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Episode 1702: “Whales in a Plastic Ocean”

Season 17 Episode 2 | 26m 42s

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.

Aired: 06/22/25
Major funding for this program was provided by The Batchelor Foundation, encouraging people to preserve and protect America’s underwater resources. Additional Funding was provided by Trish and Dan Bell and The Parrot Family Endowment for Environmental Education. Distributed by American Public Television.
Extras
Scientists collaborate with elephant seals to study their life cycles and ocean health.
Scientists work to unravel the cause of the fish spinning phenomenon in the Florida Keys.
Scientists in Madeira study the impacts of plastics on whales and dolphins.
In Playa Hermosa locals unite to protect waves, restore habitats, and save sea turtles.
Scientists work to unravel the cause of the fish spinning phenomenon in the Florida Keys.
Scientists collaborate with elephant seals to study their life cycles and ocean health.
In Playa Hermosa locals unite to protect waves, restore habitats, and save sea turtles.
Changing Seas Season 16 - Official Trailer
Experts study southern sea otters to ensure their longtime survival on California’s coast.
Changing Seas Season 16 - Official Trailer
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Scientists work to unravel the cause of the fish spinning phenomenon in the Florida Keys.
Scientists collaborate with elephant seals to study their life cycles and ocean health.
In Playa Hermosa locals unite to protect waves, restore habitats, and save sea turtles.
Experts study southern sea otters to ensure their longtime survival on California’s coast.
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Florida scientists make remarkable discoveries about whitespotted eagle rays.
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