Reclaiming Britain's Maritime Abundance: A Conservative Blueprint for Ocean Stewardship

The recent release of "Ocean with David Attenborough" presents a rare opportunity for reflection on conservative principles of environmental stewardship. As Sir David approaches his 99th birthday, his latest documentary delivers an unexpectedly optimistic message that deserves attention from across the political spectrum.

Attenborough's central claim—that "the ocean can recover faster than we had ever thought possible"—aligns perfectly with the conservative understanding that nature, when properly respected, demonstrates remarkable resilience. This perspective stands in contrast to the often-apocalyptic narratives that dominate environmental discourse.

Current Conservation Landscape

The UK has already demonstrated leadership through initiatives such as the Blue Belt Programme, which has protected over 4 million square kilometres of marine ecosystems around UK Overseas Territories. Domestically, our network of 91 Marine Conservation Zones provides targeted protection while respecting traditional uses. The Fisheries Act 2020, enacted following Brexit, establishes a framework for sustainable fishing that balances conservation with economic priorities—a distinctly conservative approach.

Internationally, the UN's 30x30 initiative aims to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030, while the High Seas Treaty finalised in 2023 provides new mechanisms for protecting international waters. These frameworks, while ambitious, recognise the importance of targeted conservation measures that yield tangible benefits.

Evidence-Based Results

The documentary, filmed across locations including Indonesia, Liberia, Antarctica, and Hawaii, provides compelling evidence that marine protected areas generate significant benefits. Director Keith Scholey notes these areas "look like they're on steroids," with abundant marine life that "spills over into unprotected areas." This observation supports the conservative case for targeted conservation that yields multiple benefits: enhanced fisheries, carbon absorption, and preservation of maritime heritage.

Strategic Opportunities

For British conservatives, several opportunities merit consideration:

First, the UK's Blue Carbon Strategy recognises the carbon sequestration potential of coastal habitats like saltmarshes and seagrass meadows. Market-based mechanisms for blue carbon credits offer economic incentives for conservation that align with conservative economic principles.

Second, the UK Marine Technology Roadmap identifies opportunities for innovation in sustainable fishing practices, monitoring technologies, and habitat restoration techniques. These innovations represent potential growth sectors for British industry while advancing conservation objectives.

Third, coastal community revitalisation through heritage-focused tourism and sustainable fisheries presents economic opportunities for regions that have experienced decline. The Coastal Communities Fund has already demonstrated how targeted investment can generate significant returns for local economies.

The International Context

The film's timing deliberately coincides with the UN Ocean Conference in Nice on June 9th. While international frameworks often raise concerns about sovereignty, the core message—that measured protection generates economic and environmental returns—warrants consideration.

Particularly noteworthy is the documentary's acknowledgment of traditional fishing communities, with Attenborough warning against "modern colonialism at sea" where industrial fishing by wealthy nations threatens coastal communities worldwide. This recognition of community rights and traditional practices harmonises with conservative values of local governance and heritage preservation.

The Conservative Vision

Here at Conservative Friends of the Ocean, we have consistently advocated for balanced approaches that protect marine resources while respecting the livelihoods that depend upon them. Attenborough's documentary reinforces our position that conservation and economic vitality need not be mutually exclusive.

As the UK defines its post-Brexit maritime strategy, we have an unprecedented opportunity to demonstrate how conservative principles can deliver both environmental and economic benefits. By emphasising property rights, market mechanisms, innovation, and community stewardship, we can chart a course toward ocean recovery that remains true to our values.

The evidence presented in "Ocean" suggests that targeted marine protections, respect for traditional practices, and innovation-driven solutions can simultaneously serve environmental, economic, and cultural objectives—offering a distinctly conservative pathway to ocean stewardship that honours our heritage while securing abundant seas for future generations.