Here are eight documentaries you can watch on Netflix that will help you appreciate the wonders of the seas. These films encourage divers to take action to protect the ocean for generations to come.

1. Mission Blue

Explore the life and work of Sylvia Earle, an oceanographer, marine biologist, environmentalist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence. In this documentary, Earle highlights her organization — Mission Blue — and its goal to create a worldwide network of Hope Spots, or protected marine sanctuaries.

2. The Blue Planet

Narrated by Sir David Attenborough, this series of eight beautifully crafted episodes tours the wonders of the big blue, covering everything from alien-like creatures of the deep to animals who thrive in the polar seas to coastal-dwellers worldwide. Even better news: The epic follow-up, Blue Planet II, is now streaming on Netflix.

3. Shark

Sharks are analyzed from every angle in this beautifully shot BBC production, giving viewers insight into popular topics such as sharks' social lives, hunting habits, courtship and major threats.

4. South Pacific

This six-part series uncovers the natural history of the islands and coral atolls of the South Pacific region. Each stunning episode focuses on a different topic, such as the colonization of the remote islands, how big animals like sharks and whales survive there, the life cycles of the islands, and preservation of the region.

5. A Plastic Ocean

The four-year journey of two explorers showcases 20 spots around the globe, including the five major ocean gyres. Their aim is to learn about how plastic pollution is killing our oceans and creating shockwaves that go far beyond where the sea meets the shore.

6. The Polar Sea

Find out what life is like at the end of the Earth. In a series of 10 episodes, The Polar Sea takes viewers along on an incredible 5,600-mile expedition through the Northwest Passage, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific through the Arctic Ocean.

7. Life in the Blue

Captivating filmography creates a visual treat for ocean-lovers in this documentary, which shows what goes on in the shallows of the seas. An array of creatures, including sharks and turtles, are shown exhibiting grand displays of natural behavior.

8. Chasing Coral

From the director of documentary Chasing Ice, this film follows a group of scientists around the globe as they document the widespread coral reef bleaching epidemic.

Want to do more to celebrate World Oceans Day?
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