GABRIELA OCHOA
A Honduran Marine Biologist redefining marine protection.
I am a Honduran marine biologist and conservationist with over thirteen years of experience working across marine conservation organizations in Central America and the Caribbean. When the pandemic hit and the world slowed down, I finally had the space to reflect and dream bigger. That is when I started the most exciting journey, founding ilili, the first Honduran-led non-profit dedicated to the research and conservation of marine megafauna, particularly sharks and rays. My work bridges science, policy, and community engagement. From tracking shark movements using acoustic telemetry to co-designing conservation strategies with fishers and indigenous leaders, I have learned that real change comes from inclusive, community-driven solutions.
About me
I grew up in Tegucigalpa, the capital city of Honduras, surrounded by mountains and pine trees. Growing up I was fascinated by animals and my holidays in the North Coast of Honduras are some of my fondest memories. Unlike many of my colleagues, I never knew I wanted to be a marine biologist. Probably because I had never met one before and had no idea this was a career choice.
I was very fortunate to be able to study abroad and received a degree in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University. Unsure, of what the future would hold I returned to Honduras in 2013 and never looked back! Since then, I’ve led conservation initiatives on both coasts of Honduras, working with everything from sea turtles, coral reefs to sharks. Today, my work is rooted in the belief that protecting the ocean begins with people, we are the only ones who have the power to make a difference in the fate of the species we hold dear to our hearts.
Gabriela's Timeline
2008-2012
Graduated from Texas A&M
2017-2018
Graduated from University of Exeter
2020
Founded ilili. Visit ilili.org
2023-Now
Phd. Candidate
Public Talks
Sharks and Communities: Insights from Honduras and Indonesia with Gabriela Ochoa and Rafid Shidqi
The Aquarium’s Lecture Series presents marine scientists Gabriela Ochoa and Rafid Shidqi, whose work to protect sharks in Honduras and Indonesia is supported in part by the New England Aquarium’s Marine Conservation Action Fund (MCAF). MCAF is a small grants and fellowship program that provides support for community-based projects spearheaded by local conservation leaders in low- and middle-income countries around the globe.
Tardes de LIVE con Semillas del Océano #8: Los Tiburones, con la MSc. Gabriela Ochoa
Sugermete en el mundo de tibrones junto a Gabriela Ochoa del Parque Marino desde Roatán hablando sobre los increíble especie.
Monitoring of Coral Spawning Events and Collection of Coral Gametes and In-Situ Propagation
Dive into a complete webinar about "Monitoring of Coral Spawning events and collection of coral gametes and in situ propagation," Host by Gabriela Ochoa and Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI)
ilili: Building a Future Where Sharks, Rays and Communities Thrive
At ilili, our purpose is to inspire and create positive change, enabling coastal communities to coexist with sharks and rays for a healthier ocean. Through research, education, and collaboration, our mission is to connect and empower these communities to conserve sharks, rays, and their ecosystems. Guided by our vision, we strive for resilient and thriving marine ecosystems, protected and valued by the very people who depend on them.
Whether it’s tagging sharks in the field, writing winning grants, or speaking at global forums. I help turn marine science into real-world conservation solutions.
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Marine Science and Conservation
Conservation consultancy, biodiversity management, and scientific data collection in the field with emphasis on coral reefs and marine megafauna.
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Join me in one of ilili’s shark and ray expeditions to get hands on experience in the field of marine biology and working with marine megafauna
Marine Science Expeditions
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I have a track record of securing restricted and unrestricted funds and have worked with a wide range of international nonprofits. I specialize in writing persuasive, mission-aligned grant proposals, concept notes, budgets, and donor reports.
Grant Writing & Fundraising
I offer high-quality technical translations with a deep understanding of scientific terminology and regional context.I have over a decade of experience working across Latin America, I ensure that your reports, grant proposals, educational materials, and scientific publications are accurately translated and both culturally relevant and impactful.
Technical Spanish Translations
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As a passionate marine biologist, conservation leader, and founder of Ilili, I bring over a decade of field experience to the stage. I can speak on shark and ray conservation, community-led marine protection, women in science, and innovative approaches to sustainable ocean management. Whether addressing international conferences, university seminars, or community workshops, I tailor each talk to engage, inform, and inspire. Available for keynotes, panels, guest lectures, and workshops in English or Spanish.
Speaker / Presenter
Media
Media
Publications
Publications
Ochoa GM, Ramos EA, Gonzalez-Socoloske D. 2025. Predation of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) by killer whales (Orcinus orca) in Guanaja, Honduras. Aquatic Mammals 51(1):31-36
Mouton, T. L., Gonzalez-Pestana, A., Rohner, …Ochoa, G. M., Palacios, M. D., Peñaherrera-Palma, C. R., Polanco-Vásquez, F., Rodríguez-Arriatti, Y., Saldaña-Ruiz, L. E., Sosa-Nishizaki, O., Tovar-Ávila, J., Vega, Á. J., Velez-Zuazo, X., Villate-Moreno, M., Zanella, I., & Jabado, R. W. (2025). Shortfalls in the protection of Important Shark and Ray Areas undermine shark conservation efforts in the Central and South American Pacific. Marine Policy, 171, 106448. doi:10.1016/j.marpol.2024.106448.
Rivera, A., Bovey, M., Torres, C., Varela Sanchez, T., Twohey, B., Ochoa, G. M., & Ortega, P. (2024). Community-based natural resource management in Roatan: Strengths and challenges. Ambio, 53(12), 1864–1878. doi:10.1007/s13280-024-02065-w.
Truc, M., Rivera, A., Ochoa, G. M., Dueñas, D., Guifarro, Z., Brady, G., et al. (2023). Evaluating the spread of stony coral tissue loss disease in the Bay Islands, Honduras. Frontiers in Marine Science 10. doi:10.3389/fmars.2023.1197318.
Lee Hing, C., Guifarro, Z., Dueñas, D., Ochoa, G. M., Nunez, A., Forman, K., Craig, N., & McField, M. (2022). Management responses in Belize and Honduras, as stony coral tissue loss disease expands its prevalence in the Mesoamerican Reef. Frontiers in Marine Science, 9.
Borda, E., Yáñez-Rivera, B., Ochoa, G.M., Kudenov, J.D., Sanchez-Ortiz, C., Schulze, A., Rouse, G.W. (2015). Revamping Amphinomidae (Annelida: Amphinomida), with the inclusion of Notopygos. — Zoologica Scripta, 44, 324–333