Episode 6: Fish Guy Photos: Long Island Fishing, Marine Science & Conservation | Part 1
What started as a childhood fishing trip to the Shinnecock Canal turned into a career studying and documenting the wildlife and waters around Long Island.
In Part 1 of this episode of the Dive Long Island Podcast, I sit down with marine biologist, educator, photographer, and naturalist Chris Paparo, also known as Fish Guy Photos.
We talk about growing up fishing on Long Island, the decline of winter flounder, harmful algal blooms, marine science at Stony Brook University, and the importance of helping people better understand what exists in their own backyard.
Chris also shares how Fish Guy Photos began, how he unexpectedly became a writer and public speaker, and why education and storytelling play such a big role in conservation.
This conversation covers everything from local fishing history and environmental challenges to wildlife, public outreach, and the small choices people can make that genuinely impact Long Island waters.
Part 2 releases next week.
Topics in this episode:
• Fishing the Shinnecock Canal as a kid
• The decline of winter flounder on Long Island
• Harmful algal blooms, eelgrass loss, and denitrification systems
• Stony Brook University marine science research
• Fish Guy Photos and wildlife storytelling
• Marine education and public outreach
• Long Island conservation efforts
• Balloon pollution and environmental awareness
• How local communities can improve water quality
Follow Chris Paparo / Fish Guy Photos:
Instagram: @fishguyphotos
Facebook: Fish Guy Photos
Website: fishguyphotos.com
Follow Dive Long Island:
Instagram: @divelongisland
Facebook: Dive Long Island
Additional resource related to the discussion around wastewater and nitrogen reduction on Long Island:
https://dilandroandrews.com/long-island-septic-systems-shift/
Photo and video contributions for this episode provided by East End Explorers.
Website: www.eastendexplorer.com
Instagram:@eastendpaddler
For sponsorship opportunities, guest ideas, or to connect:
infodivelongisland@gmail.com
Theme Song by Lauren Scanlon
Listen on Youtube Here or on Spotify Here
00:00 – Introduction and Chris Paparo background
01:15 – How fishing introduced Chris to marine science
05:00 – Winter flounder decline and changes in Long Island waters
10:15 – Stony Brook University and marine research
14:30 – Education, outreach, and inspiring students
19:00 – Fish Guy Photos and becoming a writer
27:30 – Naturalist work and wildlife education
31:30 – Environmental issues, septic systems, and water quality
37:00 – Balloon pollution and environmental awareness
40:15 – Outro and Part 2 preview