Dive in and discover the North Sea

In the 4-part series North Sea Untamed, the viewer will be taken on a journey through the habitats of the North Sea: coasts, bottom, reefs and open sea. We literally and figuratively take a dip in the nature of the North Sea. It will make the viewer marvel at the enormous wealth and biodiversity of life in our sea.

How does nature survive in the ‘The Wild North Sea’?

The series consists of four episodes characterized by the diversity of the habitat: coasts, bottom, reefs and open sea. Before each episode, we ask ourselves the question: how does nature survive in the North Sea? An undiscovered nature reserve that we make intensive use of. Compared to the movie, the TV series is more informative. Social issues and the national and international recovery projects that go with them are subtly touched upon. Sustainability is approached in a positive and inspiring way.

EPISODE 1

Coasts

Join us on our journey through the coastal waters of the North Sea and admire the nutrient-rich nurseries. Life in the water column, on the surface and on the seabed are interconnected here. Algae take advantage of the sunlight and produce oxygen. Rivers feed the sea with nutrients. The coastal waters make up less than ten percent of the North Sea, but are home to by far the most marine life. How does this affect the sea birds and fish that migrate between fresh and salt water?

North Sea Untamed - © Dutch Maritime Productions

EPISODE 2

Seabed

Discover the diversity of life on or near the bottom of the North Sea. These so called benthic species use special and spectacular tactics to survive. They dig, plane, drill, graze and filter. Most animals do this by touch. Immerse yourself in the world of shellfish, crabs, benthic fish, shrimp and graceful worms. What happens to dead animals and fish faeces when they drift down on the bottom?

De Wilde Noordzee - © Dutch Maritime Productions

EPISODE 3

Reefs

There are small areas in the North Sea where there are ancient stones, completely covered with colourful sea creatures. Meet these mini reefs. Tube worms build their own natural reefs. They form an expansive carpet where young animals can flourish. Reefs of shellfish also support abundant communities. The number of oil and gas rigs and wind turbines in the North Sea is growing. These structures can also transform into reefs. Will the Atlantic cod return to the southern North Sea as a result?

North Sea Untamed - © Dutch Maritime Productions

EPISODE 4

Open sea

Experience the full power and beauty of the North Sea. The sea with the most ship traffic in the world also accommodates natural habitats that no one has seen before. Learn that the green colour and the turbidity of the North Sea is not caused by pollution, but an abundance of algae and plankton. These micro-organisms form the basis for a healthy food chain. Herring, mackerel, porpoises and killer whales benefit from this. How do these large predators live and survive in the North Sea?

De Wilde Noordzee - © Dutch Maritime Productions

A unique series on behalf of NPO and EO

The North Sea is unique. It is our largest natural expanse, but still completely unknown to the average viewer. The series North Sea Untamed brings this undiscovered wilderness to viewers’ living rooms. It will be a unique and informative experience that subtly highlights social issues.

On TV in 2025!