# Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act of 2022

This bill creates a new federal grant program designed to help young people get out on the water and learn to fish. The federal government, through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), would give money to organizations and schools that want to run fishing programs for kids in coastal areas, the Great Lakes, and tidal rivers.

The grants can pay for the practical stuff that makes these programs possible: fishing rods and equipment, transportation to get kids to the water, boat rentals or pier fees, fishing licenses, and hiring experienced fishing guides. Essentially, if a nonprofit, school, government agency, or Native Hawaiian organization wants to introduce young people to fishing but doesn't have the budget to cover all the costs, they could apply for this grant money to make it happen. The bill specifically encourages funding for programs that serve underserved communities—meaning low-income neighborhoods, communities of color, people with disabilities, and other groups that have historically had fewer opportunities to access recreational activities like fishing.

The program would receive $2 million in funding for 2023, with only 3 percent of that money going to administrative costs, meaning most of the money would actually go toward the fishing programs themselves. Within a year, the government would have to report back to Congress on which organizations received grants, how much money they got, and how many young people participated in the programs. This is a relatively modest investment aimed at getting kids outdoors, teaching them about marine science and conservation, and hopefully inspiring a new generation of people who care about protecting our oceans and waterways.

Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act of 2022

Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act of 2022 This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a program to award grants and provide technical assistance to certain entities for youth fishing projects. In awarding grants, NOAA must prioritize applicants with proposals for youth fishing projects that focus on an underserved community.