Poisoned Waters
Synopsis
Chesapeake Bay has seen a decline from 2 million bushels of oysters caught annually to just 100,000 in recent years due to pollution.
Synopsis
Larry Sims has fished in Chesapeake Bay for 60 years. He has watched fish and crab populations decline dramatically. The film records his observations and tracks the broader pollution crisis affecting Puget Sound and Chesapeake Bay. FRONTLINE correspondent Hedrick Smith investigates sources of contamination, including runoff from agriculture and everyday products. The documentary reveals that these contaminants threaten wildlife and drinking water. The Clean Water Act, enacted 30 years ago, has yet to resolve these persistent issues.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Find out why Chesapeake Bay is compared to a canary in a coal mine.
- See the alarming effects of pollution on wildlife, including frogs with six legs.
- Meet Hendrik Smith as he reveals the dangers to America's waterways.
Did You Know
- Chesapeake Bay is described as being in critical condition, akin to being in the Intensive Care Unit.
- Industrial agriculture is the largest source of pollution in America's waterways.
- Larry Sims, a waterman, reports that blue crab catches have dropped from 2 million to 100,000 over the years.
Perfect For
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current state of Chesapeake Bay?
Chesapeake Bay is in trouble, with significant declines in fish and crab populations over the past several decades.
What is the largest source of pollution in America's waterways?
Agriculture is by far the largest source of pollution to all of the waters in the country.
How has the catch of blue crabs changed over the years?
Commercial fishermen used to catch 2 million blue crabs a year, but now they catch only about 100,000.
What are people saying?
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