Jonathan Bird

Jonathan Bird (born March 1969) is an American underwater cinematographer, photographer, director and television host known for his work in marine filmmaking. He is the creator, host and producer of the Emmy Award–winning public television series Jonathan Bird's Blue World.

Bird has produced underwater films for broadcast and educational distribution, with his work appearing on networks including PBS, National Geographic Channel and Discovery Channel.

Underwater photography

Bird learned to scuba dive while in college at Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

He worked as an electrical engineer before leaving his position in 1993 to pursue underwater photography full-time.

His first book, Beneath the North Atlantic, was published in 1997.

Cinematography

Bird co-founded Oceanic Research Group, Inc. in 1991.

The organization became a non-profit in 1993 and produced educational marine science films for schools.

His first television film, Sharks: The Real Story, aired on PBS in 1995.

In 2005, he completed Sharks: Deep Trouble for National Geographic.

His film Ancient Caves (2020) received Giant Screen Cinema Association awards including Best Film, Best Cinematography and Best Film for Lifelong Learning.

The series has received multiple Emmy Awards, including recognition for Outstanding Magazine/Feature Segment and Children/Youth Programming.

Selected filmography

Sharks: The Real Story (1995) Beneath The North Atlantic (1998) Sharks: Deep Trouble (2005) Jonathan Bird's Blue World (2008–present) Astronaut: Ocean to Orbit (2015) Ancient Caves (2020) Secrets of the Sea (2022) Call of the Dolphins (2025)

Scientific contributions

Bird has contributed to marine science literature. In 1997, he was a co-author of an early paper documenting in situ observations of a live oarfish, Regalecus glesne, published in Copeia. The paper is considered a foundational in situ observation of the Oarfish.

Bird also co-authored research on sea lamprey parasitism of sharks and teleost fishes, published in Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part A in 2004.

Bird's underwater photography and video footage have also been incorporated into peer-reviewed marine science research, including studies of Atlantic wolffish behavior and Hawaiian monk seal vocalizations.

Awards and honors

9 Emmy Awards Inducted into the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame (2019) NOGI Award in the Arts category (2026) Worcester Polytechnic Institute Ichabod Washburn Alumni Award (2000)

Personal life

Bird lives in Massachusetts with his wife and two children. He is the grandson of Kenneth T. Bird, a pioneer in telemedicine.