CHANGING SEAS Season 14


#1401 - Vanishing Whales
The humpback whale population that migrates between Hawaiʻi and Alaska is considered a conservation success story. When sightings of the animals suddenly dropped, people became concerned. Scientists in both locations are trying to understand what happened to the whales and why.

Short:
Experts study declines in the number of humpbacks migrating between Alaska and Hawaiʻi.

#1402 - Humpback Health
How does the body size and overall health of humpback whales change across their migratory cycle? A team of researchers studying the animals, which spend part of the year feeding in Alaska and a few months fasting while in their Hawaiian breeding grounds, is making remarkable discoveries.

Short:
Scientists study the body size and health of humpback whales across their migratory cycle.

#1403 - Kelp: Hidden Treasure of the Salish Sea
The kelp forests of the Puget Sound have long played an essential role in the local ecosystem as a habitat and food source. Today, this foundational species is in decline, but resource managers, scientists, tribal citizens, and advocates are working together to solve the mysteries of conserving and restoring kelp forests.

Short:
Experts are working to conserve and restore the Puget Sound’s declining kelp forests.

#1404 - Saving Florida’s Starving Manatees
Florida’s iconic sea cows are dying in record numbers. Years of declining seagrass beds have eliminated one of the gentle giants’ primary food sources. Now wildlife managers have taken the unprecedented step of feeding the animals, while scientists are in a race against time to restore the lost seagrass.

Short:
Florida’s gentle giants are dying in record numbers