Life on the Reef on Rhode Island PBS in August

The three-part series Life on the Reef examines the breathtaking beauty of one of the richest and most complex natural ecosystems on earth, the Great Barrier Reef. Rhode Island PBS presents this three-part series on consecutive Mondays at 8 p.m., beginning August 3.

Covering 214,000 miles (344,400 km) and stretching along 1.430 miles (2,300 km) of coastline, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the richest and most complex natural ecosystems on Earth. Home to a stunning array of animals, from microscopic plankton to 100-ton whales, it is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World. 

Along the idyllic coastline, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Rangers work together with Traditional Owners, police, border protection, search and rescue crews, lifeguards and scientists to safeguard the fragile reef and protect the millions of residents, tourists, divers and fishermen that visit each year. It’s a monumental task - the reef and its hundreds of islands and quays covers an area bigger than the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Holland combined. 

Life on the Reef will combine the strongest elements of observational documentary story telling with blue chip natural history, presenting unique, fresh and authentic stories of Australia’s greatest natural icon through the eyes, actions, challenges and adventures of the people who live there. 

EPISODE 1 (Monday, August 3 at 8 p.m.)

Tourists flock to the reef as humpback whales arrive to give birth; fire destroys a luxury yacht and a critical salvage mission is launched; and 20,000 green sea turtles arrive to nest at the biggest turtle rookery on Earth. 

EPISODE 2 (Monday, August 10 at 8 p.m.)

Spring brings an explosion of life to the reef as corals spawn, sea birds nest, and turtle hatchlings erupt over the beaches in tens of thousands. Manta rays swoop in to feed on the nutrient rich seas. 

EPISODE 3 (Monday, August 17 at 8 p.m.)

It's summer, the change of season. Animal and human residents prepare as a Category 5 cyclone threatens the coast. How will the reef respond to threats that challenge its delicate balance?

For more information, click here.