Much of Dan Mundy’s life revolves around Jamaica Bay. Not only does he live along the bay, in Broad Channel, he works to protect it, as the founder and president of the group Ecowatchers.

"When I was growing up Jamaica Bay, in the summer, it was my playground,” Mundy told NY1.

Mundy’s work as an environmental advocate is another way of giving back. A Navy Veteran, giving back is something he has done most of his adult life.


What You Need To Know

  • Mundy’s work as an environmental advocate is another way of giving back. A Navy Veteran, giving back is something he has done most of his adult life

  • Mundy, 82, enlisted in the Navy in 1957, right out of high school. He served for six years and then worked in the FDNY

  • As a retiree, he started the EcoWatchers, a non-profit group to monitor the conditions of the Jamaica Bay
  • In 2009, Ecowatchers and their partners filed a federal lawsuit against the city. Because of the litigation, the city agreed to spend upwards of $15 million to upgrade the plants surrounding the area

“It was quite an experience in the military. You start on the bottom of the totem pole and work your way up," Mundy said.

Mundy, who is 82, enlisted in the Navy in 1957, right out of Far Rockaway High School.

After six years serving in Virginia and Puerto Rico, he joined the city’s Fire Department, rising to the rank of Captain. As a retiree, he became concerned about algae blooms in the bay caused by high nitrogen levels, and damage to marshlands. That’s when he started EcoWatchers, a non-profit group to monitor the conditions of the bay.

“The bay had changed. Things weren’t the same. The water was dirty brown. There was dead fish all around,” Mundy explained.

The group teamed up with numerous agencies, including the National Park Service. They determined that discharges from waste water treatment plants were responsible for the high levels of nitrogen threatening the bay’s fragile ecosystem.

In 2009, Ecowatchers and their partners filed a federal lawsuit, charging that the city’s treatment plant discharges violated the Clean Water Act. Because of the litigation, the city agreed to spend upwards of $15 million to upgrade the plants.

"it’s one of our greatest accomplishments," Mundy said while overlooking the bay.

But there's still work that needs to be done, according to Mundy.

"We're always monitoring the bay, looking out for debris, what’s going on,” said Mundy, a proud veteran who protected the country, now standing guard over a precious natural resource.