‘Sharkwater’ expedition to British Virgin Islands continues the mission of Rob Stewart

‘SHARKWATER’ EXPEDITION TO BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS CONTINUES THE MISSION OF ROB STEWART

Actor Hayden Panettiere join Fins Attached and Team Sharkwater to protect and advocate for shark sanctuaries.

Sir Richard Branson to join expedition during stop at Necker Island.

February 25, 2020, (Denver) ..The Sharkwater, a 134-foot research vessel named in honour of late filmmaker and activist Rob Stewart, will head out March 1st for a special 1075 nm expedition from Fort Lauderdale through the Bahamas to the British Virgin Islands. Operated by international conservation group, Fins Attached, the Sharkwater is used regularly to conduct marine research and surveys of sharks and coral reefs as well as to promote ocean protection initiatives critical for the survival of the planet.

The Science Team from Fins Attached will be joined by members of Team Sharkwater, along with passionate ocean advocates including Sir Richard Branson and actor Hayden Panettiere.

“The ocean is so important to me, to all of us – and I will keep telling anyone that will listen (and those that won’t) that we need to protect it.” Sir Richard Branson.

A production team led by some of the world’s leading cinematographers will travel to the British Virgin Islands to research and dive with sharks and groupers, through major reef formations around the islands of Tortola, Anegada, Virgin Gorda as well as out islands like Mosquito and Necker, where Sir Richard Branson will join for a tour of the Island and to discuss research initiatives.

The Sharkwater vessel, owned and operated by Fins Attached, is a constant reminder of what Rob Stewart stood for,” says Alex Antoniou, Founder & CEO of Fins Attached. “Conducting this expedition in The BVIs, with such incredible people and partners, is important for the continued protection of the shark sanctuary of The BVIs and all other endangered marine animals.”

Rob Stewart was a biologist, activist, and renowned filmmaker. His three internationally award-winning films, Sharkwater (2006), Revolution (2012), and Sharkwater Extinction (2018) garnered worldwide attention for issues affecting our oceans. Sharkwater brought the devastating practice of shark finning to the world stage, galvanizing a movement and spawning hundreds of conservation groups. In January 2017, while shooting Sharkwater Extinction, Stewart tragically died in a dive accident off the Florida Keys. His parents, Brian and Sandy Stewart, have dedicated themselves to continuing Rob’s mission, completing his final film and establishing the Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation, committed to raising awareness and inspiring the world to save sharks and protect the oceans.

“Rob worked tirelessly to protect sharks and educate people on the importance of these misunderstood apex predators,” said Brian and Sandy Stewart. “Although the planet is in a perilous state, Rob would say there is still hope and if we all work together we can create the positive change necessary for the future of all species in our oceans, and on earth – we need a world in balance with nature if the planet is to survive. Rob spoke at several Caribbean conferences to advocate for more marine protected zones for sharks.”

For more information about partnerships and to participate in the 2020 Expedition, contact Dr. Alex Antoniou at [email protected], or call (719) 499-9117.

For Interview opportunities
Contact: [email protected], 416-738-5565

The Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation
www.robstewartsharkwaterfoundation.org

For photos and materials:
Sharkwater Extinction Media Materials

Follow Sharkwater on Social Media:
Instagram: @teamsharkwater
Twitter: @teamsharkwater
Facebook: @sharkwater

About Rob Stewart & The Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation:
The Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation was created to ensure that Rob’s mission to save the world’s sharks and oceans continues. The Foundation will work with leading shark and ocean conservation groups around the world, as well as top scientists, researchers and educational institutions. Among the organizations that have partnered or supported Rob Stewart’s work are Blue Sphere Media, Code Blue Foundation, CREMA, EarthSense Foundation, FinFree, Fins Attached, Hong Kong Shark Association, HSI, HSUS, LUSH Cosmetics, Mercy for Animals, Nakawe Project, Ocean Ark Alliance, Ocean Elders, Oceana, PangeaSeed, Pew Foundation, Project Aware, Project 0, Save Our Seas, The SeaChange Agency, Sea Legacy, Sea Shepherd, Shark Angels, SOS, Turtle Island Restoration, United Conservationists, Virgin Unite, Virgin Ocean Unite, WildAid and WWF. www.robstewartsharkwaterfoundation.org.

About Fins Attached:

Fins Attached conducts research, promotes conservation and provides education for the protection of marine ecosystems.  Fins Attached believes in the preservation of our world’s precious resources and that through the protection of the ocean’s apex predators, marine ecosystem balance can be maintained for the benefit of all living things on earth. The organization is comprised of scientists, companies, organizations, and people concerned with the health of the world’s oceans. The scientists that represent Fins Attached range in backgrounds from divers to Ph.D. marine biologists. Fins Attached is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. www.finsattached.org.

Thank you to our partners, sponsors and supporters :