Coral Reef Restoration

Actively contribute to the restoration of the coral reef with the SSI Coral Reef Restoration Specialty. Learn, dive, and work in the coral nursery of Porto Mari.

In the SSI Coral Reef Restoration Specialty, divers have the unique opportunity to actively contribute to the conservation and restoration of the coral reef. Under the guidance of a team of volunteers, led by Max van Aalst Jr., local marine biologist of the BRANCH Coral Foundation, the coral nursery project at Porto Mari is maintained — and you can be a part of it.

The course is structured so that you first expand your knowledge of corals and coral conservation and then immediately put it into practice during activities in and around the nursery. During two special coral restoration dives, you will learn how coral is cared for, monitored, and prepared for transplantation onto the reef.

This one-day SSI specialty course combines practical coral restoration, education, and awareness with the enjoyment of ecologically responsible diving. The program is accessible and serves as an ideal introduction to coral restoration, familiarizing you with the skills, knowledge, and procedures involved in coral restoration diving.

Upon completion, you will receive the SSI Coral Reef Restoration Specialty certification, confirming your knowledge and skills in coral restoration and your understanding of healthy reef ecosystems. In addition, you will have the opportunity to adopt a coral and join the BRANCH volunteer program, allowing you to remain involved in this important project in the long term.

As with all our ecology programs, we donate 20% of the course fee to a charity supported by our dive school. For this course, the donation goes entirely to the BRANCH Coral Foundation, so your participation directly contributes to the restoration of the coral reefs around Curaçao.