All Too Clear
| All Too Clear | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Documentary |
| Directed by | Zach Melnick, Yvonne Drebert |
| Starring | Mark Holey, Samantha Koyen |
| Country of origin | Canada, United States |
| Original language | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 3 |
| Production | |
| Producers | Yvonne Drebert, Zach Melnick |
| Cinematography | Zach Melnick |
| Running time | 55 minutes |
| Production company | Inspired Planet Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | TVO |
| Release | October 26 – November 9, 2024 |
All Too Clear is a Canadian–American documentary television series directed by Zach Melnick and Yvonne Drebert. The three-part series examines the ecological impact of invasive quagga mussels in the Great Lakes using custom-built underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and over 150 days of underwater filming.[1]
Filming occurred off the Bruce Peninsula in Ontario, where colder, deeper waters posed logistical challenges. The filmmakers aimed to make freshwater science accessible to a broad audience.[2][3] The series features lake whitefish spawning, shifts in water clarity, and the discovery of the SS Africa wreck.[4]
Discoveries
The wreck of the SS Africa, a wooden steamship that sank in Lake Huron in October 1895, was located at approximately 85 metres depth. Visibility was aided by water filtration from quagga mussels.[4]
Production and release
Filming occurred from July 2022 to October 2023.[1] Versions of the content include the original three-part series and a feature-length cut, with footage provided by specialized ROVs.[2][1]
The premiere took place on August 10, 2024, at the Stockey Centre in Parry Sound, Ontario. Additional screenings occurred at community venues and the 2025 International Association for Great Lakes Research conference.[5][6] TVO aired the series from October 26, 2024, followed by screenings at the City Opera House in Traverse City, Michigan.[7]
Scientists Mark Holey and Samantha Koyen feature in the series, discussing water quality, invasive species, and fisheries management.[8]
Accolades
It was Winner, Sanctuary Selections Competition, Thunder Bay International Film Festival (2025).[9]
Episodes
| Episode | Title | Length | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "The Last Whitefish" | 54:43 | Follows lake whitefish through spawning, hatching, and early development. Featured scientists explain how quagga mussels have changed water clarity and food chains.[10] |
| 2 | "Muddy the Waters" | 54:16 | Covers strategies to limit quagga mussel spread, including robotic removal and an experimental “Judas” mussel prototype.[11] |
| 3 | "A Silver Lining" | 55:16 | Examines habitat restoration and native fish reintroduction efforts, such as cisco and river-run whitefish projects.[12] |
Scientific significance
The documentary shows how quagga mussels act as ecosystem engineers by filtering significant water volumes, which increases clarity but reduces phytoplankton. This shift alters nutrient distribution and impacts native species.[13] It also explores efforts to manage invasive populations and support habitat restoration.[14][15]
References
- ^ a b c "All Too Clear documentary gets multiple cuts to meet buyer demand". Playback Online. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ a b "All Too Clear: Beneath the Surface of the Upcoming Feature Film". Canadian Geographic. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ Smith, Alex (2024-10-20). "Documentary shot off Bruce Peninsula about to make splash on TVO". Owen Sound Sun Times. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ a b "Filmmakers Accidentally Discover 128-Year-Old Shipwreck in Lake Huron". CBC News. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ "All Too Clear: Three-part series premieres October 26th on TVO". Bruce Peninsula Press. 23 October 2024. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ "All Too Clear free screening at IAGLR 2025". UWM Freshwater Sciences. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ "Free screening of Great Lakes doc Monday at Opera House". Traverse Ticker. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ "All Too Clear documentary examines Great Lakes water quality". Fox 11 News. 26 January 2025. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ Hinkley, Darby (2025-01-27). "Sanctuary Selections, student shorts winners announced". The Alpena News. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ "All Too Clear – Episode 1: The Last Whitefish". TVO. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ "All Too Clear – Episode 2: Muddy the Waters". TVO. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ "All Too Clear – Episode 3: A Silver Lining". TVO. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ Smith, John (2024). "Ecological impact of invasive quagga mussels on freshwater systems". Journal of Great Lakes Ecology. 39 (3): 45–60.
- ^ "Managing invasive quagga mussels in the Great Lakes". Great Lakes Invasive Species Info. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
- ^ "'All Too Clear' captures the dramatic shifts in the Great Lakes ecosystem". Interlochen Public Radio. 23 January 2025. Retrieved 2025-07-08.