The Honorable Paul Jude Tonna: A Steward of Long Island’s Waters and Marine Legacy

The Honorable Paul Jude Tonna is a visionary leader whose lasting commitment to public service and environmental stewardship has made him a cornerstone of Long Island’s conservation community. Known for his decades-long civic engagement and his strategic leadership at the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS), Tonna’s work bridges policy, science, and community action — all to safeguard Long Island’s precious coastal waters for future generations.

A Lifetime of Public Service

Paul Jude Tonna brings a unique background to his conservation work. Academically trained in philosophy and theology — with graduate studies at New York University, Immaculate Conception Seminary, and Fordham University — he has long combined deep ethical reflection with pragmatic action. His career path took him through healthcare and nonprofit leadership positions before he transitioned into elected office.

Tonna served as a Suffolk County Legislator for twelve years, including three years as Presiding Officer. During his tenure, he championed initiatives that reflect his broad civic vision: anti-smoking laws, homelessness outreach, child poverty programs, and Greenways Funds to preserve open space and farmland. Even after his time in the legislature, Tonna stayed deeply engaged in regional leadership, co-founding and leading The Energeia Partnership, which builds cross-sector leadership around Long Island’s crucial socioeconomic and environmental challenges. He also serves as a Commissioner for the South Huntington Water District, overseeing water governance with both a conservation and community lens.

Leadership at AMSEAS: Where Policy Meets Marine Conservation

In his role as Board President of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, Tonna has been instrumental in shaping AMSEAS’ mission and impact. AMSEAS’ most important function is the protection and rescue of all marine wildlife on and around the Northeast, and specifically Long Island.  Additionally, AMSEAS operates at the intersection of research, education, and advocacy — conducting aerial surveys, working with marine scientists, engaging policymakers, and connecting with the local community to protect Long Island’s coastal and marine ecosystems. 

Under Tonna’s leadership, AMSEAS has strengthened its capacity to respond to ecological threats, advocate for science-based policy, and deepen public awareness of the importance of marine conservation. His skills in governance, fundraising, and coalition-building have helped position AMSEAS as a credible and effective voice in regional environmental debates.

The Environmental Stakes: Long Island’s Marine Health by the Numbers

To fully appreciate the significance of Tonna’s work, it helps to understand the state of Long Island’s marine environment — its fragility, its diversity, and the urgency of its protection.

Biodiversity and Ecology

• Over 170 species of fish are known to inhabit Long Island Sound. Sound Health Explorer+2NOAA Fisheries+2
• Small “forage fish” — like butterfish, menhaden, blueback herring, and young-of-year scup and weakfish — form a critical base of the food web. According to Long Island Sound Study data, the open-water forage biomass (measured as kilograms per tow) has fluctuated over the decades, though these species remain essential for larger game fish and marine mammals. Long Island Sound Partnership
• Juvenile fish communities are shifting with warming waters: species that thrive in warmer conditions, such as black sea bass and oyster toadfish, have become more abundant on rock reefs, while others are declining. NOAA Fisheries

Water Quality and Habitat Loss

• The Long Island Sound’s Water Quality Index, tracked by the Long Island Sound Partnership, reflects the combined impact of several indicators (nutrients, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, water clarity). Some sub-regions have historically ranked “fair” or “poor.” Long Island Sound Partnership
• Eelgrass, a foundational marine plant that supports habitat and water clarity, has declined dramatically. According to The Nature Conservancy, about 90% of the eelgrass meadows in Long Island Sound are gone, with only around 2,000 acres remaining. The Nature Conservancy

Commercial and Recreational Impacts

• Lobster landings in Connecticut waters connected to the Sound have collapsed: at its peak in the late 1990s, landings exceeded 3.7 million pounds per year. By 2023, they had fallen to just ~126,700 pounds. CT.gov
• Long Island Sound supports significant economic and social value. The ecosystem services it provides — from commercial and recreational fisheries to tourism and water-based recreation — are conservatively valued at $17 billion to $37 billion annually, underpinning roughly 200,000 jobs across the region. Sound Health Explorer

These numbers highlight both the richness of Long Island’s marine ecosystems and the scale of the challenges. From collapsing lobster populations to disappearing seagrass meadows, Long Island’s waters are under real pressure.

Why Tonna’s AMSEAS Leadership Matters

In this context, Tonna’s leadership at AMSEAS is not merely symbolic. In collaboration with the leadership at AMSEAS, Tonna is helping drive long-term, systemic action in several critical areas:

1. Science-Driven Advocacy: With the mounting data on species shifts, habitat loss, and pollution, AMSEAS, with the guidance and support of Tonna and its Board, advocates for policies grounded in research — pushing for protections that reflect the most urgent ecological trends.
2. Cross-Sector Collaboration: Additionally, Tonna has the ability to bring together local governments, academic institutions, environmental NGOs, and community stakeholders. This is vital for solutions like restoring eelgrass meadows, managing water quality, and stabilizing forage fish populations.
3. Public Education & Engagement: By raising awareness of Long Island Sound’s biodiversity and the stakes of its decline, AMSEAS helps mobilize local communities, including anglers, boaters, schoolchildren, and business leaders, to support conservation efforts.
4. Resilience and Infrastructure: Tonna’s service on the South Huntington Water District reflects his belief that water governance and infrastructure (like wastewater treatment, septic systems, and runoff management) are central to preserving Long Island’s marine and freshwater health.

Recognition: Honoring a Lifetime of Environmental Service

The decision by AMSEAS to present The Honorable Paul Jude Tonna with a leadership award at its “Night at the Ocean” gala is deeply fitting. This recognition acknowledges:

• His strategic vision, not just for AMSEAS but for conservation across Long Island.
• His ability to translate political experience into environmental action closes the gap between policy and science.
• His dedication to long-term institution-building, helping AMSEAS grow in capacity and influence.
• His moral and ethical commitment to stewardship, rooted in decades of public service and community engagement.

This award isn’t just a tribute to the past — it’s a signal of trust in Tonna’s ongoing role in shaping Long Island’s ecological future.

Looking Ahead: Building a Legacy for the Next Generation

Going forward, Tonna’s influence will remain critical as environmental actors confront emerging challenges:

• Climate Change: As waters warm, AMSEAS can lead in adaptive management strategies — leveraging data on species shifts (like the rise of warm-water fish) to push for protections tailored to new ecological realities.
• Habitat Restoration: Reviving eelgrass meadows and other underwater habitats will require coordinated efforts across jurisdictions — something Tonna’s coalition-building is well suited to facilitate.
• Water Quality Infrastructure: Strengthening sewage systems, reducing nitrogen pollution, and managing runoff will be key to preserving marine health — and Tonna’s background in water governance gives him a powerful role in those conversations.
• Public Outreach & Youth Engagement: Educating the public — from schoolchildren to local businesses — about the value of the Sound is essential to sustaining conservation momentum. Tonna’s leadership can help amplify AMSEAS’ outreach.

The Honorable Paul Jude Tonna stands as a testament to how dedicated civic leadership can safeguard nature. Through his work with AMSEAS, his public service, and his commitment to water governance, he has become a leading steward of Long Island’s marine heritage.

In a region where marine life — from small forage fish to large commercial species — is under increasing pressure, Tonna’s role is more than symbolic. It is structural. His ability to unite science, policy, and community offers a powerful blueprint for conserving Long Island’s waters now and for the future.

Honoring him with AMSEAS’ leadership award is not just a celebration of what he has done, but a bet on what he continues to enable: a healthier, more resilient, and more sustainable Long Island Sound, for all who call it home.

Q&A with The Honorable Paul Jude Tonna

Who is Paul Jude Tonna?
The Honorable Paul Jude Tonna is a Long Island-based leader, philanthropist, and environmental advocate. He has served as a Suffolk County Legislator, Presiding Officer, and is currently the Board President of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS). He is widely recognized for his work protecting Long Island’s marine life, beaches, wetlands, and overall ecosystem.

What is AMSEAS, and what does it do?
The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection, research, and preservation of Long Island’s marine environment. AMSEAS conducts scientific surveys, educates the public about marine conservation, and advocates for policy initiatives to safeguard marine life, wetlands, and coastal habitats.

Why was Paul Tonna recognized by AMSEAS?
Paul Tonna received a leadership award from AMSEAS at the “Night at the Ocean” gala in recognition of his decades-long commitment to environmental stewardship, public service, and advocacy for Long Island’s marine life, beaches, wetlands, and landscapes. His strategic vision and coalition-building skills have significantly advanced AMSEAS’ mission.

How does Paul Tonna’s work impact Long Island’s beaches and wetlands?
Tonna’s work addresses water quality, coastal erosion, and habitat preservation. By advocating for science-based policies, he helps protect wetlands that buffer inland areas from storms, maintain biodiversity, and safeguard iconic Long Island beaches. These efforts ensure the natural beauty and ecological health of the island are preserved for future generations.

What challenges face Long Island’s marine ecosystems?
Long Island’s waters face several environmental pressures, including rising sea levels, climate change, nitrogen pollution, habitat loss, and declining fish populations. Eelgrass meadows have been reduced by nearly 90%, and commercial species such as lobsters have seen dramatic declines. These issues also affect coastal landscapes, wetlands, and local wildlife.

How does AMSEAS under Tonna’s leadership address these challenges?
With the guidance of Tonna and the Board, AMSEAS combines science, policy, and public engagement to tackle these challenges. The organization restores eelgrass habitats, monitors fish populations, educates the community, and advocates for sustainable water and coastal management practices. Tonna’s leadership ensures that these efforts are both strategic and impactful.

How can the public support Paul Tonna and AMSEAS?
Residents and visitors can support Paul Tonna and AMSEAS by participating in educational programs, volunteering for coastal cleanups, contributing to conservation initiatives, or advocating for local and state policies that protect Long Island’s marine life, beaches, wetlands, and landscapes. Staying informed and engaged is key to preserving the island’s natural heritage.

What is Paul Tonna’s vision for the future of Long Island’s environment?
Paul Tonna envisions a Long Island where marine life thrives, beaches and wetlands are protected, and communities live in harmony with nature. Through continued leadership, science-based policy, and community engagement, he aims to ensure that the island’s ecosystems are resilient, sustainable, and beautiful for generations to come.