Your Reef Journey Starts in New York’s Capital Region.
Bring the Ocean to Your Living Room — Without the Stress
Have you always wanted a breathtaking aquarium in your home or business, but felt overwhelmed by setup, maintenance, or where to begin?
Welcome to First Due Aquatic Rescue — a locally owned, self-funded aquarium service that transforms your dream tank into a vibrant reality. Whether you're in Columbia, Albany, Rensselaer, or Greene County, we deliver expert care, personalized setups, and routine maintenance for both freshwater and saltwater systems.
What makes us different?
We’re medical professionals turned aquarists — bringing surgical precision and deep passion to the underwater world. We don’t just clean tanks. We build thriving, balanced ecosystems that last.
- ✅ Custom Coral Packages & Educational Guidance
- ✅ Freshwater Aquascaping & Low-Maintenance Options
- ✅ Health-First Tank Maintenance (Fresh & Salt)
- ✅ Local Pickup or Nationwide Coral Shipping with DOA Guarantee
- ✅ Partnered with CapitalCoral, INC to support real reef conservation, research, and education in the Capital Region and beyond
- ✅ We educate first, sell second — helping people find peace through thriving aquariums
- ✅ We’re not chasing high-profit sales — our mission is affordable aquatic care with meaning
- ✅ We're not here to compete — we're here to bring reef education and sustainable marine life awareness to the Northeast
You don’t need to be a marine biologist to enjoy a reef system in your home.
We make it simple, clean, and unforgettable.
🌊 Every Coral Purchase Supports Reef Conservation | Local Aquaculture | Reef Education in the Capital Region.
Our Partnership with CapitalCoral, INC.
We're proud to collaborate with CapitalCoral, INC. Research & Restoration, a leader in sustainable coral aquaculture and reef restoration. Based in Albany, NY, CapitalCoral is dedicated to restoring and protecting vital marine ecosystems through advanced research, education, and innovative restoration techniques.
- 🔬 Research: Advancing coral biology and ecology to improve restoration outcomes and explore biotechnological applications.
- 🌊 Restoration: Implementing strategies to rehabilitate and protect marine ecosystems, enhancing biodiversity and supporting coastal communities.
- 📚 Education & Training: Equipping individuals and organizations with the skills needed for effective reef conservation and management.
By integrating cutting-edge science with hands-on conservation, CapitalCoral bridges the gap between research and real-world impact. Through our partnership, we offer sustainably sourced, aquacultured corals that not only enhance your aquarium — but contribute to global reef restoration.
Scientific Leadership Behind Our Coral Mission
Dr. Michael Gerdes — Owner & CEO of CapitalCorals INC
Dr. Gerdes holds a Ph.D. in Cell Biology from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX and did his postdoctoral training at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. He has been issued 27 US patents related to diagnostic technologies for pathology, automation, and image analysis, as well as in the area of human forensics.
He has been an adjunct professor at SUNY Albany since 2008 in the Department of Biological Sciences where he teaches and mentors student research interns.
Dr. Gerdes has been growing corals for over 25 years and is passionate about aquaculture and reef conservation as a Jamaican born American.
He is currently focusing his efforts on uses of aquacultured corals for developing biomedical applications and chemical fingerprinting studies for coral health and disease. Additional work is directly aimed at improving restoration efforts with improved approaches for biofouling mitigation in nurseries and out-plant sites.
Check out Dr. Gerdes’ references on Google Scholar, or ResearchGate.
Eric Borneman — Chief Coral Scientist
Eric is a graduate of Rice University with 45 years and thousands of hours of diving experience. He became world renowned in the husbandry of corals, authoring numerous books, book chapters, and presenting hundreds of articles and presentations worldwide on the subject, and pioneering many aspects of both asexual and sexual propagation of corals.
He was the recipient of a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship where he investigated apoptosis in coral disease at the University of Houston under Gerard Wellington, a pioneer of coral bleaching using coral coring around the world. He was a founding member of SECORE, a multinational group pioneering sexual gamete collection, fertilization and settlement to aid recruitment in wild corals.
Eric also helped found a coral reef conservation and education non-profit, the Reef Stewardship Foundation, and initiated the model systems for living corals for the Coral Health and Disease Consortium.
Working with Andrew Bruckner for the non-profit NGO Coral Reef CPR, they restored unique and critical reef habitat, including building a snorkel trail and an entire reef structure around an underwater restaurant at several locations in The Maldives.
He has worked throughout the Caribbean and Pacific, leading or being part of joint research projects on coral monitoring, restoration, reproduction, disease, assessment, and climate change in Puerto Rico, the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, Dominica, the Florida Keys, Grand Cayman, Easter Island, Fiji, Mustique, Belize, Indonesia, and The Maldives.
He is currently working as our Senior Coral Biologist at CapitalCorals where he continues his work in advancing coral husbandry, utilizing corals in various research and education capacities, and supporting numerous reef restoration efforts.
You can find many of Eric’s publications through Google Scholar.
Meet The Team In The Lab
Gary Melius | Dive Master & Safety Officer
Gary Melius, a seasoned veteran of the deep blue, assumes the pivotal roles of Dive Master and Safety Officer at CapitalCorals R&R. With over 50 years of combined recreational and commercial diving experience, Gary’s passion for the underwater world is matched only by his commitment to safety and excellence.
Professional Journey:
Doc’s Scuba LLC: As the Owner and Instructor, Gary has nurtured countless divers, imparting wisdom and skills that extend beyond the classroom. His dedication to education and safety has shaped the next generation of underwater enthusiasts.
United States Navy Veteran: Gary’s service in the Navy solidified his love for diving. His military training honed his discipline, precision, and unwavering commitment to teamwork—a foundation he carries into every dive.
PADI Master Scuba Diver Trainer: Gary’s expertise extends beyond basic certifications. He has mentored aspiring divers, guiding them toward mastery of their craft.
NAUI & USD: Since 1973, Gary has been an integral part of the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI) and the Underwater Society of America (USD). His contributions to these organizations have elevated diving standards worldwide.
Coeymans Fire Company Dive Rescue Team: As Dive Master, Gary ensures swift and safe underwater operations during emergencies. His leadership is a beacon of reassurance for the team.
Marine Inspection & Maintenance Salvage Diver (Carver Industries & Honolulu Dive Salvage): Gary’s meticulous eye for detail ensures that vessels remain seaworthy. Salvage missions have taken him to the depths, where he orchestrates intricate recoveries.
Dive Tender / Support Diver (Hudson River Contracting): Gary’s versatility shines as he supports complex construction projects beneath the waves. His adaptability and resourcefulness are invaluable.
Sequin Dive Center: As Dive Master, Gary shares his passion with tourists and locals alike. His guided dives reveal the hidden wonders of the ocean.
ROG Scuba: Gary’s affiliation with ROG Scuba underscores his commitment to exploration and adventure. He encourages divers to push boundaries and embrace the unknown.
Noteworthy Achievements:
2800+ Logged Dives: Gary’s logbook reads like a maritime epic—each entry a testament to his dedication and love for the aquatic realm.
Global Diving: From the Caribbean to the Pacific, the Atlantic to Oceania, and the enchanting waters of Indonesia, Gary has explored diverse ecosystems. His experiences range from leisurely dives to instructing and overseeing safety protocols.
Environmental Advocate: Gary champions marine conservation. He educates divers on responsible practices, emphasizing the delicate balance of our oceans.
Stephen Sheedy | Artificial Habitat Engineer | Lead Technician | Extraction Specialist
Stephen Sheedy, serving as the Lead Technician at CapitaCorals since 2022, brings a wealth of expertise to the organization. His journey began at Western Kentucky University, where he explored various engineering departments, fueled by a harmonious blend of passion for technology and reverence for nature.
After many years in the hospitality industry, Stephen’s commitment to conservation led him to CapitalCorals, where he seamlessly integrates his dual passions into tangible solutions. His primary focus lies in safeguarding the remnants of reefs worldwide. When not immersed in designing and constructing innovative systems, Stephen dedicates time to staying abreast of the latest discoveries or indulging in outdoor pursuits like getting lost in the mountains and diving.
Jenna Downey | Research Specialist
Jenna is a graduate of SUNY Brockport with a bachelors in Environmental Science with a combined concentration of both aquatic and terrestrial ecology, as well as a minor in Biology. During her time at Brockport, she played for the varsity softball team and was captain from 2021–2023. Jenna has a passion for the planet and nature and her goal is to continue her career working towards conservation and sustainability.