Join us on our journey to explore and protect marine ecosystems. Our work focuses on conservation, education, and community involvement. Together, we can make a difference.
At Life Below Water, we believe in safeguarding our oceans for future generations. Our initiatives focus on marine research, public education, and actionable steps to preserve underwater ecosystems. Join us as we strive to create a sustainable future.
Get to know our passionate team dedicated to marine conservation. Each member brings unique skills to our mission, working together for a healthier ocean.
Chair 🇳🇱
I spent several years working and diving around the world, where my love for the ocean grew into a commitment to marine conservation. My journey took me to Fiji, the Philippines and the Maldives, where I joined coral restoration and reef monitoring projects and learned the importance of working closely with local communities.
These experiences eventually inspired me to establish Life Below Water, an organisation dedicated to ocean preservation, education and sustainable action. The ocean has shaped my life, and I am determined to protect it in return.
Treasurer 🇳🇱
All life underwater is magnificent.
Since my first snorkeling experience and later diving adventures, I have been amazed and overwhelmed by all the beauty that lies beneath the water. Whether it’s the Netherlands, a Norwegian fjord, or tropical waters, the same serene beauty exists everywhere.
This beauty is under serious threat – overfishing, bleaching, plastic pollution, to name just a few ‘culprits’. Everyone should contribute to solving these pollution problems.
For this reason, I have joined Life Below Water.
Secretary 🇳🇱
Arjan Blaauw is a multifaceted individual with a passion for a variety of pursuits. Primarily known for his love of golfing, he has embraced this sport as both a recreational activity and a way to connect with others.Â
Beyond the golf course, Arjan Blaauw is a diver who thrives in the world beneath the waves. His affinity for marine life and conservation led him to become actively involved in initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving underwater ecosystems. This involvement showcases his commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.
Researcher 🇬🇧
Kate and Charlotte worked together in the Maldives in 2014. Helping out to conduct research on the whalesharks present at that time.
Kate has a soft spot for these magnifisant creatures and is participating in our Galapagos project.
Kate is a driven events, sponsorship and communications specialist with over nine years’ experience working on high-profile global propositions for a FTSE 50 financial services company. Energetic and enthusiastic with a proven track record in successful and creative project management, implementation and delivery.
Volunteer 🇳🇱
Volunteer 🇦🇹
Tina and Charlotte were colleagues in another lifetime, working side by side as PADI scuba instructors while teaching diving on Koh Tao in Thailand. Over the years we stayed in touch, connected by the experiences we shared underwater and by our ongoing passion for the ocean.
Today Tina is a Full-Service Wedding Planner and Fine Dining Events planner. Alongside her work in the events world, she has built strong experience in brand development, brand communication and marketing, bringing the same dedication and creativity to her professional projects as she once did beneath the surface.
Photographer 🇳🇱
As an underwater photographer, I not only photograph the beautiful underwater world but also what is wrong underwater. This is mainly the plastic waste and lost fishing nets.
I am recording this problem for the Ghost Diving foundation to show the rest of the world, who cannot take a look underwater. But there is also a lot to do on land and on the coast.
I have already photographed a cleaning day several times for Live Below Water. Very useful to do and very nice to meet passionate people who help, regardless of weather or wind, to leave a clean and livable beach.
See you at the waterfront!

Volunteer 🇳🇱
Diederik and Charlotte connected through an inspiring LinkedIn post about his ambitious career change.
Currently working as a freelance Clinical Study Lead and trained as a biologist, he has always been passionate about the ocean, inspired by childhood hero Jacques Cousteau.
Although he started scuba diving later in life, he has embraced it with enthusiasm.
Diederik is excited to bring his skills and passion to Life Below Water as a volunteer.
Communication 🇳🇱
I discovered the beauty of the underwater world during my first few dives, where the quiet, the shifting light and the diversity of marine life immediately made an impact on me. That growing fascination, together with a clear awareness of how fragile these ecosystems are, inspired me to become more involved. I was invited by Arjan to join LifeBelowWater, where I now support the communication efforts and help share the importance and wonder of the ocean with a wider audience.
