Two women who have taken distinctly different paths toward ocean conservation are receiving recognition from the International SeaKeepers Society during its annual Founders 2026 gala on October 29. Christina Lotter is the 2026 SeaKeeper of the Year, recognizing 15 years of leadership and support for the organization. Marine scientist Shelby Thomas, PhD, is receiving the NextGen Award for translating marine research into active restoration projects.
Born in Denmark and raised in the United Kingdom, Lotter (below) has more than four decades of international business experience. She further has strong ties to both yachting and SeaKeepers. She previously owned Danish Yachts, for instance, the shipyard whose projects ranged from sailing and motoryachts to specialized vessels. With additional footprints in hospitality, Lotter currently chairs an investment portfolio and is active with 12 international charities. With SeaKeepers, she has helped expand its international presence, particularly through its UK and South African chapters. She has additionally advocated for greater involvement by women in ocean conservation. Recently, Lotter helped establish the SeaKeepers Ambassador Programme, bringing prominent sailors into citizen-science activities and SeaKeepers’ Discovery Fleet expeditions. The Discovery Fleet unites owners who volunteer their boats and superyachts for scientific research, education, citizen science, and conservation programs.
Thomas (top), meanwhile, entered ocean conservation through scientific research. She holds a master’s degree in Marine Ecology and a PhD in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from the University of Florida. Her early research actually centered on cancer, specifically defensive chemicals produced by corals and their potential use in developing treatments.
Seeing first-hand Florida’s stony corals decline from disease and environmental pressures, however, changed her career path. Thomas shifted her attention toward reef restoration and, while pursuing her doctorate, founded Ocean Rescue Alliance International (ORAI). The organization combines marine science with habitat creation and restoration and, notably, underwater art. Thomas and ORAI have helped deploy more than 500 artificial-reef structures and outplant more than 30,000 corals. They have installed more than 35 underwater sculptures, too, to create habitat and to encourage the public to experience the ocean.
Having led and contributed to more than 40 restoration initiatives from coral reefs to seagrass meadows and oyster habitats, Thomas first collaborated with SeaKeepers in July 2023. The organization arranged a research dive with ORAI to evaluate new artificial-reef structures, plus monitor early benthic growth and fish attraction. SeaKeepers, Thomas, and ORAI have joined forces for nine further research and monitoring expeditions for these reefs.
Lotter and Thomas will receive their awards during Founders 2026, SeaKeepers’ annual fundraising gala. The gala contributes toward active projects in the United States, South Pacific, Asia, and Europe uniting scientists, educators, and the yachting community. This year’s Founders will also, as usual, honor the Discovery Fleet.
Editor’s note: Megayacht News is a media sponsor of SeaKeepers’ Founders 2026.
International SeaKeepers Society seakeepers.org
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