Robert Marc Lehmann

About

German marine biologist, scientific diver, wildlife photographer, filmmaker, and environmental activist known for his conservation-focused documentaries, photography, and digital content under his Mission Erde brand. He is also known for having produced multiple documentary series including Mission: Peru, Mission: Uganda, Mission: Europa, Mission: Brasilien, and Mission: Bali

Before fame

He developed an early passion for animals and nature and often exploring for wildlife with his grandfather. He became fascinated with sharks at a young age after reading about them which inspired his career as a marine biologist. He studied marine biology at the University of Kiel where he also focused on zoology and forensic science between 2003 and 2008. He trained as a scientific diver between 2004-2006 and gained professional certification that allowed him to work on research expeditions. He then worked in scientific and aquarium environments including a leadership role at a large European aquarium between 2008 and 2009. He began sharing content on Instagram in 2016 and on YouTube in 2021.

Trivia

He has worked in over 100 countries, completed more than 120 expeditions, been to all of the continents, and logged 2,600+ dives throughout his career. His gray seal photograph taken in Germany helped earn him National Geographic Photographer of the Year in 2015. He won the Fritz Pölking Award and was the overall winner of the MontPhoto International Competition in 2016. He has received numerous honors including German Sea Film Prize in 2017, Tauchen Magazine Person of the Year in 2018, and the 21st Century Adventurer Award in 2025. 

Family life

He was born and raised in Jena, Germany. His early love for nature was influenced by time spent with his grandfather who helped introduce him to wildlife exploration.

Associated with

He has expressed admiration for wildlife photographer Paul Nicklen.