Return of the Plankton: The Seasons Underwater in Puget Sound 2004
Distributed by Still Hope Productions, PO Box 1407, Suquamish, WA 98392-1407; 360-598-4152
Produced by Cameron Snow
Directed by John F. Williams
DVD, color, 27 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Biology, Fisheries, Environmental Studies, Science
Date Entered: 08/26/2005
Reviewed by Barbara Butler, University of Oregon Institute of Marine BiologyThis video does more than detail the seasonal plankton changes in the waters of Puget Sound. The producers describe changes that occur throughout the food chain and discuss human impact on marine life as well. Viewers will see that phytoplankton multiply at an increased rate in spring when there are abundant nutrients and lengthening days. During summer we learn that the water has cleared because the nutrient supply has been lessened due to previous plankton blooms. Footage during the turbulent fall season shows the effect storms have on marine species and finally, in the winter segment, we see creatures spawning and guarding their young before the cycle begins again.
The background music is a bit distracting and I was bothered that one of their scientific advisors wrote the endorsement which appears on the front cover, but those are my only two concerns. This video contains superb underwater footage and will be a very worthwhile addition to any library collection, particularly libraries on the west coast of North America.
The DVD includes still photos of organisms (cataloged by both scientific and common name), additional teaching aids, a quiz relating to the video content, and a first-rate bibliography. The project was completed under the guidance of a reputable scientific advisory team. Return of the Plankton seems to be the first commercial venture by Still Hope Productions and while there may be other videos relating to marine life you won’t find one which includes such nice footage for the rock bottom $30 price tag. Highly recommended for junior-high, high school and public libraries.