Whether through the naming of a research vessel or a newly discovered species of shark, or the passage of major legislation in his native country, the legacy of Rob Stewart is still growing.
The recent passage of Canadian Modernized Fishing Act was the culmination of work that was started in part by the late Stewart, an activist and filmmaker who died during a dive in 2018. Stewart’s documentaries Sharkwater(2007) and Sharkwater Extinction (2018) brought the issue of shark finning to the world stage and helped to galvanize a global movement to stop the trade.
“Rob was a tireless advocate for sharks and the oceans,” said Stewart’s parents, Brian and Sandy Stewart. “He worked closely with Senator Michael MacDonald and MP Fin Donnelly early on to bring awareness to the shark fin trade and lobbied for very necessary legislative action. As parents, we are so proud of Rob’s impact and contribution.
“This bill is an example of the kind of change that Rob fought for every day and we know he would be ecstatic today. We applaud the Canadian government’s historic passing of Bill C-68 and will do our part to ensure it serves as a shining example for the USA and other countries around the world to follow our lead to protect sharks, the oceans and the planet.”
The latest film in the series, Sharkwater Extinction, was completed after his death released to critical claim throughout North America. A virtual reality version of the film was also the headliner at the EarthX Interactive Festival in April.
The documentary film series has helped christen its own namesake research ship. The M/Y Sharkwater is a 134-foot vessel that was originally built in Japan and used by Japanese fisheries that has been repurposed for marine research by the conservation group, Fins Attached. Sharkwater will conduct over 25 expeditions a year with various research, documentary, citizen scientist, and donor groups.