THE Future Fisherman Foundation, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, the American Association for Leisure and Recreation and the National Association for Sport and Physical Education have formed a unique partnership offering schools up to $5,000 in grants to help introduce children to two of America’s most popular outdoor pastimes.
Grants, training, and other services provided through this National Physical Education Grants Initiative allow teachers to launch new fishing and boating programs as early as the 2003-2004 school year. Grant money can be used for fishing and boating equipment, field trips, curriculum materials and other resources.
Statistics show that fishing and boating are among the most popular sports in America. Most boat owners started boating at 12-14 years of age, and 90 percent of all adult anglers learned to fish before the age of 13. Through these grants, teachers can help students develop a lifelong love of fishing and boating and an appreciation for the outdoors.
Grant applications are available by visiting http://www.futurefisherman.org. Applications must be postmarked by June 2. To ensure continued success of school programs, grant award winners will be put in touch with state fish and wildlife agencies and community groups with successful youth fishing programs.
The Future Fisherman Foundation provides information about dozens of available fishing programs and resources, including discount and loaner equipment programs. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation provides information on where to fish and boat, how to get started, how to obtain a fishing license, and local fishing and boating regulations on http://www.WaterWorksWonders.org.
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Last month, the National Coalition for Marine Conservation (NCMC) launched its new “Email Action Network” to keep anglers informed about issues affecting fish and fishing. The NCMC will maintain e-mail lists for: Atlantic/Gulf of Mexico big fish (marlin, tuna, sharks and swordfish), Pacific big fish, dolphin and wahoo, striped bass and menhaden, herring, squid, mackerel and other forage fish, fish habitat and Magnuson-Stevens Act Reform.
You are invited to subscribe to one or more of these lists to receive brief, periodic updates and action alerts on that particular issue. For more information or to sign up, visit their website at http://www.savethefish.org/action_items_email_network.htm or call (703) 777-0037.
