About Andrew Stevenson

Andrew Stevenson is a self-taught filmmaker, author, economist, and marine researcher. For nearly two decades, he has spearheaded the study of North Atlantic humpback whales in Bermuda, transitioning seamlessly from a global nomad to an authoritative voice in marine conservation.

🌍 Early Life & The Path to Bermuda

Andrew’s life has been defined by global exploration. Born in Canada, he spent a nomadic childhood moving across Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Scotland, Malaysia, and Singapore. After studying economics in Canada and France, his professional career took him around the globe:

• United Nations Economist: Assigned to the UNDP in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

• African Safari Operator: Obtained his pilot's licence and founded a safari venture in the remote Selous Game Reserve.

• International Consultant: Managed cross-border environmental and development projects for the Canadian, Norwegian, and Swedish governments.

A Legacy of Storytelling

Storytelling runs in Andrew's family. He is the son of the late William Stevenson, a legendary Canadian foreign correspondent, producer, and #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Intrepid and 90 Minutes at Entebbe. Inheriting this passion, Andrew eventually settled full-time in Bermuda to write and document the natural world.

⛵ Before the Whales: Early Books & Travelogues

Long before dedicating his life to marine mammals, Andrew was a recognized travel author and adventure filmmaker. His diverse non-whale works include:

• Annapurna Circuit: Himalayan Journey: A modern travel classic charting his spiritual and physical journey through the mountains of Nepal.

• Summer Light: A Walk Across Norway: Published by Lonely Planet, documenting his rugged trek across the Scandinavian terrain.

• Paving Shangri La: His award-winning debut documentary film captured in the remote Himalayas.

• Diverse Writing Genres: Andrew has also authored a traditional fiction novel, 5 travelogues for National Geographic Adventure Press Germany, and books tailored for Young Adults inspired by his daughters.

🐋 The "Family Business" of Marine Research

In the mid-2000s, an unexpected, profound two-hour in-water encounter with a wild humpback whale altered the course of Andrew's life. He pivoted his skills entirely toward protecting these ocean giants.

For nearly two decades, Andrew balanced his intensive field research on the water while working as a stay-at-home father raising his two daughters, Elsa and Somers. Rather than keeping his family separate from his research, they became his core team.

Helping on his research boat during weekends and school holidays, his daughters eventually became the voices of his global conservation efforts. His debut film, Where the Whales Sing (2010), was narrated by Elsa at just 6 years old, while his follow-up, The Secret Lives of the Humpbacks (2019), was co-narrated by Elsa and Somers at ages 15 and 10.

🎖️ Major Industry Awards & Recognition

Andrew’s multimedia work has been celebrated both within the scientific community and by international arts and film institutions:

• The Charman Art Prize: Winner of the prestigious $10,000 Masterworks/Charman Prize in Bermuda for his exceptional marine visuals.

• BLUE Ocean Film Festival: Named a global finalist for the Emerging Underwater Filmmaker Award in Monterey, California, where he also claimed "Best Underwater Filmmaker".

• Wildlife Conservation Film Festival (NYC): Awarded "Best Oceans Film" in 2019.

• International Marine Film Festivals: Received the Audience Choice Award at the Commonwealth Environmental Photography Competition and the Festival International du Documentaire Maritime in France.

• In-Flight Distribution: His groundbreaking documentary footage was licensed and broadcast internationally via Air Canada's in-flight entertainment networks.