Max | Marine Biologist, Dive Instructor & Founder BRANCH

Bon dia and bon siman, I am Max.

I grew up in Curaçao, in Bandabou, with the sea always within reach. From a young age, I spent as much time underwater as possible. That’s where my fascination for reef life began. What started as endless snorkeling and diving grew into a deep commitment to the ocean and its fragile ecosystems.

Driven by that passion, I moved to the Netherlands to study marine biology. I obtained my MSc in Marine Biology at Utrecht University and also studied for a while at Wageningen University. Still, my focus always remained on home. After completing my studies, I returned to Curaçao, determined to actively protect the coral reefs that shaped me.

Back on the island, I became a diving instructor and founded the BRANCH Coral Foundation. With BRANCH, I combine science, practice, and education to actively contribute to coral restoration. We cultivate vulnerable coral species, such as staghorn and brain coral, in underwater nurseries and place them back on the reef. At the same time, we work on educational programs and involve volunteers and local partners in the restoration of Curaçao’s reef.

Together with partners like Porto Mari Dive Center, I regularly lead trainings and courses for volunteers and other stakeholders. In addition, I share my story and knowledge as a guest speaker aboard cruise ships in the Caribbean, as well as at local schools. In this way, I try to raise broader awareness about the importance of coral and reef conservation.

For me, protecting the reef is not an abstract goal, but a personal mission—rooted in my childhood, my work underwater, and my love for Curaçao.