We are so deeply grateful to everyone who helped search, and happy that Rob passed while doing what he loved. We are working on how best to honour his incredible work. If you would like to share your memories or messages with the public, please post them using the form below. We are working on a way to share photos as well.
For private messages to the family please click here
Rob Stewart accomplished so much in his life, but there’s still more to do. To honour Rob’s memory, the Stewart family is collecting donations in order to continue his conservation work. You can help by visiting robstewartsharkwaterfoundation.org. A tax receipt will be issued.
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I’m a life long animal lover who was glued to nature documentaries as a child. I never had any strong feelings on sharks, but when Sharkwater premiered and was showing at my local theater, I saw it on a whim. I was shocked, horrified, and even moved to tears, but I was also struck by the beauty of these creatures I’d written off as fish with bad attitudes. I knew I had to spread the word. I was high school at the time, and I bought a copy of the DVD for my marine biology teacher to show her classes. I signed petitions and boycotted Yahoo because of their affiliation with Alibaba (then openly selling shark fins online – still a battle in progress.) I even bought a shark finning shirt from the Sea Shepard and would explain it to all who asked. I neve expected to be moved or changed so much by a single documentary on a creature I never valued before. Flash forward 10 years later, and the news of Rob’s disappearance and death was heartbreaking. I followed it closely (it was local news here in Miami) and hoped for the best, but it wasn’t meant to be. It comforts me knowing that Rob died doing what he loved, and that he left such an incredible legacy. I sincerly believe that some men are simply too good for this cruel world, but it gives me comfort to know that in his few years on earth, he changed so many hearts and minds. He and his passion are forever a part of my memory.
I’ve been a fan of his work since I was 11 years old; I was so inspired by him. His work was probably the first inspiration I had to grow up and make a difference in the world. Even though I was only 11, I fought for his cause to save sharks and our aquatic ecosystems: I wrote papers, I wrote a speech on his work, and my family and I had this habit of building a sand shark on beaches we visited and would write “save sharks” beside it. I was lucky enough to get a signed poster in the mail from him thanking me for being a part of the team… I had hopes of one day meeting with him as a lawyer to help make a change in the world. Since Rob is gone, its up to his supporters to keep his goal alive. Watch his movie Sharkwater, read his book “Save the Humans”, donate to Sea Shepherds and/or Greenpeace to help save aquatic life. Truth is the ocean’s marine life cannot survive without sharks, so we must do our absolute best to save them.
Another great one gone too soon,…37 year old, Rob Stewart was shooting his next movie Sharkwater: Extinction six miles off shore of Islamorada Florida, when he disappeared after surfacing from a dive.
A very inspiring man, who brought me to read about ‘shark finning’ and get me to donate for the cause because I believe in Sharks,, and the ECO systems. He did so much for this cause and also for many other causes. I followed him on facebook, viewed his films and read about this incredible man who devoted his career to warning the world about threats facing sharks (shark finning) other ocean life and humanity in general.
”The ocean was his life…yet the ocean took his life ,.but he will live on in the oceans and in our hearts” LB. ♥♥ ?
From a very young age I found an interest in animals. I was the kid who would pick up spiders and snakes while others ran in fear. I never saw these beings as evil or scary, instead i saw them as souls, equal to us. When I found out there was a profession where you could study and help animals I new I had to dedicate my live to eventually get to that job, but a problem surfaced. In grade 5 I was diagnosed with a learning disability in math and English. When I was young I didn’t quite understand how these disabilities would effect me and my goal, eventually in grade 10 I found out the harsh truth that was hidden from me. My guidance counsellor told me that because of my IEP I had to take lower level classes. Even in applied level I seemed to struggle with math, despite my best efforts to prove them wrong. Eventually I had given up. I feel into a depression realizing my life long dream would never be a reality. I strode along conforming and Listening to whatever i was told would be a good path for me. I never felt the passion though. I missed it, the fire that give you purpose, it had extinguished within me. I thought all hope was lost, that I would never be happy but I was wrong. The day I watched Sharkwater is the day my life turned around. My passion sparked up again as I watched the film. I knew I had to do something to stop the distruction of the oceans. Rob gave me the perfect idea. I remember being so inspired, I remember the moment were I realized that I don’t have to be good at math to make a difference. I too had been really into film and photography. I never thought of smashing my 2 passions together till then. After the film was over I ran to the library and took home as many books as I could on oceans. I found that everything he had talked about in his film was true. Despite how crushed I was, it gave me hope. It gave me something to fight for. I eventually won my years biology award and soon began to work towards the film industry to eventually do as he did. I ended up going to Sheridan college for film studies for a year, I could have continued in film studies but something inside of me was Telling me that I didn’t have enough knowledge. When I listened to that voice inside of me it reminded me of robs films. I awoken once again, re watched all of Robs films, and then decided to follow the dream I had been neglecting for years. I took a year off to gain the math credits needed to go to school for environmental studies. I new I had to slowly work my way up because my disability truly did affect me. So I looked for any college programs that could set me up to become a biologist. This year I found that program- environmental restoration Fleming/Trent. With continued education I can follow my dream to become a conservation biologist and hopefully, eventually a filmmaker. I applied for the program and a day before I had heard about the tragedy that occurred, I was accepted into the college. If Rob hadn’t made his film, I wouldn’t be where I am now, I would be lost, following a career unsuitable for me. It’s his inspiring words that lead me to believe in my abilities, and to believe in myself.
When I heard the news I was heartbroken. He was my #1 roll model. I wish to continue his legacy through my futures work and hopefully to do as he did, saving the earth and inspire millions. Rob will forever be in our hearts, guiding us and watching over all who fight for the earths oceans and earth. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. He is the perfect example that you can truly do whatever you put your mind to.
Thank you Rob for everything you taught us, thank you for fighting for those who cannot speak and thank you for inspiring us.
A big loss for all sharks lovers and protectors. But I’m sure we will keep on honouring and following what you have explaining us so far throughout the oceans.
What an amazing inspiration. He showed me to not fear creatures that are so unknown. Taught me that you cant just wait around for horrible things to happen. Showed me how rewarding yet hurtful it can be to save creatures you are passionate about. He gave me excitement and motivation to help out those who can not stand up for themselves. Been a fan since the day i found the Sharkwaters book at a thrift store and have held on to it since hoping one day i would be able to meet Rob and have him sign it. But i feel the most hurt for the helpless sharks and i hope and encourage those around me to be aware of them not afraid. Rob printed his foot in to this world and it gives me courage to do the same. We and the sharks thank you Robbie for standing up and fighting. R.I.P❤ Prayers for the family from Colorado❤
Rob, thank you for inspiring me to care more about the envioronment and sharks. While I didn’t know you personally, I could see your passion for the world through your documentaries. Your message and work is important and you will not be forgotten, at least not by me and I’m sure thousands of others. May you rest in peace and may your contributions inspire others to come forward and carry on your important work.
He inspired me to be a better person.
From France we also used to follow him. We will miss him and his fantastic work for the planet.
Thank you Rob Stewart, I am sure your films will help us to change minds and open eyes.
Thank you Rob Stewart, I am sure your films will help us to change minds and open eyes.
It’s heartbreaking hearing someone so motivated to change the negative stigma that has been sadly attached to sharks over the past several years has now passed. The only happiness found through of his passing was it happened while doing something he loved, and he was found peacefully in the ocean. His motives have always been to educate individuals on the severe effects illegal fishing and shark fining has on the oceans ecosystem. Without sharks, the oceans ecosystem will deteriorate. He’s the reason my love for sharks grew so much stronger and encouraged a dream to one day follow in his footsteps.
“Some people believe in heaven, others believe in the oceans”