Ep 1. The Ocean's Apex

In the first episode of the sixth season of Xploration Awesome Planet titled "The Ocean's Apex," viewers get to explore the vast and magnificent depths of the ocean. The show features host Philippe Cousteau Jr, an environmentalist, and grandson of the legendary oceanographer Jacques Cousteau.

The episode takes viewers on a journey to the apex predators of the ocean, including sharks and killer whales. Cousteau goes on a dive to learn more about sharks and to debunk some common misconceptions about these fascinating creatures. Through his journey, he encounters several species of sharks, including nurse sharks, hammerheads, and lemon sharks, and learns about their behavior and hunting patterns.

The episode also focuses on killer whales, which are also referred to as orcas. Cousteau and the Xploration team visit the Salish Sea, where they witness the spectacle of orcas hunting seals. Through this experience, the team highlights the intelligent and complex social structures of these marine mammals and how they work together to hunt and survive in the wild.

Throughout the episode, viewers get to learn about some of the latest conservation efforts being made to protect these apex predators. The Xploration team speaks with marine biologists and researchers who are working to better understand these animals and their behavior. The team also visits a shark tagging program where scientists track and study apex predators' behaviors, including their migration patterns and hunting behavior.

The episode emphasizes the need to conserve and protect these animals, as many of them are threatened by overfishing, climate change, and habitat loss. Cousteau stresses the importance of ecotourism as a means of preserving habitats and supporting conservation efforts. He and the Xploration team visit an eco-tourism site that promotes responsible and sustainable ocean tourism, which benefits local economies and supports conservation efforts.

Overall, the episode "The Ocean's Apex" is an educational and informative exploration of the fascinating world of apex predators in the ocean. The show offers insight into the behavior and habits of these creatures while educating viewers on the importance of conservation and the need to protect these species from extinction. Cousteau's passion and knowledge of ocean conservation are evident and make for an engaging viewing experience for all audiences.