We are thrilled to announce the addition of two dynamic individuals to our Board of Directors. Fred Mattera, Executive Director of the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island and Ross Pearsall, Senior Fisheries Regional Manager, North Atlantic Marine Affairs, Ørsted. Fred and Ross each bring valuable board and professional leadership experience from the commercial fishing and offshore wind sectors. Their expertise and experience will complement our board and help to advance our mission.
Meet Fred Mattera
Fred has been a well-known member of the North Atlantic fishing community for more than 40 years as not only a fisherman but also as a prominent advocate for his industry. Prior to his role as the executive director of the Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island, he served as Board President of the Commercial Fisheries Research Foundation. He is also the owner of North East Safety Training Co., which provides training to commercial and recreational fishermen, and of NESTCo, which conducts drills, trainings, and inspections of commercial fishing vessels.
“I am humbled by the opportunity as a lifelong retired fisherman to engage in comprehensive and all-encompassing science to find solutions. It’s imperative to seek a sustainable fishery for future generations to flourish,” said Fred.
Fred is also known for his charitable work within his community. He led the free Seafood Distribution program, which provided more than 400,000 pounds of seafood over 40 months to refugees and migrants throughout Rhode Island who were in need of food.
Meet Ross Pearsall
I would also like to welcome another member of the fishing community to our board. Ross Pearsall, who is the senior fisheries relationship manager with Orsted, has a long history in the fishing sector, which includes owning a community-supported fishery and conducting research and development for government and corporate organizations.
At the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries, Ross provided advice on legislation, regulatory actions, and permit applications impacting the nation’s marine sanctuaries and marine monuments.
Ross has also served on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council’s Summer Flounder, Black Sea Bass, and Scup Advisory Panel serving two terms and is currently on the New England Fishery Management Council’s On-Demand Fishing Gear Conflict Working Group. Additionally, he was elected to the Rhode Island Food Policy Council where he chaired the Fundraising Committee, the Governance Committee, and served as Vice Chair.