Shilpi Chhotray

Shilpi Chhotray is an ocean advocate and social entrepreneur with 10 years of experience related to marine science and policy. Her areas of focus include plastic waste prevention, marine protected area legislation, and ocean exploration.

In her current role at Mission Blue, an organization igniting public support for a global network of marine protected areas, she reports on Hope Spots: special places that are critical to the health of the ocean. Hope Spots are about recognizing, empowering and supporting individuals and communities around the world in their efforts to protect the ocean.

Shilpi is also the Founder of Samudra Skin & Sea, an ocean-inspired skincare line featuring wild harvested, sustainably sourced seaweed. Through the Samudra brand, she collaborates on campaigns which call attention to ocean health and marine mammal protection.

She holds a Master’s degree in Earth and Environmental Resources Management, with a concentration in marine affairs from the University of South Carolina, and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy and Planning from Virginia Tech University.

Shilpi is active in the Bay Area environmental community and previously held positions at the Environmental Defense Fund, Ocean Gate, and Future 500. Her writing has been published in The Economist; Yes! magazine; the Stanford Journal of Law, Science & Policy; and National Geographic Ocean Views.