“Sea Change: The Gulf of Maine – A Deep Dive into Climate Change Impact on Marine Life”

The Gulf of Maine, a body of water that stretches from the tip of Cape Cod to Nova Scotia in the North Atlantic, is facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change. Airing on PBS on July 24, 2024, Nova’s new docuseries, Sea Change: The Gulf of Maine, delves into the impact of climate change on this vital marine ecosystem that supports 3,000 species.

The Gulf of Maine is warming at an alarming rate, 97% faster than the global ocean. This rapid warming poses a significant threat to the diverse marine life that inhabits the region, from microscopic plankton to massive right whales. The docuseries, produced by GBH, the largest producer of content for PBS, aims to shed light on the global implications of climate change on marine ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.

According to the Gulf of Maine Research Institute, while the warming waters present challenges, they also provide an opportunity to develop climate resilience and adaptation strategies. The docuseries uses science, exploration, and natural history to vividly showcase the impact of climate change on the Gulf of Maine’s marine ecosystems, highlighting the need for action to protect biodiversity and ensure the region’s regenerative strength.

National Geographic marine photographer Brian Skerry, who has been documenting the Gulf of Maine for the past 40 years, spearheaded the project. Skerry, a Maine resident, expressed his deep love for the region and emphasized the urgent need to address the changes brought on by climate change. The docuseries features the resilience of the people working to sustain the Gulf of Maine, including a biologist who is also a lobsterman, Native American clam farmers, seaweed entrepreneurs, and scientists conducting expeditions to study the region.

The three-part series, titled “Bounty,” “Peril,” and “Survival,” offers a comprehensive look at the challenges facing the Gulf of Maine and the efforts to address them. Additionally, a six-part short-form digital series produced by Indigenous filmmakers in collaboration with Vision Maker Media and NOVA focuses on climate issues and solutions in Native communities across the country.

Sea Change: The Gulf of Maine is available for streaming on station-branded PBS platforms, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the impact of climate change on one of the most critical marine ecosystems in the world.