'Blue August' Looks at the World's Water Issues

August 2, 2010 — -- Water is one of the world's most precious resources, and it will be given a special nod this month. Philippe Cousteau, grandson of legendary oceanographer Jacques Cousteau, will host "Blue August," a month-long programming event on the Planet Green Channel, a division of Discovery Communications, that features various programs on the world's oceans.

As the chief oceans correspondent for Planet Green, Cousteau teams up with his sister, water conservationist Alexandra Cousteau, to present an in-depth look at the issues concerning water issues around the globe, including the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.

They share the personal stories of people affected by the BP spill, and show just how dramatically the spill has jeopardized their very livelihoods.

Philippe traveled with Sam Champion of "Good Morning America" to the Gulf in May, and the two were among the first to dive into the hazardous depths of the oily waters. They saw firsthand the effect the oil spill has had, and said they came away with a unique understanding of the plight of the people who live there. Cousteau has been a regular guest on "GMA," educating and inspiring millions of viewers on the bottomless wonders of the planet's oceans.

Planet Green's six-part series will feature the Academy Award-winning documentary "The Cove," along with programs like "Coastwatch," which follows a New Zealand team from the Ministry of Fisheries as they patrol water for illegal fishing and poachers.

"Blue August" will kick off August 8th.