Rob Stewart

Rob Stewart (April 28, 1979 – January 31, 2017) was a Canadian filmmaker, underwater photographer, and marine conservationist whose work reshaped public awareness of oceanic ecosystems. Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Stewart developed an early fascination with the sea, spending his teenage years snorkeling and diving, which later informed his visual storytelling. His breakthrough came with the 2006 documentary Sharkwater, a daring exposé on illegal shark finning that combined breathtaking footage with a powerful call to action, earning critical acclaim and inspiring a global movement to protect apex predators. Stewart followed this success with Sharkwater Extinction, released posthumously in 2018, continuing his mission to expose the dire consequences of overfishing and habitat loss. Throughout his career, he collaborated with scientists, NGOs, and Indigenous communities, emphasizing the interconnectedness of marine health and human wellbeing. Stewart’s meticulous cinematography—often captured from cramped submersibles or his own breath‑hold dives—set new standards for documentary filmmaking, earning him numerous awards, including the International Documentary Association’s Impact Award. Beyond his films, he co‑founded the Sharkwater Alliance, an organization dedicated to policy advocacy, education, and on‑the‑ground conservation projects across six continents. Stewart’s untimely death in a diving accident off the coast of Senegal shocked the environmental community, but his legacy endures through continued activism, educational programs, and a growing body of filmmakers inspired by his fearless approach. His life exemplifies how art and science can merge to spark tangible change, reminding audiences that protecting the oceans is both a moral imperative and a shared responsibility.