United Conservationists
United Conservationists is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2009 that uses award-winning shark conservation documentaries and grassroots advocacy campaigns (Fin Free, Shark Free, #ClimateShark) to mobilize 283,000+ pledgers and influence shark protection legislation across 100+ countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersMalibu, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What United Conservationists does
United Conservationists is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization founded in 2009 by biologist and filmmaker Rob Stewart to advance shark and ocean conservation through media-driven advocacy. Headquartered in Malibu, California with an additional presence in Toronto and operations spanning the U.S., Canada, Costa Rica, the Caribbean, the U.K., Hong Kong, and mainland China, the organization operates as a virtual, volunteer-led entity rather than a traditional staffed nonprofit.
Its core offerings are three documentary films (Sharkwater, Revolution, Sharkwater Extinction) that have collectively reached 125+ million viewers and won 100+ international awards, supplemented by a suite of advocacy campaigns (Fin Free, Shark Free, #ClimateShark), an online Shark Free Pledge (283,833 signatories), and curriculum-ready educational guides for high school classrooms. The technology stack is intentionally lean: documentary content distributed via streaming platforms (Amazon Prime Video, Discovery+, Crave TV), grassroots screening networks, and a donation pipeline through PayPal. Drone surveillance technology, donated by Precision Drone, has been deployed in Costa Rica's Cocos Islands to document illegal finning in partnership with Pretoma.
The business model is donation-driven: primary revenue comes from PayPal charitable contributions, supplemented by merchandise (Sharkwater DVDs for educational screenings at $10 plus shipping, Lush Shark Fin Soap at $5.95 per bar), and partnership/co-development funding from organizations such as PEW Charitable Trusts, Lush Cosmetics, the Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation, and CITES. Go-to-market is community-led and grassroots, leveraging social media, viral video content, celebrity endorsements (Leonardo DiCaprio, Yao Ming, Eli Roth, Sir Richard Branson), and partnerships with Discovery's Shark Week and Nat Geo Sharkfest to mobilize individual pledgers, influence legislators, and shape supply-chain decisions in the cosmetics industry. Following founder Rob Stewart's death in January 2017, the organization continues its mission under a board led by Julie Andersen, Dustin Titus, Brock Cahill, and Vanessa Pereira, with the 2019 establishment of the Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation providing structural continuity.
United Conservationists firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- United Conservationists
- Legal name
- United Conservationists Inc.
- Website
- https://unitedconservationists.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- United Conservationists is a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2009 that uses award-winning shark conservation documentaries and grassroots advocacy campaigns (Fin Free, Shark Free, #ClimateShark) to mobilize 283,000+ pledgers and influence shark protection legislation across 100+ countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
United Conservationists industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Marine Conservation Nonprofit / Environmental Advocacy
- NAICS
- Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection (BPAGAGAB), Environmental Conservation & Sustainability Volunteering (EDAIAGAB)
Keywords
Where United Conservationists is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Malibu
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
United Conservationists business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Donations and Charitable Contributions: Primary revenue stream through PayPal donations. Donations support Fin Free campaigns, shark conservation initiatives, and Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation activities. Organization is a U.S. registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- Merchandise Sales: Sale of Sharkwater DVDs for educational screenings ($10 donation plus $5 shipping and handling). Lush shark-themed merchandise supports conservation efforts.
- Partnership Revenue: Partnerships with cosmetics companies (SharkFree campaign) and consumer brands generate support for shark conservation programs.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | One-time purchase | Sharkwater DVD for educational screenings |
| Unit Pricing | One-time purchase | Lush Shark Fin Soap merchandise |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels8 records
United Conservationists product offering
Product offeringCore offering
United Conservationists is a nonprofit conservation organization that drives shark and ocean protection through award-winning documentary films (Sharkwater, Revolution, Sharkwater Extinction), advocacy campaigns (Fin Free, Shark Free, #ClimateShark), educational resources, and grassroots community mobilization. It sells Sharkwater DVDs for educational screenings and Shark Fin Soap merchandise in partnership with Lush Cosmetics, while primary funding comes from donations supporting conservation programs and the Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation.
Product overview
United Conservationists is a non-profit conservation organization that operates as a media and advocacy platform rather than a software product company. Their offerings center on documentary filmmaking (Sharkwater, Revolution, Sharkwater Extinction), advocacy campaigns (Fin Free, Shark Free, #ClimateShark), engagement tools (Shark Free Pledge), and educational resources (Education Guides, Video Gallery). The organization uses media, online communities, and grassroots campaigns to drive shark and ocean conservation rather than offering software products or platforms.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Sharkwater Documentary Film Award-winning documentary film by Rob Stewart exposing shark finning and the mass slaughter of sharks; credited with helping ban shark finning in over 100 countries. Distributed via streaming (Amazon Prime, Crave TV, Discovery+) and educational DVDs.
- Revolution Documentary Film Feature documentary following up Sharkwater, addressing ocean conservation, climate change, and the catastrophic effects of carbon emissions on ocean ecosystems. Won Audience Award for Best Documentary at Atlantic Film Festival and other recognitions.
- Sharkwater Extinction Documentary Film Rob Stewart's third and final documentary exposing the massive illegal shark fin industry and the presence of shark ingredients in everyday consumer products like cosmetics. Available globally on Amazon Prime Video, Discovery+, and other platforms.
- Sharkwater Education Guides
Quantifiable outcome
- 100+ countries implementing shark finning bans
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use United Conservationists
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
United Conservationists technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
United Conservationists partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- PEW Charitable TrustscorePartnership with PEW on Caribbean shark sanctuary initiatives. Together supported Grenada and other Caribbean nations in establishing shark conservation legislation, with new sanctuaries covering 46,190 square miles. PEW provides funding and policy expertise while United Conservationists provides grassroots mobilization and advocacy.
- Pretoma (Costa Rica)coreCosta Rican marine conservation organization partnered to combat shark fin consumption and illegal finning through drone monitoring initiatives at Cocos Islands. United Conservationists donated $30,000 to fund drone operators and Precision Drone donated surveillance equipment. Also supported 'Say No to Eating Shark' public awareness campaign.
- Bloom FranceminorCollaborated on largest lab study to date testing 80 cosmetic products for shark-based squalene. Testing conducted at University of Victoria labs to identify brands containing shark-derived ingredients.
- Sir Richard BransoncoreVirgin Unite founder joined Sharkwater expedition in British Virgin Islands. Supporter of shark conservation and Caribbean sanctuaries. Joined diving activities from Necker Island and advocated for shark protections through Virgin Unite.
- Rob Stewart Sharkwater FoundationcoreEstablished in 2019 by Rob Stewart's family and friends to continue his mission. Works in conjunction with United Conservationists to advance shark conservation through Shark Free campaign removing shark ingredients from consumer products, film distribution, and ongoing advocacy.
- Lush CosmeticscoreLush created limited edition Shark Fin Soap for World Oceans Day with 100% of proceeds supporting shark conservation and Fin Free campaigns. Partnership generates both funding and awareness through product marketing.
- Ocean RamseyminorShark researcher and advocate featured in Sharkwater Extinction and Eli Roth's 'Fin' documentary. Collaborates on shark conservation awareness and research initiatives.
- Dr. Neil HammerschlagminorMarine researcher featured in Sharkwater Extinction and 'Fin' documentary. Provides scientific expertise for shark conservation research and advocacy efforts.
- CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species)coreUnited Conservationists advocated for and contributed to CITES protections for Makos (2019) and 18 species of rays and sharks added to endangered list. Organization's efforts supported international regulatory changes.
Scale indicators9 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
United Conservationists competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Oceana: Oceana is a broad incumbent in ocean conservation, pursuing policy-driven advocacy campaigns on sharks, marine protected areas, and fisheries management. It operates at a significantly larger institutional scale than United Conservationists, with paid staff and major donor backing, while competing for the same legislative and donor mindshare.
- World Wildlife Fund (WWF): WWF is a broad incumbent in wildlife conservation globally, with substantial marine and shark-focused programming. Both organizations pursue species protection through advocacy, policy work, and consumer awareness campaigns, but WWF operates at dramatically greater institutional scale and funding capacity.
- Greenpeace: Greenpeace is a broad incumbent in environmental advocacy with significant marine/ocean campaign work, including opposing shark finning and unsustainable fishing. Both organizations pursue media-driven environmental advocacy, but Greenpeace operates at vastly larger institutional scale with global paid operations.
Direct peers
- Shark Angels: Shark Angels is a direct peer founded by Julie Andersen (also a founder of United Conservationists). Both organizations target grassroots shark conservation advocacy, public education, and demand-reduction campaigns for shark fin products.
- Sea Shepherd Conservation Society: Sea Shepherd is a direct peer in marine conservation advocacy. Julie Andersen has consulted to Sea Shepherd, and both organizations pursue aggressive shark and marine wildlife protection through direct action, media campaigns, and policy advocacy.
- Shark Research Institute: Shark Research Institute is a direct peer focused on scientific research and conservation of shark populations globally. Rob Stewart served on its board, and both organizations pursue shark population protection through research-driven advocacy and policy engagement.
- SeaChange Agency: SeaChange Agency is a direct peer founded by United Conservationists board member Brock Cahill in 2010. Both organizations focus on ocean conservation through grassroots mobilization, community organizing, and engaging lifestyle communities (yoga, conscious consumerism).
- Pew Charitable Trusts: Pew is a direct peer and active partner of United Conservationists on shark and ocean conservation policy. Pew provided funding and policy expertise on Caribbean shark sanctuary initiatives (covering 46,190 sq miles), making it the most directly comparable organization in terms of advocacy outcomes and campaign scope.
- WildAid: WildAid is a direct peer in marine wildlife conservation. Rob Stewart served on WildAid's board, and WildAid board member Julie Andersen also leads United Conservationists. Both organizations focus on reducing demand for wildlife products (including shark fin) through media campaigns and celebrity endorsements.
- Shark Savers: Shark Savers is a direct peer and was co-founded by Julie Andersen (United Conservationists board member) alongside Rob Stewart. Both organizations target shark fin trade reduction and shark population protection through grassroots campaigns and policy advocacy.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
United Conservationists social profiles
Digital presenceUnited Conservationists financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
United Conservationists leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
United Conservationists funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
United Conservationists M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about United Conservationists
What does United Conservationists do?
United Conservationists is a nonprofit conservation organization that drives shark and ocean protection through award-winning documentary films (Sharkwater, Revolution, Sharkwater Extinction), advocacy campaigns (Fin Free, Shark Free, #ClimateShark), educational resources, and grassroots community mobilization. It sells Sharkwater DVDs for educational screenings and Shark Fin Soap merchandise in partnership with Lush Cosmetics, while primary funding comes from donations supporting conservation programs and the Rob Stewart Sharkwater Foundation.
Is United Conservationists a public or private company?
United Conservationists is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was United Conservationists founded?
United Conservationists was founded in 2009. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is United Conservationists based?
United Conservationists is headquartered in Malibu, United States, in the North America region.
How does United Conservationists make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Donations and Charitable Contributions are the primary driver. The others are merchandise Sales and partnership Revenue.
Who are United Conservationists's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Oceana, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Greenpeace. Direct peers are Shark Angels, Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Shark Research Institute, SeaChange Agency, Pew Charitable Trusts, WildAid and Shark Savers.
Does United Conservationists have an API?
No public API is recorded for United Conservationists.
What industry is United Conservationists in?
United Conservationists's product category is Marine Conservation Nonprofit / Environmental Advocacy. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAGAE, Marine & Freshwater Conservation, with a secondary code of BPAGAGAB, Wildlife Conservation & Species Protection. Its NAICS code is 813312.