AMCS launches new ‘Fragile Ocean’ campaign with Nick Cave soundtrack for Threatened Species Day

The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) has unveiled Fragile Ocean, a striking new campaign for Threatened Species Day that brings the beauty and fragility of Australia’s marine life into the heart of the nation’s cities.

Featuring a stirring short film set to Final Rescue Attempt by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, and voiced by Melanie Zanetti (the voice of Chilli, Bluey’s Mum), the campaign invites Australians to reconnect emotionally with the ocean, even from the middle of our busiest streets.

Says Imogen Scott, Director of Communications, AMCS: “With 76% of Australians living in cities, surrounded by concrete, glass and steel, it’s easy to forget how deeply we’re all connected to the ocean — even if we can’t see it.

“This is a campaign about wonder and urgency. The ocean is crying out for help. Our Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo have suffered back-to-back bleaching events. Marine heatwaves are driving the toxic algal bloom in South Australia. For those who know these places, it feels like losing a friend.

“But it’s not too late. One of the most powerful tools we have is strong legislation. Right now the Albanese Government is revising national nature laws – this is our moment to secure the protections our ocean and wildlife desperately need. We want people to watch this short film, feel moved and take action. Even the simple act of signing a petition can be mighty when thousands of voices come together.”

Created by multi-award winning production company Collider, Fragile Ocean uses evocative water-formed marine animals moving through urban streetscapes to remind Australians that the ocean touches every part of our lives — from climate to culture, food to identity. It speaks especially to hopeful and sensitive nature-lovers: those who feel the loss of coral reefs, disappearing species like the Maugean skate, and the damage done by climate inaction.

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds’ provided the powerful soundtrack drawn from their 2024 album Wild God, which explores themes of grief, transformation and the human condition.

Says Scott: “We are deeply grateful to Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds for lending us their extraordinary song, Final Rescue Attempt. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a nation grappling with the loss of nature — and asking, what now? That’s where AMCS comes in. We know the solutions. And when enough people speak up, change happens. This isn’t just about loving the beach or whale watching from our shores — ocean health is inseparable from our own. The good news is, if we act now, our reefs, ocean and marine life can recover. But they need us to give them that chance.”

Actor Melanie Zanetti generously donated her voice for the narration, recording the voice over from her studio in Los Angeles.

Says Scott: “Melanie’s ability to balance emotion with urgency and hope brought the script to life in a way that’s both moving and unforgettable.”

Fragile Ocean marks a major step forward for AMCS in building national awareness and action for marine protection. The organisation is calling on Australians to demand stronger climate action and nature laws.

Adds Scott: “Our ocean has never needed us more. And when people care, governments follow. If you care about the ocean and want to be part of the solution, AMCS is where you belong. We are the ocean’s people.”

AMCS extends its deepest thanks to the brilliant creative minds behind this project especially – Andrew van der Westhuyzen,  Hossein Ghonouie and their team at Collider – for their generosity and vision in bringing Fragile Oceans to life.

Production Company: Collider
Rachael Ford-Davies, Managing Partner & EP, Collider
Andrew van der Westhuyzen, Founder/Creative Director, Collider
Hoss Ghonouie, Head of Studio Production, Collider
Georgia Moraitis, Producer, Collider
Copywriter, ABEL
Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds ([PIAS] Recordings (UK) Limited t/a Play It Again Sam)
Melanie Zanetti (Prime Rib Productions)
Sophie Haydon, Executive Producer, Sonar Music
Timothy Bridge, Sound Designer, Sonar Music