Changing Seas
Changing Seas is a public television series produced by WPBT2 in Miami, Florida. Narrated by well-known voice talent Peter Thomas, this series takes viewers on an exciting adventure to the heart of our liquid planet. The oceans cover roughly 70 percent of the earth's surface and they contain 97 percent of the world's water supply. Nevertheless, only five percent of their vast expanse has been explored - leaving in secret a deep, liquid wilderness yet to be discovered. Regardless, the oceans have long played an important role in people's lives. Currently, more than half of all Americans live within 50 miles of the coast, and that number is rising. It is estimated that by 2025 more than 75 percent of Americans will live along the country's shorelines. Coastal and marine waters support 28 million jobs and draw 189 million tourists a year. While the population's dependence on the oceans as a natural resource and a source for recreation continues to increase, the health of these large bodies of water is rapidly declining. Over-fishing, global climate change, pollution: these are only a few of the threats that the oceans are facing today. At the same time, the seas hold great promise for ongoing medical research, as an untapped source of alternate energy, and other benefits that scientists are just now beginning to discover. Changing Seas goes to sea with explorers and scientists as they uncover new information that could lead to scientific breakthroughs. This documentary series lets viewers experience first-hand how oceanographers and other experts study earth's last frontier, and it sheds light on how human activities are threatening ocean resources.
- 2009-2026
- 18 seasons
- WPBT2
- Documentary, Action & Adventure
Changing Seas is a public television series produced by WPBT2 in Miami, Florida. Narrated by well-known voice talent Peter Thomas, this series takes viewers on an exciting adventure to the heart of our liquid planet. The oceans cover roughly 70 percent of the earth's surface and they contain 97 percent of the world's water supply. Nevertheless, only five percent of their vast expanse has been explored - leaving in secret a deep, liquid wilderness yet to be discovered. Regardless, the oceans have long played an important role in people's lives. Currently, more than half of all Americans live within 50 miles of the coast, and that number is rising. It is estimated that by 2025 more than 75 percent of Americans will live along the country's shorelines. Coastal and marine waters support 28 million jobs and draw 189 million tourists a year. While the population's dependence on the oceans as a natural resource and a source for recreation continues to increase, the health of these large bodies of water is rapidly declining. Over-fishing, global climate change, pollution: these are only a few of the threats that the oceans are facing today. At the same time, the seas hold great promise for ongoing medical research, as an untapped source of alternate energy, and other benefits that scientists are just now beginning to discover. Changing Seas goes to sea with explorers and scientists as they uncover new information that could lead to scientific breakthroughs. This documentary series lets viewers experience first-hand how oceanographers and other experts study earth's last frontier, and it sheds light on how human activities are threatening ocean resources.
Season 1 Episode Guide
4 Episodes 2009
Episode 1
Super Grouper
Tue, Jan 27, 2009
At a time when large fish are rapidly disappearing from the world's oceans, one giant is making a comeback in Florida. The Goliath Grouper was facing extinction when it became a protected species in 1990. Since then, the population has had a chance to recover. Now, some members of the recreational fishing community are pushing to re-open the fishery. But scientists studying the colossal, slow-to-mature fish say such a move would be premature. Changing Seas joins scientists in the field to learn more about the life history of these awe-inspiring fish.
Episode 2
Mission to Inner Space
Tue, Feb 3, 2009
NOAA's Aquarius Reef Base is the only undersea research station operating in the world today. Located just three and a half miles offshore from Key Largo, Florida, at a depth of 60 feet, aquanauts spend ten day missions living and working on the seafloor. Changing Seas observed scientists during a recent mission as they studied the impacts ocean acidification is having on local reef ecosystems. Ocean acidification is caused by a change in the water's chemistry that could have potentially devastating impacts on corals in the future.
Episode 3
Corals of the Deep
Tue, Jun 23, 2009
In the deep waters off Florida's Atlantic coast grow magnificent structures, capable of reaching 300 feet in height. These are the corals of the deep sea. Porcelain-white and centuries old, few humans have seen these delicate reefs. The Ivory Tree Coral, Oculina varicosa, and Lophelia pertusa flourish in harsh, sunless environments, yet these branch-like formations provide food and shelter for a variety of deep water organisms. Rich in biodiversity, this mysterious underwater kingdom is threatened by destructive fishing practices such as bottom trawling. However, a recently proposed 23,000 square mile marine protected area could save these fragile reefs from ruin.
Episode 4
Farming the Sea
Tue, Jun 30, 2009
An ever-growing demand for fresh seafood has pushed wild stocks around the world to the brink. Aquaculture is one alternative to meet the increasing need for fish and crustaceans. Some aquaculture methods have been highly criticized for their negative environmental impacts, but other, more environmentally friendly techniques, are being perfected at various research institutions in Florida. Changing Seas meets with experts who produce fish for food production and to replenish depleted wild populations.
