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Whales in a Plastic Ocean

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.
Season 17 Episode 1702 Length 26:46 Premiere: 11/01/25

Changing Seas

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Clips & Previews

Season 17 Episodes

The Elephant Seals of Año Nuevo
S17 E1704 Length 26:42 Premiere Date 11/01/25

Mystery of the Spinning Fish
S17 E1703 Length 26:42 Premiere Date 11/01/25

Whales in a Plastic Ocean
S17 E1702 Length 26:46 Premiere Date 11/01/25

Costa Rica's Surfing Paradise
S17 E1701 Length 26:46 Premiere Date 11/01/25

Costa Rica's Surfing Paradise | Changing Seas | Preview
Preview Length 04:54 Premiere Date 06/24/25

Whales in a Plastic Ocean | Changing Seas | Preview
Preview Length 02:59 Premiere Date 06/24/25

Mystery of the Spinning Fish | Changing Seas | Preview
Preview Length 04:11 Premiere Date 06/24/25

The Elephant Seals of Año Nuevo | Changing Seas | Preview
Preview Length 04:43 Premiere Date 06/24/25

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The Elephant Seals of Ano Nuevo - S17 E4

Scientists from the University of California, Santa Cruz, collaborate with a thriving colony of elephant seals to better understand their life cycles at Ano Nuevo State Park.

  • Thursday May 14, 2026 8:30 am ET on KET2
  • Thursday May 14, 2026 7:30 am CT on KET2

Alien Invaders - S3 E1

Premiered On: 01/02/2018

In the waters of the western Atlantic and Caribbean, a voracious alien predator has taken hold. Native to the Indo-Pacific, the invasive lionfish is a major threat to biodiversity and the health of already stressed coral reef ecosystems.

  • Thursday May 21, 2026 8:30 am ET on KET2
  • Thursday May 21, 2026 7:30 am CT on KET2

Reef Revival - S3 E2

Premiered On: 01/09/2018

In the emerging science of coral reef restoration, marine biologists and resource managers are discovering naturally occurring mechanisms that promote coral growth and restore ecological balance in these gardens of the sea.

  • Thursday May 28, 2026 8:30 am ET on KET2
  • Thursday May 28, 2026 7:30 am CT on KET2

Prescription: Oceans - S3 E3

Premiered On: 01/16/2018

In Florida, a group of scientists are testing sea sponges for their potential anti-cancer properties. These and other marine invertebrates may hold the key to unlocking the secrets of our own biology.

  • Thursday June 4, 2026 8:30 am ET on KET2
  • Thursday June 4, 2026 7:30 am CT on KET2
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Recent

Mystery of the Spinning Fish - S17 E3

  • Thursday May 7, 2026 8:30 am ET on KET2
  • Thursday May 7, 2026 7:30 am CT on KET2

Whales in a Plastic Ocean - S17 E2

  • Thursday April 30, 2026 8:30 am ET on KET2
  • Thursday April 30, 2026 7:30 am CT on KET2

Costa Rica's Surfing Paradise - S17 E1

  • Thursday April 23, 2026 8:30 am ET on KET2
  • Thursday April 23, 2026 7:30 am CT on KET2

California Sea Otters: Life on the Edge - S16 E4

  • Thursday April 16, 2026 8:30 am ET on KET2
  • Thursday April 16, 2026 7:30 am CT on KET2

Maui Aloha 'aina: From Mauka to Makai - S16 E3

  • Thursday April 9, 2026 8:30 am ET on KET2
  • Thursday April 9, 2026 7:30 am CT on KET2
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