Planet Earth III Premieres on BBC One: A Captivating Journey into the Natural Wonders of our World

2023-10-22 22:42:03

BBC One - Planet Earth III

Planet Earth III made its return to BBC One and iPlayer in October, with the first episode titled "Coasts". The episode begins with a captivating scene from the South African Coast, where a multitude of great white sharks congregate to hunt Cape fur seals. Today, we speak with marine biologist and crew member Justin Blake, who shares his profound experience of filming with the team and how it transformed his perspective on the world's oceans.

Copyright Steve Benjamin

Lenny Henry’s Windrush drama in Three Little Birds disappoints with its over-sanitized portrayal | Television & radio

I became increasingly concerned, anxious even, about the state of our life-giving oceans.

Patrick Mahomes and wife Brittany discuss their plans for baby number 3

Justin Blake, a marine biologist from South Africa, has always been captivated by the ocean and its fascinating creatures. Inspired by his father's stories of diving in the navy, Blake pursued a degree in Ichthyology (the study of fish) and later obtained a Master's degree in marine biology.

As part of the Planet Earth III crew, Blake embarked on one of the initial shoots, focusing on the interactions between great white sharks and Cape fur seals. Despite his extensive experience diving with various shark species, encountering great white sharks underwater had been a rarity for him. However, the anticipation and build-up to the first dive left him somewhat disappointed when he didn't spot any sharks during that initial dive.

During the filming process, Blake's role involved shadowing the camera operator, ensuring the crew's safety while monitoring for potential risks such as other sharks, boats, and changing ocean conditions. Spending weeks at sea and engaging in deep discussions with the crew profoundly affected Blake.

His concerns for the state of our oceans grew, but rather than dwelling on the challenges, Blake shifted his focus to finding solutions. He realized that sharks play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy marine ecosystem and can even contribute to the healing of damaged environments. By conserving sharks and their habitats, we can support a thriving ocean and combat climate change. A healthy marine environment not only produces more oxygen but also helps reduce CO2 levels in the atmosphere.

If you would like to know other articles similar to Planet Earth III Premieres on BBC One: A Captivating Journey into the Natural Wonders of our World updated this year 2025 you can visit the category Entertainment news.