The Last Frontier

A fascinating overview of the work being performed by John Stoneman and the Foundation for Ocean Research. From the beauty of the coral reef to the dangers of the great white shark; from endangered whales to treasure-laden shipwrecks.

John Stoneman leads his team on a dangerous mission to raise toxic chemicals from a recently sunken ship. He then examines the need for more protection of the rich but fragile inshore areas, such as are to be found on the coral reefs of the world, and the means by which sanctuaries help preserve these areas and benefit all concerned.

For a world where nature is fighting for its very existence, the efforts being made by Florida in conservation are looked upon as extremely productive. John Stoneman looks at some of the special sanctuaries and programmes that have been devised by Florida to protect the natural world.

Finding a mystery shipwreck off Venezuela, the Foundation divers learn that this is in fact the 'Loralie', a vessel said to have left Germany during World War II with a fortune in gold aboard her.

To attract fish to areas that have been depleted by over fishing, various countries are now seeking old ships to act as artificial reef structures. These wrecks subsequently attract corals and fishes, as would a normal reef, and they are allowing fish to reproduce and repopulate undersea areas that would otherwise have very little marine life at all.

Members of the Foundation for Ocean Research search out the secrets of this unique body of water off Mexico and make observations on Miami animals that include sea lions, manta rays and hammerhead sharks.

While working on a deep water coral project off Central America, John Stoneman and members of the Foundation for Ocean Research are led to the site of an old shipwreck. Here they find cannons, ballast stones and various 18th century artefacts. They start to excavate the site and come across a silver ingot from the Spanish Fleet of 1726. A search begins to find what might be a fortune in silver.

The excavation of the wreck site continues, sharks begin to harass the divers with one eventually attacking John Stoneman. A hurricane warning forces the team out of the area, but not before they have added to their extensive treasure trove, a beautiful solid gold crucifix set with rubies. Stoneman vows to come back to finish the hunt for the silver thought to have been aboard the vessel.

A look at the second largest barrier reef in the world and the special creatures that live within its complex community.

Examines the efforts being made by various individuals who seek to educate the general public to the fragile nature of the sea. Sequences are devoted to conservationists such as Norine Rouse, Christopher Hartley, and Anne Davis with unique footage devoted to turtles, moray ells and whales.

Often thought of as a silent world, the ocean is in fact quite a noisy place with many creatures making a variety of sounds to communicate in courtship, territorial disputes and much more.

When the sun sets, the night creatures come out to populate the reef and the daytime animals see the protection afforded in the living city of coral. Assisted by photo journalist Dee Scarr, Stoneman and his team make observations on the special world of coral reef at night.

With the assistance of marine biologist Dr Alan Emery, observations are made on the interesting methods that are used by marine animals to protect themselves in the often-hostile world that exists beneath the waves.

This film studies the numerous species of predator that roam the coral reefs of the world including some unique encounters with the moray eel.

The humpback whale, one of the most endangered animals on the face of this planet is observed in close off Hawaii by John Stoneman and whale experts, Debbie and Mark Ferrari.

Assisted by shark expert Dr Richard Winterbottom, Stoneman and his team study the reasons for shark attack. Included are scenes of the mighty great white shark.

John Stoneman leads a team of divers deep into the fresh water caves off Florida and Bonaire to search out their geological background.

With less than 1000 manatees now existing in Florida waters, the need for public awareness and protection for those gentle creatures is of paramount importance. This film looks at the problems faced by these endangered animals.

John Stoneman leads a team to Newfoundland to try and find a means to stop the humpback whale from getting trapped in fishing nets. Film is also devoted to icebergs, shipwrecks and various animal life.

A look at the tiny creatures of the reef, some smaller than the eye can see, with sequences devoted to tiny marine animals just as ferocious as their bigger cousins, the sharks.