Our Big Blue Backyard - White Island

This episode of Our Big Blue Backyard ventures off the coast of the Bay of Plenty to New Zealand’s most active volcano, Whakaari / White Island. Despite the volatile volcanic activity, a myriad of sea birds and marine life have adapted to life in this toxic landscape. An Australasian gannet colony has made themselves at home on the flanks of the volcano, battling heat and toxic smoke to raise their young. In the waters surrounding the island, dolphins and stingrays hunt for their prey, and amongst a reef of volcanic boulders hundreds of fish live in water bubbling with volcanic gasses.

New research has found that volcanic chemicals can alter the behaviour of fish, causing slower reactions when attacked by predators. Some White Island locals have learned to take advantage of this.

– Narrator Michael Hurst

Key Cast & Crew

Michael Hurst

Narrator

Judith Curran

Writer, Executive Producer, Writer

Doug Clifford-Marsh

Editor

Max Quinn

Camera Operator

Braydon Moloney

Associate Producer

Kina Scollay

Producer, Underwater Cinematographer, Aerial Cinematographer