Taking Kids Fishing Just A Few Times Creates A Lifelong Love Of The Sport
Please use the resources below to learn more about the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act and how this bill will help your future customers.
Spending time outdoors is so healthy for kids. Studies indicate that just a little bit of time outside daily at a young age has a wide array of benefits including improved physical and mental health and a better understanding of the importance of conservation. Fishing is a perfect way to spend time outdoors, is relatively easy and when learned at a young age, provides a lifetime of enjoyment.
Earlier this year, Congress introduced legislation to create a grant program to fund community-based programs that take children on fishing trips in coastal or Great Lakes waters. This bill will give access to the water to youth who otherwise may never learn to fish or appreciate the outdoors. It is a great first step towards encouraging kids to fish and we need your help moving this legislation through Congress.
What’s The Issue
On June 7, 2023, the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act (H.R. 3925) was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congresswomen Maria Salazar (R-Fla.), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.) and a bipartisan group of nine additional Representatives. It was introduced on the same day in the Senate (S. 1860) by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.). The bill would create a $2 million grant program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for projects that take children fishing in the ocean or Great Lakes, with priority given to projects that serve underserved communities.
While similar grant programs exist within other federal land management agencies, such as the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service, NOAA Fisheries, which manages federal marine fisheries, has no such program. This bill would bring NOAA in line with other federal management agencies and ensure that equal access to nature can be enjoyed by all children.
What ASA Is Doing
Introducing new anglers – particularly young people – to recreational fishing is one of the overarching goals of the American Sportfishing Association. ASA is grateful the House and Senate cosponsors of the bill and is partnering with other Members of Congress to seek its passage. ASA has…
ASA President Glenn Hughes also authored an op-ed for the website Real Clear Policy in support of the bill.
On June 7, 2023, ASA spearheaded a letter of support from 21 outdoor recreation organizations to Representatives Salazar and Kamlager-Dove thanking them for introducing the legislation.
Review the ASA Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act issue brief to more about this important program.
Review Handout
Collaborate on Instagram
Reach out to ASA to create collaborative posts on Instagram touting the bill. Message Allen Luck at aluck@asafishing.org for help.
Write Your Local Paper
Write a Letter to the Editor of your local newspaper in support of this bill. Please contact John Chambers at jchambers@asafishing.org for any assistance.
