U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., presented a bill it would expose more young Americans to the recreational sport of fishing.
According to the “Special Report on Fishing 2019,” produced by the Outdoor Foundation and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, about 24.1% of children fished in 2018, which is a good number if all of those children persevered. A majority no.
The Youth Inshore Fishing Act would create a grant through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to provide young people, especially those in underserved communities, with more recreational fishing opportunities.
“More of our kids should be fishing,” Wicker said. “My Youth Inshore Fishing Program Act would encourage more young anglers, especially in underserved communities, to take up this hobby.”
The bill would authorize $2 million for the Secretary of Commerce to establish grant-funded fishing programs through NOAA for nonprofit organizations, local governments and education centers.
“This bill will help more children get the tools, equipment and support they need to enjoy the outdoors and the benefits that come with it,” Cantwell said.
Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., and Congressman Donald McEachin, D-Va., along with 18 of their colleagues, recently introduced a twin bill in the House of Representatives.
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