The Sea: Mysteries of the Deep is a short 1977 educational film from Encyclopaedia Britannica Films, narrated by John Bartholomew Tucker, that looks at current research efforts to better understand undersea life and resources and how to protect it from manmade pollution. The film features great footage of undersea life, contrasted with footage of harmful industrial waste being pumped into the oceans. The film opens with shots of sea creatures, include ling a hammerhead shark, sea lions, and an octopus. Viewers see microscopic shots of sea organisms, including plankton. Pollution is dumped into the ocean (01:32). An aerial view shows the Navy research watercraft SSP Kaimalino (01:53). Aboard the ship, Dr. William E. Evans of Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute goes down to the observation bubble, where he watches dolphins swimming ahead of the SSP. Illustrations and paintings are used to depict the developments of the historical/cultural understanding of the seas by man, from the time of Greeks on through the 20th century. Images include Poseidon and a 1920s deep-sea vessel. Evans is shown in the observation bubble narrating his observations (04:55). A shark swims through the water amid schools of fish and plankton. Orcas (killer whales) breach the surface of the ocean (05:35), and viewers see shots of dolphins and other whales. Footage shows a variety of fish swimming along coral reefs (07:10), include a Lionfish, a Damselfish, and an octopus (08:10). A stingray glides along the floor of the ocean. Starfish cling to a reef or rock (08:40). Viewers see a closeup shot of a lobster, a crab, and a sea slug (09:34). Sea anemones gently move with the current: viewers see the different species, featuring a variety of tentacles and colors. Next, the film cuts to a tide pool to show starfish and sea urchins. A sea lion colony swims in the waves (11:01). Underwater footage shows the animals swimming around. The film then gives viewers a glimpse of the pollution being pumped into the ocean (11:34). A diver swims outside of a submersible vehicle. Red-colored pollution flows into the sea. Viewers see the frothy white film of pollution on the surface of the water. This is followed by shots of dead fish and bird coated by oil from an oil spill unsuccessfully trying to fly. A man (appears to be Dr. Evans) talks to the camera about the evolution of manmade pollution in waters. A bi-plane sprays pesticide on crops (13:51). At a landfill, a heavy truck moves garbage. The film then shows microscopic shots of plankton (14:45). Waves crash into rocks and shorelines (16:35). Waves crash along cliffs in California. Viewers see footage of the Arctic sea and an iceberg floating in the water (17:10). A hurricane is developing; massive waves and high winds develop with the storm. A diver rides an underwater scooter/propeller (18:50). Scientists record the underwater sounds of sea creatures (19:22). The SSP moves along the ocean. Fishermen haul in their catch. Viewers see a number of off-shore oil platforms. A submersible vehicle moves underwater (20:34). Divers climb into an underwater shelter. Divers collect samples for underwater mineral mining (21:52), concluding the film.

The 190-ton ship SSP Kaimalino (SSP standing for stable semi-submerged platform) was the first of its kind which had a Small Waterplane Twin Hull (SWATH). This provided the lowest motion in large waves known of any ship type in the world and can virtually eliminates seasickness. Its major uses are for any kind of ship application that requires low motion in large waves.

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com