Pond fishing
Credit: CDFW

March 17, 2024 - The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) have announced the 2024 grantees for the George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar Education Fund(opens in new tab). Approximately $172,800 in funding will help 12 programs in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Kansas and Rhode Island to bring fishing, boating and aquatic stewardship education opportunities to Hispanic families. Four California organizations were selected as recipients and will receive a total of $76,346.30 in funding. The 2024 California Vamos A Pescar Education Fund recipients are: Cast Hope(opens in new tab), Friends of Fish(opens in new tab), Reel Guppy Outdoors(opens in new tab) and Solidarity.(opens in new tab)

The California organizations chosen for funding provide urban-centric, mutigenerational inclusive events open to families of all races and ethnicities with Spanish-English bilingual instruction, materials and outreach. The grantees focus on providing multiple opportunities to introduce participants to fishing, boating and aquatic stewardship in California. This grant program is part of CDFW’s ongoing angler recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) efforts to decrease barriers to participation and increase awareness and support for conservation activities across the state.

The funding for Vamos a Pescar is made available from the George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar Education Fund and Sport Fish Restoration Act(opens in new tab) (SFRA) funds.

The George H.W. Bush Education Fund supports the RBFF’s Hispanic initiative, Vamos a Pescar. To further the reach and facilitate partnerships at the local level, funds are provided for state agencies to match and sub grant to local 501(c)(3) organizations. With the help of donations from companies and organizations, this fund has continued to grow and expand nationally to keep future generations educated about the joys of fishing and boating and the importance of conservation.

SFRA is a self-imposed angler and boater excise tax that provides funding to state fish and wildlife agencies. Modeled after the Wildlife Restoration Act, a need for dedicated permanent funding was identified for fishery conservation and the SFRA was established. The excise tax is placed on sport fishing equipment, import duties on fishing tackle and boats and a portion of gasoline fuel tax from small engines and boats. The funding provided is utilized in fishery projects, boating access, aquatic education and more, all aiming to connect people with outdoor recreational angling opportunities and aquatic education programs.
Source: CDFW