The Blue Planet: A Sea of Life in Coral Seas

The documentary series 'Blue Planet,' first broadcast on September 12, 2001, takes viewers on a journey across the globe's oceanic wonders. The show's first episode explores how currents and the sun's position regulate life in the sea. According to David Attenborough, the series aims to reveal the complete natural history of our ocean planet, from its familiar shores to the mysteries of its deepest seas.

The Pacific Ocean alone covers half the globe, making it a vast and seemingly endless expanse. In fact, over 70% of our planet is covered by sea. When 'Blue Planet' premiered on BBC One, an impressive 12 million people tuned in, with audiences consistently reaching over 30%.

To capture the wonders of the ocean, the production team utilized specialized submersibles to dive over a mile into the San Diego trench, where they filmed scavengers attracted to the carcass of a 40-ton grey whale. In Monterey Bay, orcas were documented trapping grey whales and killing a calf, while off the coast of Natal in South Africa, the team spent two seasons trying to capture the annual sardine run.

The crew's perseverance paid off when they encountered a flock of frigatebirds guiding them to a group of sailfish and marlin, the fastest inhabitants of the sea. After six weeks, they stumbled upon a school of spinner dolphins, which led them to a shoal of tuna. The open ocean proved challenging, requiring over 400 days of filming trips, but the team's dedication paid off when they finally captured footage in the Gulf of California.

The production team was aided by marine scientists worldwide, using cutting-edge equipment to locate and study various sea creatures. One notable example is the discovery of blue whales, whose migration routes were previously unknown. By attaching temporary radio tags to some animals, researchers were able to track their movements from the air.

Besides witnessing animal behavior for the first time, the crew observed some phenomena that were entirely new to science. The fact that so much of the ocean remains a mystery presented the production team with many challenges, but their dedication paid off in the end. After nearly five years and over 200 filming locations, 'Blue Planet' offers an unparalleled glimpse into the wonders of our coral seas.

The show's incredible footage and groundbreaking research have captivated audiences worldwide, making it a truly unforgettable experience for anyone interested in marine life and conservation. As we continue to explore and learn more about our ocean planet, 'Blue Planet' serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving these precious ecosystems.

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