© 2026 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY
WEDW-FM · WNPR · WPKT · WRLI-FM
Public Files Contact · ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

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.
Extras
Explore the life and legacy of notable Black scholar and civil rights pioneer W.E.B. Du Bois.
Fireflies are a captivating phenomenon to witness on the prairie.
Nature’s rhythms; from fireflies flashing to cicadas emerging after years underground.
From beavers in wetlands to crayfish in streams, aquatic systems shape the prairies.
Wildlife are here for one reason: lunch!
Sister Catherine speaks with Sister Julienne about her concerns for Sister Veronica.
Geoffrey surprises Sister Veronica with an unexpected visit — and an offer she can't refuse.
Often overlooked, tallgrass prairies are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
"Wilding" tells the story of a couple who bet on nature for the future of their English estate.
The prairies evolved with fire and depend on it to thrive.
Latest Episodes
All
  • All
  • Changing Seas Season 17
  • Changing Seas Season 16
  • Changing Seas Season 15
  • Changing Seas Season 14
  • Changing Seas Season 13
  • Changing Seas Season 12
  • Changing Seas Season 11
  • Changing Seas Season 10
  • Changing Seas Season 9
  • Changing Seas Season 8
  • Changing Seas Season 7
  • Changing Seas Season 6
  • Changing Seas Season 5
  • Changing Seas Season 4
  • Changing Seas Season 3
  • Changing Seas Season 2
  • Changing Seas Season 1
Scientists work to unravel the cause of the fish spinning phenomenon in the Florida Keys.
In Playa Hermosa locals unite to protect waves, restore habitats, and save sea turtles.
Scientists collaborate with elephant seals to study their life cycles and ocean health.
Florida scientists make remarkable discoveries about whitespotted eagle rays.
Marine archaeologists uncover a Roman shipwreck on Croatia's Adriatic Coast.
Experts study southern sea otters to ensure their longtime survival on California’s coast.
Islanders restore Maui's watersheds through traditional Hawaiian wisdom.
Amid shipwrecks and shifting sands, Bermuda’s corals offer clues to climate resilience.
Researchers brave the Arctic’s cold and dark to reveal the mysteries of the Polar Night.
Knowledgeable fishers collaborate with scientists to keep sharks abundant.