Last week, U.S. Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., introduced a proposal that “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.”

Salazar brought out the “Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act” with U.S. Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, D-Calif., as the main co-sponsor.

“As someone who knows and recognizes the importance of the marine and aquatic environment, 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,” said Salazar.

“Our nation is home to beautiful rivers, oceans, and lakes. As we prepare to commemorate World Oceans Day, I am proud to continue the legacy of the late Congressman Donald McEachin by reintroducing the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act with Congresswoman Salazar and Senators Wicker and Cantwell to educate our youth on different marine environments, as well as vital conservation measures we must take to combat the climate crisis,” said Kamlager-Dove. “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. Ensuring our nation’s children have rich, diverse educational experiences allows them to fully embrace their surroundings and thrive as students and individuals.”

The bill “promotes equitable access to the nation’s wonderful outdoors by providing on-the-water experiences for young people that may be otherwise unattainable” and “delivers the opportunity to interact directly with the marine environment, receive lessons in marine science, and encourage environmental stewardship” and “would provide experiences that set the participants on a path towards continued participation in outdoor recreation.”

Nine other House members joined Kamlager-Dove as co-sponsors, including Florida Republican U.S. Reps. Kat Cammack, Carlos Gimenez and Michael Waltz.

The bill was sent to the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee.

Over in the U.S. Senate, the bill is being championed by U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., and Roger Wicker, R-Miss.

“We should be encouraging young Americans to get involved in fishing,” said Wicker. “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.”

“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,” said Cantwell. “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.”

The bill has the support of the American Sportfishing Association.