Coastal Recreation’s local stories document how the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule will affect local economies, businesses, and individuals up and down the Atlantic seaboard.
Melissa Danko
Melissa Danko is the Executive Director of the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey. The Marine Trades Association of New Jersey (MTA/NJ) is a non-profit trade Association representing the recreational boating industry in New Jersey, Melissa has worked for them for over 20 years.
Captain Fred Gamboa
Captain Fred Gamboa a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captain with a OUPV Near Coastal to 100 Miles offshore certificate. He has been running boats from NJ for the past 15 years and has fished for all species of fish from inshore to offshore. He has been a writing contributor to the Fisherman Magazine for the past 6 years and has been conducting seminars for the past 3 years for the Fisherman Magazine, Shimano, and Sportsman Center. Currently, Captain Fred is a Member of the Contender Boats Pro Fishing team and member of the Shimano Pro Staff.
Martha Guyas
Martha Guyas is the SE Fishery policy director for the American Sportfishing Association. Martha joined ASA in 2021 as an expert in Florida’s marine fisheries management and policy development.
Jeff Angers
Jeff Angers is the President of the Center for Sportfishing Policy. The Center for Sportfishing Policy is the nation’s leading advocate for saltwater recreational anglers, Jeff has worked for them for over 16 years.
Matt Gruhn
Matt Gruhn is the President of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas. He was formerly Group Publisher overseeing Affinity Media’s trade group — Boating Industry, as well as Powersports Business magazines and their ancillary products — Gruhn was instrumental in the implementation and execution of Boating Industry’s Top 100 Dealers Program and the Marine Dealer Conference & Expo.
Captain Mike Kennedy
Captain Mike Kennedy is the Director of Recreation and Resort Logistics at Sea Island Company, located in Sea Island, Georgia.
Frank Hugelmeyer
Frank Hugelmeyer – President and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturing Association – testified at the June 6th House Committee on Natural Resources hearing “Examining the impacts of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s proposed changes to the North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule | Water, Wildlife and Fisheries Subcommittee.”
Maggie Whittemore
Maggie Whittemore is the dock master and manager of the Virginia Beach Fishing Center.
Chris Reckling
Chris Reckling is a Virginia Beach local and avid angler.
Matthew Bender
Matthew Bender is an angler from Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Randall Gregory, Part 1
Randall “Randy” Gregory runs the North Carolina Billfish Series, which promotes North Carolina’s billfish tournaments, sportsmanship, marine conservation and competition in North Carolina’s offshore fishery. Randy has served as a weigh master in a number of billfish tournaments up and down the East Coast.
Randall Gregory, Part 2
Randall “Randy” Gregory runs the North Carolina Billfish Series, which promotes North Carolina’s billfish tournaments, sportsmanship, marine conservation and competition in North Carolina’s offshore fishery. Randy has served as a weigh master in a number of billfish tournaments up and down the East Coast.
Randall Lyons
Randall Lyons is the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association (MMTA). The MMTA was established in 1964. Its ongoing goal is to work with and for its nearly 250 members to help support their businesses and the recreational boating industry in Massachusetts.