CA team meet with long time Member Tribute Entertainment Media Group
Brian and Sandra Stewart of Tribute Entertainment Media Group visited CA on May 9th to provide an overview on the amazing work of their late son Rob Stewart (1979-2017), an award-winning biologist, photographer, conservationist, author and filmmaker, to save sharks that are on the brink of extinction.
Rob was unfortunately lost in a tragic and much publicized diving accident off the coast of Florida in 2017.
Millions of sharks are hunted and killed each year for their fins, meat, and even their livers. Shark livers contain an oil known as squalene. High in fatty acids and antioxidants, it is used as a moisturizing agent. While squalene can be extracted from olives, wheat germ, and other plants, its sourcing from sharks is apparently easier and cheaper. It is estimated that as much as 90% of shark squalene product is sold to cosmetic producers.
The Stewarts are carrying on the work of their son to promote global awareness, drive change, and protect sharks which are critical to the health of ocean ecosystems and ultimately the sustainability of the planet and human life. Their efforts include promoting awareness within the cosmetics and personal care products industry on the need for manufacturers and ingredient suppliers to understand the source of any squalene/squalane used and ensure that it is derived only from plants. The issues discussed with the Stewarts raise the larger question of the use of endangered species (animal or plant) in our society in general.
Tribute Entertainment has been an associate member of Cosmetics Alliance/CCTFA for over 35 years providing media and advertising opportunities for our Brand members.
For more information, go to www.sharkwater.com and check out Rob’s award-winning epic films Sharkwater and Sharkwater: Extinction.
