Coastal Restoration Grants Available from FishAmerica Foundation
by Johanna DeGroff
Grassroots conservation organizations can get a boost from the FishAmerica Foundation through a special coastal restoration grant program co-sponsored by the Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
"The FishAmerica Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, and it’s amazing to consider how much our small grants have made a big impact over the years," said Johanna DeGroff, acting Director of the FishAmerica Foundation. "Longstanding partners like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are a big part of our success. This kind of support has made it possible for us to provide $5 million to 600 grassroots partners all across the country for all kinds of conservation projects that help keep our fish and waters healthy."
The FishAmerica Foundation will accept matching grant proposals for projects to restore coastal habitats and fisheries through March 12, 2003, and grant awards will be announced in June. Grants range from $5,000 to $30,000. The announcement and full grant package are available on www.fishamerica.org.
The Fish America Foundation is the conservation and research arm of the American Sportfishing Association. These FishAmerica grants go toward projects to restore coasts, wetlands, and other fisheries habitat; improve fish migration routes; and build reefs and other structure in marine areas. They support projects that involve citizen conservationists, ranging from Boy Scouts to sportsmen’s clubs to local conservation group chapters, helping communities revive degraded habitats and bring fisheries back to healthy waters.
The American Sportfishing Association is the leading recreational fishing trade association, uniting 500 members of the sportfishing and boating industries, state fish and wildlife agencies, federal land and water management agencies, conservation organizations, angler advocacy groups, and outdoor journalists. The American Sportfishing Association initiates and supports efforts to advance healthy fisheries, fishing opportunities, and a profitable sportfishing industry.
