Underwater photographer dubbed ‘Ocean Annie’ discusses love for scuba diving, marine life, and new film
World-class scuba diver and filmmaker Annie Crawley, right, interviews conservationist Erika Lopez, left, for Crawley's film, "The Island of the Shark: Guardians of Malpelo." Courtesy Annie Crawley
Earth’s oceans cover more than two-thirds of the planet’s surface, at an average depth of two miles. It’s filled with life — more than anywhere else on earth. But the vast majority of that space is unknown to humanity.
One of the people working to demystify that place for the rest of us is ocean explorer Annie Crawley. She’s a photographer, writer, and has earned the highest credential from PADI — the Professional Association of Diving Instructors — which is to be a Master Scuba Diving Instructor.
Crawley is also a filmmaker, and her newest documentary is called “The Island of the Shark, Guardians of Malpelo.” Originally from Chicago, Crawley is also a graduate of the University of Illinois. She was in Urbana last week for a screening of the film and partcipated in a taped conversation about the project as well as her career, and her lifelong love of water.
Annie Crawley
Filmmaker, “The Island of the Shark: Guardians of Malpelo”
Women Divers Hall of Fame
