This panel advises the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) on the administration of recreational saltwater fishing programs funded by the sale of recreational saltwater fishing permits. By law, all fees collected from the sale of these permits are deposited into a fund for the dedicated purpose of improving recreational fisheries, including public access to saltwater fishing opportunities.
Who we serve
The Panel serves recreational saltwater anglers in the Commonwealth by providing input on how the Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Fund is spent. The Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game appoints panel members for three-year terms. The Panel meets at least twice annually.
Upcoming Meetings:
December 10, 2025, 11:30 am - 2:30 pm via Zoom
Agenda (Posted 12/3/25 at 4:50 pm)
For more information about the Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Panel, please contact Ben Gahagan at (978) 491-6233 or ben.gahagan@mass.gov.
Panel Members
Kevin Blinkoff of Bourne is the Executive Editor for On The Water Media Group, managing and producing content for three leading Northeast-region recreational fishing magazines and related media. He is an avid angler, serves on several recreational fishing advisory boards, and holds a master’s degree in marine biology.
Ray Jarvis is the owner and operator of Salt of the Earth Sportfishing, a charter boat and fishing guide operation based out of Westport, MA. He has been a charter boat captain and fishing guide since 2003. Ray is also an Assistant Harbormaster and Shellfish Warden for the Town of Westport and teaches marine service technology at New Bedford Voc-Tech. Previously, Ray worked as a vessel safety inspector for NOAA Fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico and as a fisheries biologist conducting research, biological sampling and the Marine Recreational Information Program survey.
Tammy King is the owner of Fish Girl Guides of Nantucket. She grew up fishing on the island. Since her youth, she has participated in advocating and promoting recreational fishing for all anglers. A few years ago she developed a winter fishing seminar series for anglers in her community. This past year Tammy received the 2024 Nantucket Angler of the Year. She’s holds both her recreational and commercial bay scalloper license.
Eric Nelson of Topsfield is the owner of Essex River Fishing Charters, a for-hire operation out of Essex, and is a participant in the commercial striped bass fishery. Eric holds a M.S. in Marine Science and Marine Geology from the University of New Hampshire, and a Masters in Business Administration from Northeastern University. He has 40-years of experience as an environmental consultant, primarily focused on coastal environments, environmental permitting, and the impacts of climate change and sea level rise. Eric has also contributed to the Trustees of Reservations State of the Coast Reports highlighting the impacts of climate change and sea level rise on Massachusetts coastal environments, communities, and fisheries.
Patrick Paquette of Hyannis is a recreational fisheries advocate and community organizer. He has also worked as an outdoor writer and mate on head boats out of Gloucester. Patrick has had various leadership roles in groups such as the Massachusetts Striped Bass Association, the Recreational Fishing Alliance, and the Massachusetts Beach Buggy Association. He serves as an advisory panel member to multiple interstate and federal fisheries management bodies.