PBS, BBC and Monterey Bay Aquarium team up for live broadcasts

International focus will soon be on Monterey Bay with a three-day broadcast called “Big Blue Live.” The BBC teamed up with PBS to present live coverage that will take a look at the recovery of Monterey Bay. The networks will broadcast from the Monterey Bay Aquarium and NOAA research boats.

On Friday, NewsChannel 5 got a behind the scenes tour of the studio, build atop the Aquarium. One of the producers from the BBC said the main point of the broadcast is to get people to start thinking and talking about the oceans.

“It’s the little moments in the lives of animals that build up a picture of a wider story,” said Tim Scoones, consulting executive producer with the BBC.

That wider story is the near death and recovery of the ecosystem in Monterey Bay. It’s not an easy story to tell.

“We’ve got the place covered with all sizes and all types of crews including underwater as well,”said Bill Margot, the PBS senior director of content.

With a team of scientists, animal experts, even amateurs, all contributing to the six live shows over three nights. They’re broadcasting from the pump house at the Aquarium. Their very presence, draws in a many crowds as the resident attractions.

But Big Blue Live is showcasing some things you’ll never find on land, like being able to put a camera on a blue whale and watch is dive and feed.

“Just in terms of what it showed you,” Scoones said, “Wow! Ever wonder what it’s like to ride a blue whale?”

As the executive producers said, they’re letting nature write the scripts, knowing full well wildlife in unpredictable yet reliable.

“You’re almost certain it’s going to be humpback whales and blue whales and seal lions and elephant seals in other seasons,” said Bill Douros, regional director for the National Marine Sanctuary Program. “But they can all come and go at different times of the year.”

Putting Monterey on the map, not just in the U.S., but worldwide.

“Monterey isn’t just a beautiful place, isn’t just a friendly place,” Scoones said. “It’s also iconic. It’s iconic for people in the states but it’s probably more iconic for people in the UK, you know. This is proper exotic but very cool.”

The three day live event starts on August 31.