Let’s Grow. Reefs. Together.
At BRANCH we don’t just grow coral, we grow a movement – one where YOU can dive in and help us save the reef.
Join our caring community!
Why We Fight for Reefs
Founded in 2022 by marine biologist Max van Aalst, BRANCH stands for Building Reefs and Nurseries for Coral Habitats. With restoration, education, and community at our core, we are on a mission to restore coral reefs.
Max, a passionate dive instructor and underwater lover, returned to his childhood home of Curaçao to protect the coral reefs he fell in love with. Since then, thanks to loads of motivation, love for our work and our fantastic volunteers and interns, we are helping regrow Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) & Brain coral (Diploria labyrinthiformis).
And we are just getting started: We plan to scale up our coral restoration efforts, open even more nurseries, and launch a dedicated coral research laboratory.
Our board -
The Faces Behind the Foundation
Meet the BRANCH Board, four fully committed reef restoration heroes.
Max van Aalst
Noëlla Bérénos-Ruivenkamp
Max van Aalst Senior
Natascha Borgstein
Our employee: Merlijn Jonas
As a trained nurse, Merlijn loves to care and his heart beats for the ocean. This passionate dive instructor is working at Dive Center Porto Mari Sports and at BRANCH, where he can care for something he deeply loves and gets to spend more time in his happy place: Under water.
Our interns
Together, we can protect our oceans and ensure a thriving underwater ecosystem.
Oscar van Polen
Ines Zimmermann
Agathe Moreau
Lisa Gerats
Storm Henkus
Naomi Hornick
Our volunteer of the month - Susan Langston
This month, we’re putting the spotlight on our amazing volunteer Sue.
Sue joined us for a total of 8 dives this month, playing an important role in maintaining our coral nurseries and helping with coral outplanting. Her enthusiasm, commitment, and passion for the ocean have made her a truly valued volunteer for our team.
Thank you Sue; for your time, energy, and dedication!
Our volunteers
Together, we can protect our oceans and ensure a thriving underwater ecosystem.
Financial reports
We are proud to share our financial report 2023. Because of our fantastic community of partners, volunteers, interns and sponsors, we have already reached a lot – and there is more to come.
You want to become part of our team?
Are you interested to intern or volunteer with us? Check out the prerequisites an apply now.