A new production from WLRN, Troubled Waters: A Turtle's Tale explores the impact of human behavior on our environment-as seen through the lens of one of South Florida's most beloved and fragile underwater creatures-the sea turtle. Featuring acclaimed actor and ocean activist Ted Danson and narrated by Peter Coyote, this one-hour film will take a critical look at the effects of global warming, water pollution and our “throw-away” plastic lifestyle on this keystone species...and inevitably ourselves.

At the center of Troubled Waters is a dedicated team of biologists, researchers and conservationists. Often struggling to remain optimistic for the future, they pour their hearts and souls into saving a species with a past as old as the dinosaur.

Troubled Waters will lead viewers to one single conclusion, that this is not simply a Florida problem, it is indeed a worldwide concern. While education, political will, technology and science offers hope, changing human behavior is crucial. Troubled Waters will reveal the challenges confronting the largest resource of life on earth and offer solutions and actions that can be taken to help turn back the tide.

As South Florida's Storyteller, WLRN is committed to bringing you the very best in original programming. We strive to deliver intriguing local stories that often have a national interest. WLRN has produced multiple Emmy award winning documentaries that air on PBS stations across the country.

WLRN's latest initiative aims to shed light on environmental issues and educate the public on their local and global impact. Florida finds itself at the heart of these issues. Rising sea levels, hotter temperatures, red tide and blue green algae - these are just a few of the threats facing our fragile state. Understanding how these challenges are interconnected can affect how we live and what we can do to be part of the solution.

Troubled Waters: A Turtle's Tale was conceived when it came to the television team’s attention that not a single male sea turtle hatchling had been spotted in 3 years on Boca Raton’s beaches. Published in a Sun Sentinel article on January 19th, 2018, Jeanette Wyneken, a biological sciences professor at Florida Atlantic University, who is featured in this film, explains that diminishing male populations and an increase in females is due to rising temperatures in the sand that nests are laid. This news was rather unsettling. Since that relevant news, WLRN's new film Troubled Waters: A Turtle’s Tale has taken its journey to make our audiences aware of the numerous challenges our oceans face due to human behavior. As South Florida's Storyteller, we felt it was within our mission to delve deeper into this important issue. What better way to tell such an important story than through the eyes of these majestic creatures?

WLRN Public Media invites educators to use this companion Troubled Waters: A Turtle’s Tale Teacher Guide, which has been created for 6th to 8th grade students. Activities are based on the Next Generation Science Standards and Florida Standards and will give students the opportunity to examine the complex interactions between sea turtles, humans and a range of science concepts.

Download Teacher Guide Here »

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Watch the full length documentary »

There are many things you can do to help save our oceans.

Here are just a few ways in which you can support efforts being made to preserve this extremely fragile ecosystem.

• Educate yourself about the ocean and its inhabitants
• Reduce energy consumption
• Use fewer plastic products
• Eat sustainable seafood
• Leave the beach cleaner than when you got there or participate in a beach clean up
• Influence change in your community

Stay informed.

There are many organizations dedicated to preserving and protecting our oceans, here are just a few…

International

Oceana
Protecting the World’s Oceans

Website

Greenpeace
A global, independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions that are essential to a green and peaceful future.

Website

National

Surfrider Foundation
A network of volunteers and activists who serve as first responders to threats in coastal communities.

Website

Local – Florida

Loggerhead Marinelife Center
Promotes conservation of ocean ecosystems with a special focus on threatened and endangered sea turtles.

Website

Conch Republic Marine Army
An army of dedicated volunteers who cleanup, restore and preserve the Florida Keys waterways.

Website

Ocean Conservancy/Florida Chapter
A worldwide organization that works with local communities on science based solutions that protect our oceans from global challenges.

Website

Debris Free Oceans
Inspires local communities to responsibly manage the lifestyle of plastic and waste to eradicate marine debris.

Website

Free Our Seas
Harnesses the power of youth, art and community to connect, inspire and create change collectively for the greater good.

Website

Carpenter House, Marine Environmental Education Center
Provides marine education, interactive learning, and research with a focus on endangered sea turtles.

Website