The Documentary
About the documentary
In the depths of the ocean, there exists a world inhabited by an immense diversity of sentient beings. Did you know that fishes, octopuses, and even crabs or shrimps can feel and experience emotions? In other words, they are more complex individuals than is commonly assumed.
In our short documentary, produced in collaboration between the Animal Ethics Foundation and the University of Santiago de Compostela, we explore the concept of sentience in marine beings, interviewing leading figures from the worlds of science and philosophy, such as:
- Eva Read and Professor Jonathan Birch, from the project on the Foundations of Animal Sentience (ASENT), London School of Economics.
- Daniela R. Waldhorn, from Rethink Priorities and the Center for Animal Ethics, Pompeu Fabra University.
- Mart R. Gross, Professor of Biology, University of Toronto.
- Oscar Horta, Professor of Moral Philosophy, University of Santiago de Compostela.
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Sentience—meaning the capacity to suffer and to experience enjoyment—is a crucial topic that invites us to reflect on how we regard aquatic beings. Are fishes aware of what happens to them? Although they often go unnoticed, a wide body of scientific evidence indicates that they can indeed feel pain and experience mental states similar to ours.
- It has been observed, for instance, that trout are willing to endure a certain level of physical suffering that they would normally avoid, in order to socialize with others—something that seems to indicate that this is important to them.1
- Cephalopods such as octopuses, squids, and cuttlefishes have shown the capacity to learn and remember, to use tools, and even to engage in play. Instances of self-care and protective behaviors have also been documented. For example, octopuses have been seen wrapping their arms around an injured area, and cuttlefishes avoiding the claws of crabs after having previously been pinched.2
- Invertebrate beings such as lobsters possess nervous systems with receptors that detect harmful stimuli such as extreme heat, shocks, or physical injury. When boiled alive, they thrash frantically and attempt to escape—strong indicators of suffering. Research has also shown that lobsters living in enriched environments with objects to interact with and social company exhibit less aggression and stress.
1 Dunlop, R.; Millsopp, S. & Laming, P. (2006) “Avoidance learning in goldfish (Carassius auratus) and trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and implications for pain perception”, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 97, pp. 255-271.
2 Birch, J.; Burn, C. Schnell, A.; Browning, H. & Crump, A. (2021) Review of the evidence of sentience in cephalopod molluscs and decapod crustaceans, London: LSE Consulting [accessed on 23 March 2024]. Alupay, J. S.; Hadjisolomou, S. P. & Crook, R. J. (2014) “Arm injury produces long-term behavioral and neural hypersensitivity in octopus”, Neuroscience Letters, 558, pp. 137-142.
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However, humans often struggle to recognize the capacity of fishes and marine invertebrates to suffer and to experience enjoyment. This is frequently due to our difficulty in identifying with them, given that their anatomy and behavior are very different from those of humans and other mammals. Even so, we have highly reliable indicators that they are sentient. If it is true that these beings can feel and suffer, do they not also deserve our respect and consideration?
As we explore these questions, the concept of speciesism emerges—a form of discrimination that privileges individuals of certain species over others. How can we overcome these biases and recognize that what truly matters for respecting someone is their sentience? The 2012 Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness calls on us to reconsider our relationship with nonhuman beings, including invertebrates.
The future of these beings depends on our actions. We can choose to change the paradigm, to stop causing them harm, and to offer them help when they need it. Although much remains to be studied, we can already take concrete steps to prevent many of them from suffering. The responsibility lies in our hands: the time to act is now. Join us on this journey toward an underwater world of understanding and empathy.
The director: Xiana Castro
Xiana Castro is a director and videographer from Spain who has spent over 20 years collaborating with various animal advocacy organizations. Most of her work, especially in recent years, has focused on investigative reporting about the different forms of exploitation and discrimination animals face, as well as ways to help them.
Seantience is her first short documentary. It was awarded Best Cinematography at FICAA | International Animal and Environmental Film Festival and is part of the official selection of SUNCINE | International Environmental Film Festival, which will take place at the end of 2025. Her subsequent projects have also been selected for various film festivals.
She currently works on audiovisual projects for nonprofit organizations, notably Animal Ethics and Animals’ View.
Seantience
A documentary about the sentience of aquatic animals
This documentary is part of a collaborative project between Animal Ethics and the University of Santiago de Compostela.
Funded by the Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs, and the 2030 Agenda.
Team and Acknowledgments
The Team
Production:
Animal Ethics
A Contraluz
Direction:
Xiana Castro
Screenplay:
Olaia Freiría
Oscar Horta
Alba García
Cinematography and Camera:
Xiana Castro
Contributors
Daniela Romero Waldhorn
Eva Read
Oscar Horta
Mart Gross
Jonathan Birch
Acknowledgments
Xabela García
Roi García Bernal
Ruth Montiel Arias
Aditya S.K.
Sara Lago
Pilar Badía
Robert
Nana
Sophie
Sri Rang K
Nayan Agarwal
Avantika Mathur
Jerónimo Molero Doval
Pablo Alcázar Costa
Pino Ramón Paul Brenner
Rionegro
Shrimp Welfare Project
Buceo Carboneras
Music and Sound:
Moby – The Last Days
BBC Studios Effects
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