What We Do

Our Programs

Crew 3000 runs six active conservation programs, all powered by passionate volunteers. From coral nurseries to invasive species removal, every program makes a measurable difference.

Coral Restoration

We grow coral fragments in underwater nurseries and transplant them onto damaged reef sections, helping rebuild ecosystems that support thousands of marine species.

Coral nurseries are established at depth, where fragments are attached to tree-like structures and allowed to grow. Once large enough, fragments are transplanted to reef areas that have suffered bleaching or physical damage. Crew 3000 volunteers monitor growth rates and survival, contributing data to regional restoration databases.

Sea Turtle Conservation

Crew 3000 volunteers monitor sea turtle nesting sites, assist with tagging programs, and document encounters to support long-term population health tracking.

Sea turtles are a keystone species in reef ecosystems. Our volunteers participate in night patrols during nesting season, assist biologists with tagging and measurement, and report in-water sightings during dives. Data is shared with regional wildlife agencies.

Lion Fish Marking & Mitigation

Lionfish are an invasive species devastating Atlantic and Caribbean reefs. Crew 3000 trains divers to safely mark, remove, and report lionfish sightings.

Lionfish have no natural predators in the Atlantic and reproduce rapidly. Our volunteers are trained in safe handling and removal techniques. We coordinate with local fisheries to turn removed lionfish into a sustainable food source, reducing waste while protecting native species.

Monitoring Coral Bleaching

Systematic underwater surveys document bleaching events, helping scientists understand the pace and spread of thermal stress on reef ecosystems.

Bleaching occurs when water temperatures rise and corals expel their symbiotic algae. Crew 3000 volunteers conduct standardized belt transect surveys, photographing and recording bleaching severity. This citizen science data feeds into NOAA and CoralWatch global databases.

REEF Fish Survey

Using the REEF Volunteer Fish Survey Project methodology, our divers count and identify fish species to track reef biodiversity over time.

REEF surveys are conducted using a roving diver technique, recording all species observed during a timed dive. Crew 3000 members are trained and certified REEF surveyors. Data is submitted directly to the REEF database, contributing to one of the largest marine biodiversity datasets in the world.

Eurasian Milfoil Eradication

Eurasian milfoil chokes Connecticut lakes and waterways. Crew 3000 divers manually remove this invasive plant to restore native aquatic ecosystems.

Eurasian milfoil spreads rapidly, forming dense mats that block sunlight and displace native plants. Manual removal by trained divers is one of the most effective control methods. Crew 3000 works with local lake associations and the CT DEEP to target high-priority removal sites each season.

Ready to Dive In?

Join Crew 3000 as a volunteer or support our work with a donation.

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