Planet Green to Again Focus on Water-Themed Programming

SILVER SPRING: A second installment of the month-long programming event Blue August on Planet Green will feature a look at the events happening in the Gulf.

Blue August is hosted by Philippe Cousteau, chief oceans correspondent for Planet Green, and his sister, water conservationist Alexandra Cousteau. Throughout the month, the pair will take viewers around the Gulf region and beyond to share the experiences and personal stories of the people whose way of life depends on their relationship with local bodies of water.

The second run of Blue August will feature the U.S. premiere of the six-part series Oceans Blue, launching August 8. The show features Philippe Cousteau and a team of underwater explorers as they attempt to unravel some of the mysteries of the world’s oceans. On August 6, Planet Green will air Coastwatch, following members of New Zealand’s Ministry of Fisheries as they fight to protect the country’s marine ecosystems. Blue August will also see the U.S. TV premieres of two documentaries: One Water on August 2 and Sharkwater on August 21. There’s also the network premiere of the 2009 Academy Award winner for best documentary, The Cove, on August 30.

"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, the 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."