If You Thought Plastic Was the Ocean’s Biggest Problem, Watch Benedict Cumberbatch Here
Prada and National Geographic CreativeWorks join forces once again to explore the intersection of humanity and the environment in their second collaborative film. This time, Benedict Cumberbatch embarks on a journey to Bodø, Norway, to investigate the impact of human activity on the delicate acoustic environment of the ocean. Yes, plastic is not the ocean’s biggest problem—human-made noise also disrupts its harmony.
Sound as Language: Marine Communication at Risk
In the heart of the Arctic, whales and other marine mammals rely on sound to navigate, communicate, and sense their surroundings. Their haunting songs travel vast distances, with some even capable of crossing entire ocean basins. However, this sophisticated communication network is under threat.
Actress and environmental activist Valentina Gottlieb, ambassador of the SEA BEYOND project, joins marine biologist Dr Heike Vester to examine how noise pollution—primarily caused by shipping and seismic exploration for oil and gas—is disrupting the ocean’s sonic harmony.
The Impact of Human-Made Noise on Marine Life
Artificial sounds have invaded the depths of the seas. Increasing industrial and commercial activity generates an underwater cacophony, disturbing the natural behaviour of many species. For marine mammals, who depend on sound for hunting, socialising, and even reproducing, this interference can be devastating.
The film highlights crucial measures to address this crisis, showcasing technological and policy-driven solutions to reduce noise pollution in the oceans. Protecting these soundscapes is not only vital for the survival of marine species but also for preserving the richness of biodiversity for future generations.
Our editors select independently all products featured on Notorious-mag. However, we may get a commission when you buy through our links.
Prada Re-Nylon for SEA BEYOND: Fashion and Sustainability in Harmony
Fashion plays a crucial role in raising awareness and funding environmental projects. As part of this commitment, 1% of the proceeds from the Prada Re-Nylon for SEA BEYOND collection are donated to the SEA BEYOND educational programme, developed in partnership with UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission. The collection not only redefines sustainable luxury but also reinforces the urgency of concrete action to safeguard our oceans.
SEA BEYOND: Education for Change
Since 2019, the SEA BEYOND initiative has reached over 35,000 students worldwide, promoting ocean literacy through innovative educational programmes. Projects such as the Kindergarten of the Lagoon, launched in Venice in 2021, encourage young children to develop a connection with marine ecosystems from an early age.
Beyond its educational focus, SEA BEYOND has now expanded its reach to support scientific research and humanitarian projects dedicated to ocean conservation. Prada’s commitment also extends to its more than 14,000 employees worldwide, who receive sustainability training through immersive technologies such as virtual reality and the AWorld platform, endorsed by the United Nations.
Fashion, Science, and Activism: A Call to Action
The collaboration between Prada and National Geographic CreativeWorks is more than just a campaign—it is a call to action. The documentary featuring Benedict Cumberbatch highlights the urgency of rethinking our relationship with the ocean and adopting more sustainable practices. After all, the future of our planet depends on the balance between innovation, conservation, and respect for the natural world.
SHARE
