Atlantic: A Year in the Wild

Stretching from the Antarctic in the south to the Arctic in the north, the Atlantic Ocean is vast, wild and unforgiving and each season brings new challenges for its indigenous creatures. Atlantic winters bring bitter storms, suffering and conflict. Animals that spend the frozen months here must be ready to face its fierce onslaught as short days make it difficult to find enough food in time. However, while most are battling to survive, some are just starting to raise a family.

As winter draws to a close, the Atlantic springs back to life and hope returns. Temperatures rise, days lengthen and food is plentiful again. But spring in the north is short, the animals only have a few months to find food, a mate and start a family: all the time avoiding predators.

Summer has arrived. The North Atlantic is at its warmest. Food is plentiful. This year's youngsters must feed, grow and prepare to start life alone. Summer sees the return of giants to the UK's rich coastal waters. Having travelled thousands of miles, sharks and whales are here to gorge.

In the Atlantic's far north, autumn is the season of gales, cooling temperatures and driving rain. This is the season when the wildlife must make the final preparations for winter or migrate to warmer climes. For some autumn is also the season to battle for a mate.