In 2022, Congresswoman María Salazar helped introduce the bipartisan Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act to promote youth fishing and marine science education (South Florida Sun-Sentinel).
The proposed bill would establish a $2 million grant program within NOAA to support projects offering fishing trips and marine conservation education for children.
Salazar emphasized the bill's importance in giving young Americans hands-on experiences with oceans, seas, and lakes, fostering both enjoyment and understanding of aquatic environments.
The legislation prioritizes underserved communities, directing grants to initiatives that provide fishing opportunities and marine science learning for children from diverse backgrounds.
If not sufficiently funded or implemented, the program may struggle to reach its goal of broad access and meaningful impact for all targeted youth.
2022: María Salazar Led Introduction of Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act According to an opinion piece by Martha Guyas in South Florida Sun-Sentinel, "The Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act was introduced by a bipartisan group of senators and representatives led by Miami-area Congresswoman Maria Salazar. If enacted, the bill would create a $2 million grant program within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for projects that take children on fishing trips, educate them on how or where to fish and teach them about marine science and conservation." [Martha Guyas - South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 12/19/22]
2022: María Salazar Cited Outdoor Education Benefits in Supporting Youth Fishing Bill According to an opinion piece by Martha Guyas in South Florida Sun-Sentinel, "Upon the bill's release, Salazar noted how important spending time on the water is and stated that the bill will provide younger Americans 'the opportunity to learn firsthand about our seas, oceans and lakes, as well as provide them with the tools to enjoy them.'" [Martha Guyas - South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 12/19/22]
2022: María Salazar Prioritized Underserved Communities in Drafting Youth Fishing Bill According to an opinion piece by Martha Guyas in South Florida Sun-Sentinel, "The bill also aims to introduce underserved Americans to fishing, as projects that serve those communities will be given grant priority, providing children of all backgrounds with special memories of a fun day on the water and a better understanding of the marine environment." [Martha Guyas - South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 12/19/22]