Peconic Baykeeper Chooses New Baykeeper

Photo Credit: Peconic Baykeeper

Peconic Baykeeper Inc. announced Wednesday that Brady J. Wilkins was hired to serve as the organization’s Baykeeper.

Wilkins brings with him a lifetime of experience on Long Island’s waters. He grew up on the South Shore of Suffolk County and embodies the passion for swimmable, drinkable and fishable waters that the Baykeeper position demands.

He holds a license as a United States Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer, Master of Inland Waters, and previously served as captain and crew aboard passenger ferries and excursion vessels upon the Great South Bay and Puget Sound.

Wilkins is also a New York State Licensed Educator with a Master’s degree in Childhood Education and has taught general education, special education and science in several districts throughout Suffolk County. His background as an educator together with his experience on the water make him an ideal fit for Peconic Baykeeper’s advocacy, outreach and education efforts.

“I can’t wait to meet community members, get out on the water and into classrooms and help increase awareness of the many issues that are unfortunately impacting the health of our bays, streams and rivers ” Wilkins said.

PBK Chair, Brendan J. McCurdy, said the Board of Directors is thrilled to have found such an outstanding individual to assume the role of Baykeeper.

“Brady’s intimate knowledge of local waters, his maritime licenses and experience, his passion for our mission, and his background as a teacher make him the ideal person to come on board and take the helm,” he said.

Marc Yaggi, Executive Director of Waterkeeper Alliance, said, “We welcome Brady Wilkins to Peconic Baykeeper and to the collection of more than 200 Waterkeepers around the globe. We look forward to continuing our successful partnership with the Peconic Baykeeper organization.”

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