Watch Sharkwater Extinction

Sharkwater Extinction, released in 2018, is a documentary film directed by the late Canadian filmmaker and environmentalist Rob Stewart, who tragically lost his life during the filming of the movie. The documentary explores the illegal shark fin trade around the world and its impact on the shark population, as well as the efforts made by conservationists to stop this practice and protect the ocean's ecosystem.

The film begins with Stewart's love for sharks and his previous work in the 2006 documentary "Sharkwater," which revealed the brutal industry behind shark finning. In "Sharkwater Extinction," the filmmaker takes his research a step further, and as he states, "investigates the corruption behind the fishing industry, again uncovering the multi-billion dollar industry that is driving sharks to extinction."

Throughout the documentary, we see Stewart bravely traveling to different parts of the world, from Costa Rica to Mozambique, to confront the illegal shark finning trade. The footage shot by Stewart and his team is shocking and inspiring, showcasing the brutal and wasteful practice of shark finning as well as the beauty of the ocean's wildlife that needs protection.

The film highlights the crucial role of sharks in maintaining the balance of the ocean's ecosystem and how their extinction would lead to catastrophic effects on the environment. With the extinction of sharks, the population of smaller fish and other marine creatures would skyrocket and eventually collapse due to overpopulation. The lack of sharks in the ocean could also create an imbalance in the food chain, causing a chain reaction of ecological disasters.

Apart from the dangers of illegal shark finning, the documentary also examines the chemical pollution caused by the waste products and byproducts of large corporations, such as fertilizers and pesticides that end up in the oceans. These chemicals have an adverse impact on the marine ecosystem, affecting not only the shark population but also other marine species, including humans who consume seafood.

Throughout the film, Stewart also reveals the extent of the illegal shark trade and the role played by law enforcement and the government in combating this issue. He exposes how politicians and officials often turn a blind eye to this trade, thus enabling it to continue. The documentary also includes interviews with conservationists, scientists, and policymakers who share their insights and experiences in trying to curb the illegal trade and raise awareness about the dangers facing the ocean's ecosystem.

The documentary's cinematography is stunning, with breathtaking underwater shots of sharks and other marine creatures, providing an intimate perspective of these animals in their natural habitat. Stewart's love for sharks and his passion for conservation come through in his narration and interviews, making this an emotional and moving documentary that inspires viewers to take action and preserve the ocean's ecosystem.

In conclusion, Sharkwater Extinction is a powerful and eye-opening documentary that brings to light the devastating impact of the illegal shark fin trade on the environment and the importance of protecting the ocean's ecosystem. The film provides a call to action for governments, corporations, and individuals to take steps to prevent the extinction of sharks and to safeguard the health of our planet's oceans. The tragic loss of director Rob Stewart only highlights the importance of the film's message and the critical need for environmental activism to protect our planet's natural wonders.

Sharkwater Extinction is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 76.