Pete Topping
Baykeeper and Executive Director Pete Topping has spent most of his life fishing, paddling, swimming, and boating on the waters of Long Island. It was the witnessing of brown tide algal blooms as a child in the 1980’s that first alerted him to local water quality issues and inspired him to pursue Marine Science and a life dedicated to protecting and restoring the environment. Pete holds a degree in Marine Science Biology from Long Island University’s Southampton College as well as a Master’s in Teaching Biology from Stony Brook University. His past work experiences include working as a marine science instructor in the Florida Keys, as an environmental educator and program developer in California, and as an interpretive ranger with the National Park service in Maine. Prior to joining Peconic Baykeeper in 2019, he was employed as a Bay Management Specialist for the Town of East Hampton, aiding in the cultivation and restoration of millions of shellfish (oysters, hard clams, and bay scallops) into town waters each year. Pete is most at home on and in the water and is honored to serve as your Baykeeper!