Capt. Gustavo Castillo serves as the R/V blueManta Captain. He is a USCG Master 100 ton certified commercial captain. Capt. Castillo possesses more than 25 years in the maritime industry and is a seasoned vessel operator. He is trained in Marine Mechanical procedures and in Standards of Training, Certification, and Watch-keeping procedures. He is also certified in radio operator of the FCC and is a member of the drug and alcohol consortium. Capt. Castillo’s vast experience contributes significantly to the excellence in the maritime services provided to our partners and users of the R/V blueManta while he expertly leads the team in the activities carried out in our research vessel.

Kiara Matías graduated from the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao (UPRH) obtaining her B.Sc. in Coastal Marine Biology. During her undergraduate studies, she volunteered with the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources of Puerto Rico (DRNA) to patrol turtle nesting in Punta Santiago Nature Reserve, Humacao. She also volunteered for six years at Centro de Conservación de Manatíes de Puerto Rico to rescue, rehabilitate, and nurture hurt and/or orphaned manatees while educating the public by promoting responsible actions toward our ocean’s inhabitants. She has done dune restoration on the northern coast of Puerto Rico with project DUNAS, educating on the importance of dunes for conserving ecological environments, archeological artifacts, and coastal human communities. Kiara worked for two years as an environmental monitor for Sociedad Ambiente Marino (SAM) and Autoridad de Puertos del Gobierno de Puerto Rico in the Project Muelle Bahía Sardinas Fase II, in Culebra, where she had tasks such as: turbidity, hydrophone and endangered species monitoring, and daily boat operation. Her outstanding work as an Environmental, Administrative, and Data Entry services professional has earned her a place in Bluetide Puerto Rico, Inc. Kiara obtained her Navigation License (2010) and became a certified Open Water Diver (2013). She is an active Reef Check EcoDiver since 2016.

Benny Bonet graduated from the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao (UPRH) where he obtained a B.Sc. in Coastal Marine Biology, focusing his studies on endangered species and critical marine habitats. During his undergraduate studies, Benny became a professional diver and shortly after, he continued in the nautical industry, becoming a Yacht Captain. With his knowledge in Marine Biology, SCUBA diving training, and his experience as a Captain, Benny has helped governmental entities and efforts to restore habitats like seagrass beds, coral reefs, mangroves, and helped with the efforts of climate change adaptation in the island of Puerto Rico. Benny joined Bluetide Puerto Rico and became the Lead Instructor, coordinating and leading field operations for all marine and maritime programs.

José Porrata holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras and an MA in International Affairs from the University of Chicago. This formation allows him a unique perspective into the connection between foreign and local policy, as well as a passion for service and social justice. A storyteller at heart, he strives to tell the stories of individuals and organizations dedicated to socio-economic development and the building of a brighter future. Mr. Porrata is a fan Dolphins, both the NFL team and the cetaceans known as such.

Jean C. Delgado López Born in Cayey Puerto Rico, completed an Associate Degree as an Aviation Mechanic and Avionics Technician. Jean has obtained licenses and certificates from the FCC as Radio Operator and Radar Technician (FCC.element. 1,3,8,9). He worked as a tower technician and installer of antennas in radio communication towers, which prompted him to become a commercial drone pilot at the FAA federal agency (14 CFR Part 107 Commercial Drone Pilot). Later, he worked as a commercial Drone pilot with Aerodyne Measure, where he worked with companies such as Claro PR, Liberty PR (AT&T), Ericsson, Juana Diaz Municipality, Cayey Municipality, Luma, etc. This gave him the tools to undertake and established his own business “JC Drones PR” where he works as a Commercial Drones Pilot, Flight Instructor and Aerial Photographer & Content Creator. Jean’s skill sets made him the ideal candidate for Bluetide Puerto Rico as a Creative Analyst to help boost the island’s blue economy.

Born in San Juan Puerto Rico, Pablo grew up with a passion for solving problems through inventions and innovative creations. From elementary school to high school, he has been in the art world and later finished his Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design at the School of Plastic Arts and Design of San Juan. He is currently part of the Bluetide team as a Creative Technician providing, through industrial design, new ideas and solutions for the development of the blue economy.

Ms. Colón is a Marine Biologist and recent graduate from a bachelor degree in Coastal Marine Biology from the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao.  Ms. Colón obtained an open water diving certification in 2021. This year she obtained a navigational license and a competitive grant writing certification that allows her to contribute tremendously as the operations assistant to Bluetide’s initiatives. Ms. Colón started working in Bluetide Puerto Rico as an intern and her excellent work and contributions landed her a full-time position.

Elman Montes Ríos grew up in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Since he was young one of his passions was marine life and environment. Elman graduated from the University of Puerto Rico, Humacao Campus in Coastal Marine Biology program. He is currently working on a master’s degree in Conservation and Environmental Protection. On his free time, he enjoys activities such as diving, fishing and cycling.

Omar Morales was born in New York but raised in Puerto Rico since he was two years old. His first memories as a child are on the beach. In his upbringing he was always in contact with boats, which is why he considers himself a lover of the ocean and fishing. He has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Interamerican University of Arecibo.