2009 50 minutes, National Geographic Channel. Blurb says, "This gorgeously shot documentary from National Geographic explores the tropical wonders of Hawaii's pristine Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument, where rare aquatic plants and animals thrive in crystal-clear waters. Striking underwater footage brings the beauty of these islands to life and also reveals the dangers that threaten many of the species living in Papahanaumokuakea, the largest marine protected area in the world."
It's about the northwest archipelago, from Midway through to west-northwest of Kauai. Much of the area was set aside for federal protection in the early 2000s. The video follows a team of diving scientists as they inspect some of the aqueous fauna. We're told they identify several isolated populations of fish, molluscs, and other animals within this large area. Unlike the vastly-superior David Attenborough shows, this National Geographic one focuses primarily on the activities of the crew--rather than the subject matter itself. Much time is spent showing us *that* research is being done, leaving little time for the few discoveries mentioned. The video does not attempt an overview of the area; shots of corals and fish are incidental to following the team around. Shows large amounts of beached trash, floated from California. Shows monk seals and large turtles, dependent on these low atolls--which will soon be under water as Greenland ice melts.
If you want a great nature show about Pacific islands, see Wild Pacific, narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch: www.imdb.com/title/tt1458521/
Links for Hidden Hawaii (2009):
channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/episodes/hidden-hawaii/ synopsis and two 3- to 4-minute video clips
channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/episodes/hidden-hawaii/credits/ credits
shop.nationalgeographic.com/1/1/2908-hidden-hawaii-dvd.html DVD reviews and availability
It's about the northwest archipelago, from Midway through to west-northwest of Kauai. Much of the area was set aside for federal protection in the early 2000s. The video follows a team of diving scientists as they inspect some of the aqueous fauna. We're told they identify several isolated populations of fish, molluscs, and other animals within this large area. Unlike the vastly-superior David Attenborough shows, this National Geographic one focuses primarily on the activities of the crew--rather than the subject matter itself. Much time is spent showing us *that* research is being done, leaving little time for the few discoveries mentioned. The video does not attempt an overview of the area; shots of corals and fish are incidental to following the team around. Shows large amounts of beached trash, floated from California. Shows monk seals and large turtles, dependent on these low atolls--which will soon be under water as Greenland ice melts.
If you want a great nature show about Pacific islands, see Wild Pacific, narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch: www.imdb.com/title/tt1458521/
Links for Hidden Hawaii (2009):
channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/episodes/hidden-hawaii/ synopsis and two 3- to 4-minute video clips
channel.nationalgeographic.com/wild/episodes/hidden-hawaii/credits/ credits
shop.nationalgeographic.com/1/1/2908-hidden-hawaii-dvd.html DVD reviews and availability
