check it out!
Crystal says
That’s awful! I find such joy in seeing wildlife, and it’s heartbreaking to know the coral reef is dying. Need to check this out.
Amanda West says
I saw this and started to watch it. Seems like a great documentary! It’s sad to hear about what effect we are having on the great barrier reef. It’s such a beautiful place!
liz Cleland says
We saw this documentary and just loved it. Although very sad it is wonderful seeing the work they are doing to get the awareness out. Trying to fix the problems are really the next step. Great show!
Kelly Hutchinson says
I read an article about the dying reef a few months ago. I saw this documentary on the newly added list on Netflix. I need to check it out!
Tara says
Wow. It is so sad that this is happening. We have to do our part to protect our environment better.
Pam says
I was actually reading about the Great Barrier Reef the other day. It’s so sad that it’s dying like this.
Lisa B says
We just watched Chasing Coral on Netflix this weekend. It is so sad what is happening to the coral reefs. This is a good documentary to help educate people.
Amy Desrosiers says
I think it is so horrific that Coral Reef is dying because of us. This is one of nature’s best gifts and to have it being damaged is sickening.
maria long says
WE need to watch more of these. I think we take for granted our natural locations.
Nellie Blazina says
This looks beautiful. I’ll have to show my kidos this netflix show. They will love all the beautiful fish.
Kelly Stilwell says
We love learning about what we can do to make a difference. I knew the Reef was dying, but I want to know more. I’ll be checking this out. My kids will be all over it, too. Thanks for the downloadable guide.
Maureen says
I will have to watch more about this Great Barrier Reef issue, it breaks my heart and makes me sad. I hate seeing us lose some long rooted natural wonders like this. It is such a beautiful thing to be able to see!
Brandy says
I heard about this but had no idea the true extent of the toll we are playing on the great barrier reef. Makes me sad too, such a beauty to lose.
Sarah says
This is such an important cause and a great documentary. I have known that the coral reefs have been in dire straits for years, but the problem with the Great Barrier Reef is just started to come into public awareness. I haven’t seen this yet, but can’t wait to see it!
Kristen @ My 3 Little Kittens says
Wow. This hurts my heart. I am going to check out this documentary because the more we know, the BETTER!
Catherine Sargent says
I will be sure to watch Chasing Coral on Netflix. I want to do all I can to protect our oceans and I will start with changing my sunscreen.
Jeanette says
I knew that coral reefs are having problems but I had no idea what is causing it. This is definitely a very informative post. I hope there is a way to save them.
Colleen Lanin says
I have to check out this documentary. I have a few in the pipeline for myself, but I’m moving this one to the top of the list. It’s so sad to know these reefs are dying.
Bill Sweeney says
I have to watch this. Every day, it seems like more and more of our planet succumbs to the destructiveness of humanity. We started this, and we need to fix it.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
That is so terrible! Humans are just about the worst thing that has ever happened to this planet. We need to change!
Heather Johnson says
I had not heard of this documentary before. I keep seeing news about the Great Barrier Reef, and all the news makes me so sad.
OJrobin rue says
I am going to have to check out Chasing Coral on Netflix. I love documentaries like this.