Ruqayyah Snyder
The 2003 Pixar film Finding Nemo is set in Australia, specifically in the Great Barrier Reef and Sydney. The film follows Marlin, a clownfish, and Dory, a regal blue tang, as they search for Marlin's son, Nemo, who gets captured by a fishing boat and taken to a dentist's office in Sydney. The film's Australian setting is evident through various clues, such as the mention of the East Australian Current (EAC) and Dory reciting the address of the dentist's office as P. Sherman 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney. The demand for clownfish as pets increased after the film's release, and the Australian Tourism Commission (ATC) launched marketing campaigns in China and the United States to promote tourism in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Main characters | Marlin, Dory, Nemo |
| Setting | Great Barrier Reef, Sydney Harbour |
| Plot | Marlin and Dory search for Nemo, who goes missing |
| Themes | Adventure, comedy, drama |
| Impact | Increased tourism in Australia, demand for clownfish as pets |
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What You'll Learn
The Great Barrier Reef
The release of Finding Nemo in 2003 had a significant impact on the popularity of clownfish as pets. Despite the film's message about the challenges of keeping saltwater aquariums and the ethical concerns of keeping fish as pets, demand for clownfish as pets tripled after the film's release. This led to large-scale harvesting of tropical fish in regions like Vanuatu and caused significant harm to reef ecosystems.
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Sydney Harbour
When Marlin and Dory arrive at Sydney Harbour, they are swallowed whole by Gerald, a pelican who threatens to eat them. However, they are saved by Nigel, another pelican who knows where Nemo is and has knowledge of his whereabouts. Sydney Harbour is also featured in the credits of the film *Cars 2*, where the characters Lightning McQueen and Mater are shown climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Sea Life Sydney Aquarium, located near Sydney Harbour, has become a popular tourist destination, especially for families, due to its impressive array of marine animals, including rays, sharks, turtles, and various fish. The aquarium has displays themed around Sydney Harbour and the Coral Reefs, among other attractions.
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The East Australian Current
The EAC is formed from the South Equatorial Current (SEC) crossing the Coral Sea and reaching the eastern coast of Australia. At around 15° S near the Australian coast, the SEC divides, forming the southward flow of the EAC. The current reaches its maximum velocity at 30° S, where it can flow at speeds of 90 cm/s. As it continues southward, it begins to split from the coast at around 31° to 32° S. At this point, the majority of the current will move eastward into the Tasman Front, crossing the Tasman Sea towards New Zealand.
The EAC plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of the region. It transfers heat from the tropics to the mid-latitude water and atmosphere, contributing to the conditions that allow the Great Barrier Reef to thrive. This warming effect is achieved through the production of warm core eddies, which also promote biodiversity in the Tasman Sea. The EAC also transports tropical marine fauna to habitats in subtropical regions along the southeast Australian coast.
In the 2003 animated film Finding Nemo, the EAC is portrayed as an underwater superhighway that fish and sea turtles use to travel along the east coast of Australia. In the film, Marlin and Dory find themselves in the EAC, surfing the currents with sea turtles before encountering a wall of jellyfish.
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The impact on clownfish demand
The release of Finding Nemo in 2003 had a significant impact on the demand for clownfish as pets. The film's portrayal of the life of a clownfish in the Great Barrier Reef introduced millions of people to the underwater world and sparked a surge in interest in owning a clownfish as a pet. This phenomenon has been referred to as the "Dalmatian effect" and the "Nemo Effect".
The demand for clownfish as pets more than tripled after the movie's release, according to National Geographic. This sudden increase in demand led to widespread overharvesting of wild clownfish from coral reefs, with an estimated one million clownfish being taken from their natural habitats each year to supply the aquarium trade. The removal of clownfish from their ecosystems had a devastating impact on local ecosystems, as their collection often involved damaging delicate coral structures and sea anemones that are vital to the health of the reef.
The popularity of the film also led to increased tourism in Australia, with Queensland using the movie to promote itself to vacationers. The Australian Tourism Commission (ATC) launched marketing campaigns in China and the United States to boost tourism in the country. McDonald's, Hasbro, Kellogg's, and Frito-Lay were among the companies that advertised Finding Nemo toys and promotions.
The release of the film also sparked conversations about the conservation of clownfish and the protection of their fragile habitats. Marine conservationists and organizations sprang into action to address the peril faced by clownfish populations. One significant step in conserving clownfish was the development of captive breeding programs to meet the demand for clownfish in the pet trade without relying on wild populations. The creation of marine reserves and protected areas also played a vital role in clownfish conservation, providing safe havens for populations to recover.
While Finding Nemo brought attention to the wonders of the ocean, it also highlighted the responsibility to protect it. The film's message of conservation and the tragedy of taking wild fish from their homes seemed to be lost on some viewers, who sought to own a clownfish as a pet without recognizing the impact of their actions on the ecosystem. Researchers also expressed concerns that the release of the sequel, Finding Dory, could have a similar impact on the population of regal blue tang, the species of the titular character, Dory.
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The journey's distance
In the 2003 Disney-Pixar film "Finding Nemo", the titular clownfish Nemo and his father, Marlin, live in the Great Barrier Reef, located off the northeastern coast of Australia. The film sees Marlin embark on a journey to Sydney to find Nemo after he goes missing.
Marlin and Dory, a regal blue tang who accompanies Marlin on his journey, travel approximately 1,200 to 1,500 nautical miles from the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney. They do this by hopping aboard the East Australian Current (EAC), which passes through the Great Barrier Reef and ends in Sydney.
During their journey, Marlin and Dory encounter a group of sea turtles, including Crush and his son, Squirt. The turtles relay Marlin's story across the ocean to Sydney, where it reaches Nigel, a pelican who lives in Sydney Harbour.
Nigel helps Marlin and Dory navigate the harbour, which is filled with sailboats and speedboats, and inhabited by pelicans, seagulls, and crabs. Sydney Harbour also features landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House.
The journey from the Great Barrier Reef to Sydney highlights the vast distances that exist within Australia, as well as the diverse marine and aquatic life that can be found along the way.
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Frequently asked questions
Finding Nemo is set in the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, Australia.
Marlin and Dory end up in Sydney Harbour, and the dentist's office where Nemo is trapped is at 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney.
Marlin has to travel approximately 1,200-1,500 nautical miles.
Queensland used Finding Nemo to promote itself to tourists and vacationers. The Australian Tourism Commission also launched several marketing campaigns in China and the United States to improve tourism in Australia.
Yes, Barry Humphries voiced Bruce the shark.
