Private Project

The Island of The Shark Guardians of Malpelo

Although shark finning is illegal in all of Colombia’s waters, it doesn’t stop fishermen traveling hundreds of miles to illegally fish this majestic underwater mountain range. The Island of the Shark, Guardians of Malpelo takes audiences on an unforgettable journey to one of the most pristine and biodiverse marine ecosystems in the world: Malpelo Island.

The film exposes the heartbreaking reality that this protected marine area is under threat from foreign fishing vessels. Their illegal activity is decimating Malpelo’s ecosystem, by overfishing and targeting sharks for the international shark trade.

The story unfolds through the passionate efforts of Erika Lopez and Jacob Griffiths who co-founded Biodiversity Conservation Colombia. A non-profit organization that established a permanent vessel and crew that patrols Malpelo to combat illegal fishing and preserve its unique biodiversity. The Island of the Shark, Guardians of Malpelo reveals the heroic and often perilous work needed to protect this precious sanctuary from exploitation.

Through stunning underwater footage and deep personal accounts, the film shows why it is important for Malpelo and other biodiversity hotspots to be safeguarded for our future generations. It also delves into the broader problem of the international shark fin trade with world renowned shark scientist Diego Cardenosa, offering hope and tangible solutions in the face of overwhelming odds.

Whether you're a marine enthusiast, conservation advocate, or someone looking to witness the beauty of our oceans, The Island of the Shark, Guardians of Malpelo is a must-watch. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of ocean conservation and the dedicated individuals who are fighting to save marine life. The film invites viewers to join the mission to protect sharks, marine biodiversity, and our oceans.

  • Annie Crawley
    Director
  • Annie Crawley
    Writer
  • Annie Crawley
    Producer
  • Erik Scheel
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    35 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    April 30, 2025
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Colombia
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 4K
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Annie Crawley

Annie Crawley—known around the world as Ocean Annie—is an award-winning filmmaker, underwater photographer, author, and ocean educator who uses the power of storytelling to inspire ocean conservation. A member of the Women Divers Hall of Fame and columnist for Scuba Diving Magazine, Annie has spent decades diving and documenting the world’s oceans, from the coral reefs of the Philippines to the shark sanctuaries of Colombia’s Malpelo Island.

Through her films and educational programs—including Our Ocean and You, Dive Into Your Imagination, and The Island of the Shark Guardians of Malpelo—Annie connects audiences to the ocean with heart, science, and hope. She leads an Environmental Speaker Series, engaging communities in conversations about marine life, climate change, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

Annie teaches us that every breath we take connects us to the ocean. She is dedicated to building a movement of storytellers, scientists, and youth working together to protect our blue planet.

Learn more at www.AnnieCrawley.com and www.IslandoftheShark.com.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

The Island of the Shark Guardians of Malpelo is a call to protect sharks before it’s too late.

At the heart of the film is Erika López, Executive Director of Biodiversity Conservation Colombia (BCC), whose extraordinary mission is to protect Colombia’s last stronghold for migratory sharks Malpelo Island.
López’s journey—from dive guide to fearless conservation leader—unfolds against the backdrop of the Eastern Tropical Pacific Marine Corridor, one of the planet’s most biologically rich ecosystems.

Malpelo rises 4,000 meters from the ocean floor and hosts immense schools of hammerheads, silky sharks, whale sharks, and tuna. Yet despite its national park status, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing continues to threaten this fragile ecosystem.

“Erika López is more than a conservationist,” says director Annie Crawley. “She is the heartbeat of Malpelo. Her courage, clarity of vision, and unwavering dedication inspired me to make this film.”

A Global Crisis: 200 Sharks Killed Every Minute

The release of The Island of the Shark comes at a crucial time. One-third of shark species now face extinction, and scientists estimate that more than 70% of oceanic sharks and rays have been fished from the ocean in the past 50 years. Every minute, more than 200 sharks are killed, the greatest threat they face is overfishing.
The film aims to unite people across nations in a call to action—reminding viewers that ocean animals do not recognize borders and that protecting sharks protects entire marine ecosystems.

A Visual Journey of Hope and Resolve

With breathtaking underwater cinematography and raw storytelling, The Island of the Shark: Guardians of Malpelo immerses audiences in one of Earth’s last wild sanctuaries. Crawley captures harrowing encounters with illegal fishing, powerful partnerships between conservationists and the Colombian Navy, and the deep emotional connection between humans and the ocean.

Beyond its beauty, the film is a rallying cry—urging nations, divers, and everyday citizens alike to defend sharks before it’s too late.