A film which tackles one of the many sustainability concerns facing our planet, The End of the Line explores the fishing industry and exposes our dwindling supply of fish. The world’s first documentary film addressing the devastating effects of over-fishing was presented at the Sundance Film Festival, and the film made some startling discoveries. Urging us to consider the global consequences of the absence of marine life, The End of the Line exposes the imminent extinction of bluefin tuna, brought on by increasing western demand for sushi, and the consequential impact on marine life, resulting in a huge overpopulation of jellyfish. The United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation state that over 75 percent of the world’s fish have been fully-exploited or over-fished. The profound implications of a future world without fish will not just affect the underwater world but is believed to spark a mass starvation in parts of the globe. Filmed over two years, The End of the Line follows investigative reporter Charles Clover as he confronts politicians and restaurateurs, who seem disinterested in the damage occurring to our oceans.
Shockingly, scientists predict that if we continue fishing as we are now, we will see the end of fish by 2048. With hi-tech fishing vessels combing waters, there is no escape for fish populations and fish farms are unable to satisfactorily regenerate dwindled populations. With less than 1% of our oceans protected, the film calls for consumers to act, and become more informed and aware of the crisis facing marine life. Charles Clover suggests buying fish from certified sustainable fisheries, asking where your fish is from and campaigning to increase the areas of protected waters. The End of the Line is not against fishing or eating fish; however, it is about a responsible attitude towards the oceans.
