Rob Stewart

SOLUTIONS FOR AN ENDANGERED HUMANITY

Rob Stewart is an award-winning biologist, photographer, conservationist and filmmaker. Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Stewart began photographing underwater when he was 13. By the age of 18, he became a scuba instructor and then moved on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, studying in Ontario, Jamaica and Kenya.

While on assignment in the Galapagos Islands, Stewart discovered sharks were being killed for their fins within the marine reserve. He decided to make a film to bring people closer to sharks, but what was supposed to be a beautiful underwater film turned into an incredible human drama filled with corruption, espionage, attempted murder charges and mafia rings. Stewart is on the board of numerous conservation groups including WildAid, Shark Savers and the Shark Research Institute.

BIOGRAPHY

Before making Sharkwater (2007), Stewart spent four years travelling the world as chief photographer for the Canadian Wildlife Federation’s magazines. Leading expeditions to the most remote areas of the world, Stewart has logged thousands of hours underwater using the latest in camera and rebreather technologies. Stewart’s highly sought after images have appeared in nearly every media form worldwide.

While on assignment to photograph sharks in the Galapagos Islands, Stewart discovered illegal longlining, indiscriminately killing sharks within the marine reserve. He tried promoting awareness through print media, but when the public didn’t respond, Stewart decided to make a film to bring people closer to sharks. At the age of 22 he left his career behind and embarked on a remarkable journey over four years and 12 countries, resulting in the epic Sharkwater.