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:
- June 3, 2025 | Recreational Fishing Development Panel Update
Agenda (posted 2:00 pm, May 27, 2025)
For more information about the Marine Recreational Fisheries Development Panel, please contact Ben Gahagan at (978) 491-6233 or ben.gahagan@mass.gov.
The following is a list of 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.
Kalil Boghdan of Hamilton has a Ph.D. from Northeastern University in Biology. He spent over 30 years as a high school science department chair and middle school principal in the Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District. Kalil owns and operates a sportfishing charter operation, Downriver Charters, and holds a US Coast Guard Masters License.
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.
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.