Belinda Baggs produced and co-directed South Fish with the backing of Patagonia, a US-based company known for its sustainable practices.

It comes amid plans for further testing off the coast of Newcastle - following a seismic survey last year - by Asset Energy, which is searching for offshore gas deposits.

South Fish focuses on environmental and economic concerns surrounding the ongoing project and features interviews with a range of stakeholders from across the Hunter, including local surfers and experts in marine life.

Hunter fishing industry representative Jason Nunn, Save Our Coast founder Natasha Deen and marine ecologist Mark Clifton are among those in the documentary.

The film will be screened for free at Long Jetty on Thursday night before being shown in Newcastle next Tuesday.

Ms Baggs, Patagonia's global sport activist, told the Newcastle Herald the documentary would then be released widely online.

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"I grew up on that stretch of coastline surfing and those waters have brought me the lifestyle that I have, it's brought me closer to my family and it's also really connected me with nature," she said.

"I think there are a lot of surfers in that area that feel the same. I think it's up to us as ocean lovers and the beach community to protect what we love so much."

Asset Energy has previously said the seismic testing method - which involves acoustic pulses being pumped into the ocean floor - was not damaging to the marine environment or wildlife.

But there has been ongoing vocal opposition to the plan for further seismic testing in the area after it was conducted last April.

The Senate announced cross-party inquiry into the effects of seismic testing last month.

Asset Energy has not yet lodged an application with the Commonwealth authority for another survey, though the company has said previously it plans to conduct further testing.

Ms Baggs said the documentary was aimed at raising awareness in coastal communities.

She said her "deepest fear" was wildlife being harmed, but she was also concerned about climate implications and the threat of leaks if gas extraction followed seismic testing.

"I just think as humans we have this technology, but with that comes a responsibility to make sure that we're not hindering the planet and other living things," she said.

Details of screenings can be found on social media.

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