Watch Saving the Bay

Saving the Bay is a documentary series produced by KQED Public Television in partnership with The Bay Institute, The Natural Resources Defense Council, The California State Coastal Conservancy, and The Bay Area Regional Water Quality Control Board. The series covers the history, challenges, and ongoing efforts to protect and restore the San Francisco Bay, one of the world's largest estuaries and a crucial habitat for wildlife, a vital source of freshwater, and a cornerstone of the local economy, recreation, and culture.

The series consists of three episodes, each exploring a different aspect of the Bay's past, present, and future. The first episode, titled "Awakening," tells the story of how the Bay was created millions of years ago by geological forces, how it was shaped by human development, and how it became polluted, degraded, and endangered in the 20th century. The episode features interviews with scientists, historians, activists, and residents who recall the dredging, filling, and construction that transformed the Bay's shoreline, the industrialization, and urbanization that fouled its waters, and the battles for environmental justice and public access that defined its identity.

The second episode, titled "Reviving," focuses on the current state of the Bay and the efforts to restore its health and resilience. The episode showcases the innovative projects and collaborations that are bringing back the wetlands, marshes, and habitats that were lost or damaged by decades of neglect and abuse. The episode features interviews with researchers, policymakers, NGOs, and indigenous leaders who share their perspectives on the science, policy, and ethics of ecosystem restoration, and the challenges and opportunities of balancing human needs and ecological values in a rapidly changing world.

The third and final episode, titled "Sustaining," looks ahead to the future of the Bay and its role in shaping the destiny of the region and the planet. The episode explores the impacts of climate change, sea-level rise, pollution, and urbanization on the Bay and the people and wildlife that depend on it, and the strategies and visions that are being developed to adapt to these challenges and create a more vibrant, equitable, and sustainable future for all. The episode features interviews with climate scientists, urban planners, community organizers, and civic leaders who offer their insights and inspirations for how to save the Bay and preserve its legacy for generations to come.

Throughout the series, Saving the Bay combines stunning archival footage, dramatic re-enactments, evocative music, and insightful commentary to create a compelling and informative portrait of one of the most beloved and threatened natural wonders of the world. The series also features a diverse cast of characters, including environmental activists, indigenous leaders, fishermen, artists, entrepreneurs, and politicians, who share their perspectives and personal stories of their connection to the Bay and their vision for its future.

Saving the Bay is not only a gripping and enlightening TV series but also a website, a mobile app, and an educational resource for schools, museums, and community groups. The website offers a wealth of information, multimedia, and interactive features that allow viewers to explore the Bay's history, science, and culture in more depth, as well as to participate in citizen science and advocacy projects that help protect and restore the Bay. The mobile app provides users with a GPS-enabled virtual tour of the Bay's landmarks, wildlife, and restoration sites, accompanied by audio and visuals that bring the Bay to life. The educational resources for schools include lesson plans, videos, and activities that align with state standards and engage students in the topics of ecology, environmental justice, and civic engagement.

In conclusion, Saving the Bay is a comprehensive and thought-provoking documentary series that celebrates the beauty, diversity, and resilience of the San Francisco Bay while also highlighting the challenges and opportunities of saving it for future generations. The series offers a compelling blend of history, science, and storytelling that engages viewers of all ages and backgrounds and inspires them to take action to protect and restore the Bay and the planet.