Rob Stewart, an illustrious biologist, photographer, conservationist, and filmmaker, hailed from Toronto, Canada, where he spent his formative years. The 13-year-old Stewart's fascination with underwater photography was the catalyst for his lifelong passion, which would eventually become a hallmark of his career. By the age of 18, his skills had reached an impressive level, as he had already obtained his scuba instructor certification.
As he continued to pursue his academic and professional endeavors, Stewart went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft. His academic journey took him to various esteemed institutions, including those in Ontario, Jamaica, and Kenya, providing him with a rich and diverse educational experience.
Rob Stewart's journey as a chief photographer for the Canadian Wildlife Federation's magazines spanned a period of four years, during which he embarked on a series of expeditions to the most inaccessible regions of the globe. Throughout his travels, Stewart accumulated thousands of hours of underwater experience, utilizing the most advanced camera and rebreather technologies available at the time.
Stewart's renowned photographs have been featured in a vast array of global media platforms, garnering widespread recognition and acclaim. His extensive travels have taken him to the Galapagos Islands, where he embarked on a mission to capture the majesty of sharks in their natural habitat. However, during his assignment, he stumbled upon a disturbing scene - illegal longlining operations were ravaging the marine reserve, mercilessly slaughtering sharks in the process. Horrified by this discovery, Stewart felt compelled to take action, initially attempting to raise awareness through traditional print media outlets. Yet, despite his efforts, the public response was underwhelming. Undeterred, Stewart decided to shift his focus to filmmaking, driven by a burning desire to bring people closer to these majestic creatures and inspire a deeper appreciation for their importance in the ocean's delicate ecosystem.
At the tender age of 22, he shockingly abandoned his promising photography career to embark on an extraordinary, four-year odyssey that would take him to a staggering 12 countries across the globe, ultimately culminating in the creation of the awe-inspiring film, Sharkwater.
Throughout his perilous journey, Stewart confronted a multitude of life-threatening challenges, including contracting a trio of debilitating diseases: West Nile, Tuberculosis, and Dengue Fever, which left him fighting for his life.
Sharkwater, a cinematic masterpiece, made a splash at the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival, garnering a notable "Canada's Top Ten" award. This groundbreaking documentary went on to shatter records, boasting the largest opening weekend of any Canadian documentary, a testament to its widespread appeal. Furthermore, Sharkwater emerged as the most award-winning documentary of the year, racking up an impressive tally of over 35 accolades at esteemed film festivals worldwide.
Stewart has also authored a comprehensive and substantial hardcover book, aptly titled "Sharkwater: An Odyssey to Save the Planet", which was officially released in October 2007 by Key Porter Books, a renowned publishing house.
Furthermore, his forthcoming book, "Save the Humans", is scheduled to be published in the autumn of 2012 by Random House, a leading publisher of fiction and non-fiction works.
Stewart's tireless efforts to advance conservation and environmental education have led him to take the stage at a multitude of esteemed events, captivating audiences at renowned institutions such as the University of Victoria, Yale University, and the Vancouver Aquarium, as well as the Royal Ontario Museum, and prominent TEDx conferences.
In addition to his public speaking engagements, Stewart has dedicated himself to serving on the boards of several influential conservation organizations, including WildAid, Shark Savers, and the Shark Research Institute, thereby leveraging his expertise to drive meaningful change.
Furthermore, Stewart has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to conservation by establishing his own charitable foundation, United Conservationists, which boasts a dual presence in both Los Angeles and Toronto, allowing him to expand his reach and impact across North America.
Stewart has made a plethora of featured appearances on an extensive array of esteemed television programs, including the venerable Larry King Live, the widely popular Today Show, the iconic Tonight Show, the critically acclaimed Late Show, the thought-provoking Nightline, the entertainment-focused Access Hollywood, the entertainment news program Entertainment Tonight, the Canadian entertainment news program ET Canada, the business-focused Bloomberg, the Canadian current events program The Hour, the British Broadcasting Corporation's flagship channel BBC1, the music-focused MTV, and a multitude of other prominent television shows.
In a 2011 survey conducted by The Grid Magazine, Stewart was voted the top living resident for his outstanding contributions to making the city of Toronto a better place.
Stewart is actively engaged in the final stages of production for his second feature film, titled Revolution, which is slated for a theatrical release in the year 2013. This cinematic endeavor will be accompanied by a multifaceted digital media component, designed to provide an immersive and engaging experience for audiences. Furthermore, a comprehensive guide, aptly titled "How-to Guide to Save Humanity", will also be made available, offering practical advice and insights on how individuals can contribute to the betterment of society and potentially even save the world.
