The End of the Line is a gripping, sobering documentary for anyone who loves fish, the ocean–and the health of the earth\’s entire ecosystem. British filmmaker Rupert Murray has created a must-see film–a true call to action–that compellingly makes the case that the earth\’s oceans must be preserved, like great areas of the land, for future generations, to prevent the emptying of the seas of fish. Murray examines modern fishing practices, and the lack of agreement in the global community on what\’s acceptable. Trawling, for example, still the major form of catching mass quantities of fish, is done many times a year in the same spot–a practice, Murray tells the viewer, akin to \”plowing a field seven times a year.\” The yield is, and will be, ever diminishing.

Murray based his documentary on Charles Clover\’s book The End of the Line: How Overfishing Is Changing the World and What We Eat. As a film, however, the message has far more impact–the gorgeous undersea photography is riveting and inspiring–and helps leaven the downbeat overall message of The End of the Line. Ted Danson is an engaging narrator, not mincing words or glossing over harsh realities about the world\’s diminishing fish supply–yet drawing in the viewer to the wonders of the ocean, and why they need the same protections that vast areas of land preserves enjoy.

The End of the Line will make viewers think twice about the fish they eat–and maybe spur them into ocean conservation activism. The DVD includes several extras, including a great mini documentary about \”the Coral Triangle,\” a lush area of the sea north of Australia and surrounding the Philippines and parts of Indonesia. There are also an interview with Danson, a biography of Murray, and a very helpful small print guide, to be taken to restaurants and supermarkets, that suggests the most and least environmentally sustainable types of seafood. –A.T. Hurley

Product Description

Humans have long regarded the world\’s oceans as vast and inexhaustible. Now, we have learned otherwise.

Based on the critically acclaimed book by Charles Clover, The End of the Line charts the devastating ecological impact of overfishing by interweaving both local and global stories of sharply declining fish populations, including the imminent extinction of the bluefin tuna, and illuminates how our modern fishing capacities far outstrip the survival abilities of any ocean species. Scientists explain how this depletion has slipped under the public radar and outline the catastrophic future that awaits us an ocean without fish by 2048 if we do not adjust our fishing and consumption practices.

An alarming call to action that is already changing the world, the film narrates an escalating global crisis that can only be avoided by recovering and sustaining the incredible vitality of the sea. Beyond detailing the issues at hand, The End of the Line outlines the solutions, motivating supermarkets, restaurants and individuals to take the necessary steps to save the ocean. Now you can join them.

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