Rob Stewart (filmmaker)

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Rob Stewart
Born
Robert Brian Stewart

(1979-12-28)December 28, 1979
DiedJanuary 31, 2017(2017-01-31) (aged 37)
NationalityCanadian
OccupationFilmmaker, conservationist
Years active2002–2017
Notable work
Sharkwater, Revolution


Robert Brian Stewart (December 28, 1979 – January 31, 2017) was a Canadian filmmaker, conservationist, and activist. He is best known for his documentary films Sharkwater and Revolution, which focus on marine conservation and the protection of sharks.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

Rob Stewart was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He developed an interest in the natural world at a young age, which led him to pursue a degree in biology from the University of Western Ontario. Stewart also studied marine biology and zoology at the University of Nairobi in Kenya.

Career[edit | edit source]

Stewart began his career as an underwater photographer and journalist, contributing to various magazines and publications. His work took him to some of the most remote and biodiverse regions of the world, where he documented the beauty and fragility of marine ecosystems.

Sharkwater[edit | edit source]

In 2006, Stewart released his first feature-length documentary, Sharkwater. The film aimed to raise awareness about the illegal shark finning industry and its devastating impact on shark populations. Sharkwater received critical acclaim and won numerous awards at international film festivals. The film played a significant role in changing public perception of sharks and spurred legislative efforts to protect them.

Revolution[edit | edit source]

Stewart's second documentary, Revolution, was released in 2012. The film expanded on the themes of Sharkwater by exploring the broader environmental crisis facing the planet. Revolution highlighted the interconnectedness of various ecosystems and the urgent need for global action to address issues such as climate change, ocean acidification, and deforestation.

Final project and death[edit | edit source]

At the time of his death, Stewart was working on a sequel to Sharkwater titled Sharkwater Extinction. On January 31, 2017, Stewart died in a diving accident while filming off the coast of Islamorada, Florida. His body was recovered three days later. Sharkwater Extinction was completed posthumously and released in 2018.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Rob Stewart's work has had a lasting impact on the field of marine conservation. His films have inspired a new generation of environmental activists and have contributed to significant policy changes aimed at protecting marine life. Stewart's dedication to raising awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the threats facing the natural world continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Related pages[edit | edit source]




Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD