Sea of Shadows

Review of Sea of Shadows (2019)

The documentary Sea of Shadows, directed by Richard Ladkani and produced by Nat Geo, delves into the fight to save the vaquita, the world's smallest and most critically endangered whale, caught in the crossfire of a global environmental crime network. Set in Mexico's Gulf of California, the film unfolds like an ecological crime thriller, combining investigation, action, and gripping tension.

The vaquita, whose population has dwindled to fewer than a dozen individuals, has become a tragic bystander in the illegal totoaba fish trade. The totoaba's swim bladder is a coveted delicacy in traditional Chinese medicine, fueling a lucrative black market that links local poachers, Mexican cartels, and Chinese traffickers. This illegal activity not only threatens marine wildlife but also destroys the fragile ecosystem of the Sea of Cortez.

The documentary closely follows scientists, conservationists, investigative journalists, and military operatives as they work tirelessly to save the species on the brink of extinction. From undercover operations to maritime patrols, the team faces an uphill battle against poachers and powerful criminal networks. Often, Mexican authorities appear either unwilling or unable to act, leaving activists with the dangerous task of confronting violence and organized crime on their own.

With stunning visuals and a sharp narrative focus, Ladkani captures the severity of the crisis, exploring how greed and governmental neglect have pushed an iconic species to the edge. The film not only exposes the environmental devastation but also highlights the courage of those risking their lives to protect biodiversity.

Sea of Shadows is a powerful and urgent wake-up call that reveals the dark connections between environmental destruction and global crime networks. It underscores that the fight to save the vaquita is ultimately a fight for the planet's future.

Extinct rare whale rescues documentary. It makes us aware the dark side of bad money business and I love the conclusion at the end. It's very true what human being did to end our planet by all means for money. We should treasure our planet and Always - no demand, no supply.

A powerful film! The vaquita, the world's smallest whale, is near extinction as its habitat is destroyed by Mexican cartels and Chinese mafia, who harvest the swim bladder of the totoaba fish, the "cocaine of the sea." (the bladders can bring up to $100,000 each on the Chinese black market!) Environmental activists and undercover investigators are fighting back against this illegal multi-million-dollar business. Many of the naval officers/soldiers, the police, the customs officials, and government officials are bribed to let this happen. It's so horrifying what is happening in San Felipe, Mexico, just about a five hour drive from Los Angeles. The vaquita are going extinct so people can profit from a bladder that has not been proven to provide any medical 'help'. Yet the belief of it, and the fact that so much money can be made, has humans creating a situation that not only is killing the vaquita, but it also destroying sea life in the Sea of Cortez. All of the illegal fishing has polluted the sea with nets and destroyed whales, dolphins, and sea turtles. At the film's end, it said that over 800 illegal nets have been pulled out of those waters. So much needles death of these poor ocean animals. Just terrible.

The depth of study the time taken to detective to the roots of the murder of nearly extinct species from a ' sanctuary'. the corruption the passion the dedication shown. most important doc out there now, as the vaquita are a metaphor for the survival of the planet.

An excellent documentary about efforts to save a REALLY endangered species from poachers off the coast of Mexico. It follows investigators, a TV journalist, the Mexican Military; the story is well edited, and fascinating.