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Changing Seas
Whales in a Plastic Ocean
Season 17
Episode 1702
Far out in the eastern Atlantic, the Portuguese island of Madeira rises from the depths of the open ocean. Despite its remote location, the archipelago is impacted by floating plastic trash. Researchers with MARE-Madeira study the effects plastics, and their chemical compounds, have on the health of marine mammals that frequent local waters.
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Scientists collaborate with elephant seals to study their life cycles and ocean health.
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Scientists work to unravel the cause of the fish spinning phenomenon in the Florida Keys.
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In Playa Hermosa locals unite to protect waves, restore habitats, and save sea turtles.
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Experts study southern sea otters to ensure their longtime survival on California’s coast.
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Islanders restore Maui's watersheds through traditional Hawaiian wisdom.
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Florida scientists make remarkable discoveries about whitespotted eagle rays.
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Marine archaeologists uncover a Roman shipwreck on Croatia's Adriatic Coast.
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Scientists study what makes certain corals more resilient than others.
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Scientists monitor penguin populations and study the animals’ interaction.
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Scientists study the devastating impacts of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster.
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Scientists set out to uncover the mysteries of blue holes.
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Scientists study tarpon, bonefish and permit to better understand their behaviors.