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Whales in a Plastic Ocean

Season 17 Episode 1702 | 26m 46s

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: 10/31/25 | Expires: 10/31/27
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 The Parrot Family Endowment for Environmental Education. Distributed by American Public Television.
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Extras
Scientists test repellents to stop sharks from taking fish from anglers’ lines.
Scientists and engineers test ways to both mitigate and harness the power of waves.
Researchers study gray seals on Sable Island, the world’s largest breeding colony.
Puerto Rico’s fishers transform their communities after Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
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 in Madeira study the impacts of plastics on whales and dolphins.
Scientists collaborate with elephant seals to study their life cycles and ocean health.
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