Congresswoman Salazar Introduces Bill to Provide Minority Youth with Opportunities to Interact with Marine Environments

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar (FL-27) and Congressman Donald McEachin (VA-4), along with 18 of their colleagues, introduced The Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act in the House of Representatives. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) introduced the Senate version of the legislation.

This bill would establish a grant program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to fund community-based programs that take minority youth on fishing trips to the Ocean and Great Lakes.

The Legislation promotes equitable access to the nation's wonderful outdoors by providing on-the-water experiences for young people that may be otherwise unattainable. It delivers the opportunity to interact directly with the marine environment, receive lessons in marine science, and encourage environmental stewardship.

This initiative would provide experiences that set the participants on a path towards continued participation in outdoor recreation.

"As someone who knows and recognizes the bounties of the marine and aquatic environment, I am pleased to provide younger generations of Americans across the country, especially minority Americans, the opportunity to learn firsthand about our seas, oceans and lakes, as well as provide them with the tools to enjoy them," said Congresswoman Salazar.

"Too many young Americans face serious financial, social, and geographic barriers to experiencing our outdoors," said Representative A. Donald McEachin. "No child should be unable to participate in outdoor recreation simply because of their socioeconomic status or zip code. The bipartisan Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act will provide our youth, especially those in historically underserved communities, with new opportunities to get outside, cultivate a love and appreciation for fishing, and learn more about marine science and conservation."

"More of our children should be fishing," Senator Roger Wicker said. "My Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act would get more young anglers, particularly in underserved communities, out on the water enjoying this pastime."

"Fishing is one of our favorite pastimes in the Pacific Northwest, and our bill will support Washington state organizations that take kids fishing in their local coastal waters, rivers, and bays," Senator Maria Cantwell said. "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."

"Countless studies show that while there are ample health benefits to spending time on the water with family and friends, young people and those in underserved communities face significant barriers in accessing the outdoors," said Mike Leonard, ASA's 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. We thank Representatives Salazar and McEachin for their work on this issue and look forward to its bipartisan support in Congress."

Additional cosponsors are: Randy Weber (R-TX), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Robert Wittman (R-VA), Troy Carter (D-LA), Amata Radewagen (R-AS), Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Buddy Carter (R-GA), Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (R-PR), Thomas Suozzi (D-NY), Katie Porter (D-CA), Carlos Giménez (R-FL), Dan Kildee (D-MI), John Rutherford (R-FL), Nanette Barragán (D-CA), and Austin Scott (R-GA).

BACKGROUND

According to the American Sportfishing Association, 88 percent of American adults who fish today have been fishing since the age of 12, indicating that exposure at a young age is important. Nature-based activities, particularly fishing, deliver a healthy way to unwind.

While some federal agencies have programs that enable youth to connect with the country's marine and aquatic environment, one does not exist within NOAA. The Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act of 2022 would equip this key federal agency with a new opportunity in marine interaction to offer to young people.

Source