A proposed congressional bill would fund opportunities for young people to connect with the marine environment via ocean angling.
In a remarkable display of bipartisan support, a group of U.S. representatives and senators has introduced the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act of 2023 aimed to create a $10 million grant program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for projects that take kids fishing in the ocean and Great Lakes. If passed, the bill will give priority to projects that serve underserved communities.
Sponsors of the bill include Representatives Maria Salazar (R-Fla.) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.), and Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.).
“This would become the first such program within NOAA,” said Wayne Kotow, executive director of the California Conservation Association of California. “CCA CAL applauds and thanks the representatives and senators who introduced this bill for their vision in recognizing the social benefits, personal value and long-term conservation dividends of getting young people involved in ocean angling. After all, anglers—past, present and future—are the original conservationists.
“This proposed legislation also reflects one of CCA CAL’s most vital missions of advocating for coastal angling access for everyone, especially for young anglers,” Kotow added.
Recreational fishing provides substantial physical and mental health benefits, but many young people – particularly in underserved communities – face significant barriers in accessing the outdoors, according to Mike Leonard, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) vice president of government affairs.
“The grants provided through this bill will go a long way to remove those barriers and help children develop a love of fishing,” Leonard explained. “We are excited about the generations of new anglers it will help create.”
Rep. Salazar also believes strongly in the benefits of creating angling opportunities for today’s youth. “It is critical to provide younger generations of Americans across the
country, especially minority Americans, the opportunity to learn firsthand about our seas, oceans, lakes, and outdoors, as well as provide them with the tools to enjoy them,” she said
Rep. Kamlager-Dove echoed those sentiments. “It is especially important that historically disadvantaged youth have opportunities to learn about aquatic life and marine sciences to harbor their curiosity in these fields,” she pointed out.
The best way to develop an appreciation for the marine environment is to go fishing, according to Sen. Wicker. “We should be encouraging young Americans to get involved in fishing,” he said. “Our legislation will help remove barriers to accessing the outdoors and ensure that more young anglers, especially those in underserved communities, have the opportunity to enjoy this beloved pastime.”
The bill will also help inspire younger generations, Sen. Cantwell believes. “This bill will help more kids get the tools, gear, and support they need to experience the outdoors and the benefits that come with it,” she said.
The bill provides $2 million in grants over each of the next five years for projects that include a recreational fishing experience for youth, offer education about marine science and conservation, and provide information on where and how to fish.
ASA and CCA CAL encourage anglers and others to visit the Keep America Fishing Action Alert to contact their members of Congress and urge them to support the bill.
