Remember Rob Stewart on January 31

by
Alexandra Heilbron
|
January 29, 2021

On January 31, 2021, we remember Rob Stewart: shark  activist, biologist, author and the filmmaker behind Sharkwater, Revolution and Sharkwater Extinction on the anniversary of his death.

“I think everyone changes the world. It’s just how much, how big, and in what direction. The more people become educated, the more they change the world in a positive direction. And 7 Billion people have a massive amount of power to change the world.” ~Rob Stewart

Rob spawned hundreds of conservation groups, in addition to founding his own: United Conservationists and Fin Free.

Since Sharkwater released, more than 100 countries have banned shark finning and 41 countries  have banned shark finning, fishing or the shark fin trade entirely.

Shark success stores of 2020:

26 tonnes of shark fins were  seized in Hong Kong. U.S. law enforcement seized 6 tons of shark fins and shut  down a decade long shark smuggling ring. Hawaii levied the highest fine for  shark fin smuggling: $126,000 in fines, forfeiture of the vessel valued at  $119,000 and seizure of $58,000 of fins.

Since Sharkwater and  Rob’s death, Marine Protected Areas have increased by more than 23 million  square kilometers.

Hotels, airlines, shipping  companies have banned shark fins. Even China and Hong Kong have banned the  soup at state functions.

But there’s more work to do. 150  Million sharks are still dying from finning each year. Shark populations have  already dropped by more than 90% and these beautiful animals need our help  before they become extinct.

Ocean acidification caused by climate change is the biggest challenge of our generation.

But as Rob said, we envision a  brighter future, Earth can be paradise for us and for millions of other  species—why not use the height of our intelligence, and the greatest evolution  of humanity, to usher in something amazing. Don’t feel disillusioned! The  challenge is calling out the best in us.”

Rob's work continues through United Conservationists, Fin Free and Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation.

Please share Rob’s message and let your  friends know they can watch Sharkwater Extinction free worldwide on  Amazon Prime and on Crave in Canada.

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Written By:

Alexandra Heilbron

Alexandra Heilbron is an award-winning author/editor. She has published two non-fiction books.