Loading Docs 2021 - The Weedfish

In this short documentary marine ecologists and photographers Crispin and Irene Middleton go in search of the Crested Weedfish —  an 'indicator species' whose presence signifies an ocean's health. The Middletons' photography has a serious purpose; they hope their images will "inspire people to think about the ocean in a different way." Diving at Rocky Bay in the Hauraki Gulf, the couple find the seabed "barren", lacking the kelp forests that feed and shelter many species. Filmmakers and cinematographers Matt Silcock and Aart van Dijk aim to make films promoting sustainability and ocean conservation. 

Quite often when we go out, people are like "oh look dolphins or "whales". But no, they can have their dolphins and whales. There's enough people in the world that love dolphins and whales, Crispin and I are just massive fish nerds.

– Marine ecologist and photographer Irene Middleton on enjoying more obscure fish species, near the start of thos documentary

Key Cast & Crew

Matt Silcock

Cinematographer, Underwater Cinematography, Director

Alex Longstaff

Editor

Crispin Middleton

Underwater Photos, Subject

Elisabeth Topping

Editor

Irene Middleton

Underwater Photos, Subject

Aart Jan van Dijk

Writer, Aerial Cinematography, Underwater Cinematography, Co-Director