Daniel B. Ortega

Daniel is a marine biologist, underwater photographer and an explorer. He has spent nearly 10 years conducting research around focusing on biodiversity and new species discovery. 

He focuses on developing conservation strategies for a verity of ecosystems/environments. These plans focus on implementing citizen scientist with genetic tools to accelerate action in protecting sensitive ecosystems.  He is the co-founder of The Marine Genome Project, and nonprofit organization focused on increasing accessibility and the use of marine genetics for protecting our blue planet. 

Daniel graduated from Arizona State University where he completed his undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences (Conservation Biology and Ecology). He is currently in the last semester of his Masters in Biological Sciences. Daniel is a member of the prestigious Explorers Club, an exclusive club made up of the best explorers and scientist from around the world. During his first year as a member, he had the prestigious honor of carrying explorers flag #218 on an underwater cave exploration project in Sardinia, Italy where his team discovered multiple new species. Fewer than 1,800 members in the last 100 years have had the opportunity to carry a flag on an expedition. 

• GUE Cave 2 Diver 
• GUE Tec 1 Diver (170ft/51m, trimix 21/35 and 18/45) 
• PADI Master Instructor #416296
• EFR Instructor Trainer #416296
• PSI-PCI Inspector Trainer #247
• Regulator Technician (Aqualung/Apeks, Cressi, Diverite and Scubapro) 
• AAUS Diving Safety Officer
• Explorers Club National Member
• Scientific Exploration Society International Member
• PADI Freediver (static apena 4 minutes 21 seconds, constant weight/free immersion 68ft/20m)
• Environmental Scientist/Planner for 100+ million in projects at Engineering Firm
• Public Speaker/Presenter