While we are usually drawn to all-things-green here, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to switch colors and share Planet Green’s month long event dubbed Blue August.
Hosted by Philippe Cousteau, chief oceans correspondent for Planet Green, and leading water conservationist Alexandra Cousteau, Blue August will feature water-centric programming aimed to draw attention to our planet’s bodies of water. Additionally, during the month long event, the brother and sister team will travel to the Gulf—the site of the devastating BP oil spill—and other regions to learn how local people depend on the Earth’s waters.
"With Blue August, Planet Green hopes to foster awareness and appreciation of the critical role that our lakes, rivers and oceans play in our everyday lives. This message is especially crucial now, given the tragic events in the Gulf," said Laura Michalchyshyn, president and general manager of Planet Green. "The involvement of the Cousteaus and other key environmental advocates ensures that Blue August will not only entertain, but also will engage and activate our viewers."
Upcoming programming includes:
COASTWATCH (Series)
U.S. Premiere: August 6, 13 and 20 at 8 PM ET
Coastwatch follows a team from New Zealand's Ministry of Fisheries as they patrol and protect the country's precious marine environment from illegal fishing by highly organized poaching rings and a relentless tide of reckless shellfish gatherers. Coastwatch is produced by Cream Media Ltd.
OCEANS BLUE (Series)
U.S. Premiere: August 8, 15 and 22 at 9 PM ET
A team of underwater explorers including Philippe Cousteau embarks on a yearlong mission to unlock the mysteries of some of the world's most famous oceans. This spectacular series will tell the most exciting stories from the world of undersea archaeology, geology, marine biology and anthropology, taking viewers on an amazing underwater ride. Oceans Blue is a BBC/Discovery co-production.
BLUE PLANET (Series)
Encore Presentation: August 9, 16 and 23 at 8 PM ET
Sir David Attenborough narrates this landmark series about the earth's marine environment. Blue Planet is a definitive exploration of our planet's oceans and reveals the sea and its inhabitants at their most fearsome and alluring. Episodes chronicle the mysteries of the deep and the intrigues of coastal sea mammals; investigate tidal and climatic influences; and depict the creatures and systems that revolve around our Blue Planet. Blue Planet is a BBC/Discovery co-production.
BLACK WAVE: LEGACY OF THE EXXON VALDEZ (Special)
Encore Presentation: August 14 at 10 PM ET
On March 24, 1989, the supertanker Exxon Valdez ran aground in Prince William Sound, dumping millions of gallons of crude oil into a previously pristine environmental area-the biggest environmental catastrophe in North American history at that time. The film follows Rick Ott and the fishermen of the little town of Cordova, Alaska, as they wage the longest legal battle in U.S. history against the world's most powerful oil company, ExxonMobil, and look for ways to rebuild their lives and try to find out if corporate values have trumped basic human rights. BLACK WAVE: LEGACY OF THE EXXON VALDEZ is directed by Robert Cornellier.
SHARKWATER (Special)
U.S. Premiere: August 21 at 10 PM ET
Taking viewers into the most shark-rich waters of the world, filmmaker Rob Stewart exposes the exploitation and corruption surrounding the world's shark populations. Debunking historical stereotypes of sharks, Stewart reveals the reality of these underwater creatures as pillars in the evolution of the seas. Stewart's remarkable journey changes from a mission to save the world's sharks into a fight for his life and that of humankind. Sharkwater is directed by Rob Stewart.
THE COVE (Special)
Network Premiere: August 30 at 9 PM ET
Academy Award winner for Best Documentary of 2009, The Cove follows an elite team of activists, filmmakers and free divers as they embark on a covert mission to penetrate a remote and hidden cove in Taiji, Japan, shining a light on a dark and deadly secret. The team uncovers how this small seaside village serves as a horrifying microcosm of massive ecological crimes happening worldwide. The Cove is directed by Louie Psihoyos.
For additional programming information or to see how you can help save our waters, visit Blue August on Planet Green’s website.
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Photo Credit: Planet Green
