Shark Preyed (2025) is the result of over three years of research and filming by Andrea and Marco Spinelli, two Sicilian brothers with a deep bond with the sea. Andrea (a marine biologist and researcher) and Marco (a documentary filmmaker and environmental communicator) embarked on a journey to uncover the hidden side of the shark meat trade between Italy and Spain, revealing how we often consume it unknowingly.
Through footage from fish markets, data analysis, and exclusive interviews, the documentary sheds light on a little-known reality: sharks sold under misleading names, accidental bycatch, ghost nets, and the fin trade that fuels a loosely regulated global market. But Shark Preyed is not just an exposé, it is also an exploration of our relationship with these animals, demonized for decades and now facing extinction.
To give voice to this environmental crisis, the documentary features world-renowned experts: Mike Bolton, a filmmaker specializing in sharks, and Andrea Crosta, founder of Earth League International, known for The Ivory Game (Netflix, 2016).
With over 100 million sharks killed every year and one-third of species threatened with extinction, Shark Preyed aims to open our eyes to a crisis we can no longer ignore.
About Us:
Andrea and Marco, two Sicilian brothers with a passion for the sea, inherited their connection to the ocean from their father, who took them on underwater explorations from a young age. This passion led Andrea, a marine biologist and researcher at the Oceanographic Foundation of Valencia, to specialize in marine conservation. Marco is a documentary filmmaker, underwater photographer, and environmental communicator, featured in the Forbes Top 100 Under 30 list in 2024. Today, they dedicate their lives to scientific research and environmental outreach, combining their expertise to protect and share the story of our precious marine environment.
Director Biography – Marco Spinelli
I am a photographer, documentary filmmaker, and explorer of the underwater world. My passion for the ocean runs deep: I was born and raised in Sicily, and together with my brother Andrea, we inherited a profound connection to the deep blue. Our childhood was shaped by underwater explorations guided by our father, who instilled in us a lifelong love for the sea. While Andrea followed his calling to become a marine biologist and researcher, I chose to capture the hidden beauty of the ocean as a documentarian and environmental communicator.
In 2021, we successfully completed Mission Eurydice, a documentary available on Amazon Prime Video, which chronicles the recovery of tons of abandoned fishing nets from the Gulf of Cefalù, Sicily. In 2022, I presented Io, Tevere – The Roots of the Sea, a documentary exploring the overlooked beauty of the Tiber River, sparking reflection on the urgent need to protect our environment. In 2023, Mission Skerki took us to the underwater mountain range of Skerki in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, unveiling the area’s unique biodiversity and opening new avenues for marine conservation.
In 2024, I was honored to be included in the Forbes Top 100 Under 30, a recognition of my impact and leadership in the field of environmental awareness.
Today, alongside my brother, I dedicate my life to protecting the sea through scientific research projects and outreach initiatives. Our story represents a harmonious blend of personal passion and a tangible mission for conservation. We strive to spark a contagious love for marine ecosystems, going beyond passive admiration. We believe that individual dedication can translate into meaningful impact on the health of our oceans.
