First aired in 2009. It is an often quoted fact that we know more about the surface of the moon than we do about life beneath the ocean waves. Oceans make up more than 70% of the Earth’s surface and remain the last great frontier of discovery on this planet.

Could the cure for cancer or Parkinson’s disease lie hidden in the depths of the oceans? Scientists are now trawling the ocean, and its flora and fauna, for new compounds, chemicals and novel gene sequences that could provide biotech companies with a wealth of raw material from which to create new medicines. Gold and other precious minerals are also being discovered on the ocean floor.

But with new and previously unexploited resources comes issues of rights, and over-plundering of our already damaged oceans. Show less