What inspired you to become involved in coral restoration?

“I always felt very connected to the ocean, but in the last few years I wanted to turn that passion into something more than a hobby. At first I saw it through diving as a Divemaster, but during my internship with Fundemar I experienced coral restoration and research more closely. That moment changed everything—I realized how much I like this work, how much I still have to learn, and how exciting it is to grow in this field. It really made me want to dedicate myself to the ocean in a more meaningful way.”

What aspect of your work did you found challenging—or especially rewarding?

“This work is both physically and mentally challenging. You need to balance the effort of diving and lab work with planning and understanding experiments. The acoustics project, for example, was very demanding but also very rewarding. For me, as someone new in marine conservation, seeing an experiment from start to finish made me feel very grateful to be part of it.”

What would you like to tell someone who has never experienced the underwater world as intensely as you have?

“If someone feels even a small spark of curiosity about the ocean, I would tell them to try it. At first it can feel scary, but the underwater world is part of the same planet we share. Snorkeling, freediving or scuba diving—it’s not only about the beauty of the reef and the animals, it also becomes a personal journey. Listening to your own breath and being in a world so different connects you with yourself and with something much bigger than us. So if you feel that spark, be brave and see what the ocean shows you.”