A commercial pilot, he has also worked as a herring and salmon spotter. Nelson previously served as environmental coordinator for the Bristol Bay Native Association and was director of the Bristol Bay Marine Mammal Council. Nelson has been active as a member of the Nushagak Fish and Game Advisory Committee and numerous other community groups. This will be his second term on the fish board. The seven-member state Board of Fisheries is responsible for setting regulations for the conservation and management of Alaska fisheries.
Terms are for three years.
Members are subject to legislative confirmation.