In 1992 an area of more than 5000 square miles of some of the most spectacular coastal scenery of northern California was designated a national marine sanctuary - a rare and trend setting initiative. Supporting one of the world's most diverse marine ecosystems, Monterey Bay is also home to the World's leading marine research community. This item takes a look at the work of a number of organisations including Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute and the University of California, Santa Cruz and shows how they are world leaders in the advanced study of marine life.

FROM THIS EPISODE

Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium was set up in 1984 by David Packard, of Hewlett Packard fame, to inspire conservation of the worlds oceans. Sealife on exhibit include sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, sea otters, and numerous other native marine species.
http://www.mbayaq.org/

Dolphin Research
A team of marine scientists at the University of California, Santa Cruz are trying to solve the mystery of dolphin strandings by attaching a special vest to captive dolphins and monitoring electrical signals from their hearts as they dive.
http://bio.research.ucsc.edu/people/williams/

Monterey Bay Whale Watch
Located along the central California coast, Monterey Bay contains the largest and deepest submarine canyon in North America. Nancy Black a leading expert and organiser of from Monterey Bay Whale Watch studies killer whale behaviour and attack strategies.
http://www.montereybaywhalewatch.com/

Oceanographic Research
This film follows the work of scientists Dr Erika Raymond and Shannon Johnson from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, as they carry out their research using remotely operated vehicles in the Monterey Bay Canyon.
http://www.mbari.org/

SHOWING TIMES

Showing 1430 GMT on Saturday 6th June.
Repeated: 0230, 0930 and 1730 GMT on Sunday 7th June.

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