In 2006, Canadian filmmaker Rob Stewart made Sharkwater. In doing so he exposed the barbaric practice of shark finning. His film contributed to a ban of this horrific practice in several countries around the world. Inspiring a new generation of young activists, it has been one of the greatest conservationist successes of this century so far. In his follow-up, Sharkwater Extinction, Rob investigates the illegal shark fin industry.
Despite all the gains which have been made, the trade in shark fins is thriving and has become multi-million-dollar industry. Rob goes undercover to expose the political corruption which lies at the heart of this horrible industry. He travels to four continents to discover what happens when the authorities turn a blind eye, but also finds this covert practice taking place in his back yard. In the course of this quest, a true tragedy happens. One which makes Sharkwater Extinction all the more poignant and powerful.
The sheer scale of the illegal hunting and trade in shark fins is truly nauseating. There’s a covert global industry established just to satisfy the tastes of the Asian market. Sharks are being cruelly massacred in the most horrendous ways and their numbers are continuing to be decimated. All whilst governments pretend to care about ecology and the environment. Sharkwater Extinction is a fitting testament to a man who has dedicated his life to the preservation of these wildly misunderstood creatures.
Sharkwater Extinction is out in cinemas from 22 March.
