Underwater film making & science communication
I’m Stefan Andrews, a marine biologist, filmmaker and educator based on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula.
Through Ocean Imaging, I create ocean documentaries,
underwater imagery and science communication content that helps people understand marine ecosystems, the pressures they face and the people working to protect them.
My work brings together scientific training, field experience and storytelling. I hold a degree in marine biology and a Graduate Diploma in Education, alongside qualifications as an ADAS scientific diver and CASA drone pilot. My filmmaking spans directing, producing, underwater cinematography, aerial filming and editing.
I’m also Co-Founder and Creative Director of the Great Southern Reef Foundation, where I work across film, education and public engagement. As Communications Officer for the Great Southern Reef Research Partnership, I work directly with researchers to communicate their findings to communities, teachers, journalists and decision-makers.
White Rock: from documentary to public action
White Rock shows how the expansion of longspined sea urchins is changing reefs across south-eastern Australia.
Narrated by Damon Gameau and produced with marine scientist Dr Scott Bennett, the film brings together researchers, First Nations voices, fishers and coastal communities to examine kelp forest loss and the responses available.
I directed, filmed and edited the documentary, and composed its original score. The film connects the ecology of urchin barrens with the cultural, social and economic consequences of losing kelp forests.
My involvement continued through the Great Southern Reef Foundation’s impact campaign. Community screenings and discussions brought audiences into direct contact with scientists, Traditional Owners and people working on practical responses. The campaign has supported calls for coordinated urchin management, kelp restoration, long-term monitoring and First Nations leadership in caring for Sea Country. It has also taken the film into policy discussions, including a screening at NSW Parliament.
Education forms another part of that work. I have helped develop and trial teaching resources and deliver teacher professional learning, connecting the film with classroom discussions about climate change, ecosystem change and environmental management. White Rock is available to Australian schools through ClickView, with accompanying resources through the GSRF Educator Hub.
