/ 
Oceanic Equilibrium
The documentary is based on the Bicose 3 expedition, conducted aboard the ship *Pourquoi pas?* with about 60 sailors and researchers. The footage includes dives around the TAG site in the Atlantic, where hydrothermal vents are home to spectacular biodiversity despite extreme conditions.
What makes the film interesting is that it doesn?t just show amazing creatures. It also explains how the deep sea contributes to the ocean?s major ecological balances, particularly the carbon cycle and, more broadly, climate regulation. The documentary thus reminds us that what we cannot see on the surface directly influences life on Earth.
Protecting this little-known environment
The film?s message is as scientific as it is political, as it addresses the growing threat of deep-sea mining. Implicitly, it poses a simple question: How can we protect an environment whose workings we are only just beginning to understand?
For viewers interested in the ocean, marine life, or environmental issues, this is a great documentary because it combines educational content, striking imagery, and accessible yet serious explanations without losing sight of current issues. It offers a real gateway to better understanding why the deep sea isn?t just a distant backdrop, but a key component of our planet.
The documentary aired on ARTE on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 10:25 p.m. It is also available for catch-up viewing on arte.tv through December 7, 2026, and, depending on the platform, it is also available for streaming on SFR Play.
