Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act of 2023

To direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish a grant program to fund youth fishing projects. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act of 2023 2. Youth coastal fishing grant program (a) In general The Secretary shall establish a program to award grants and provide technical assistance to eligible entities for the purpose of establishing youth fishing projects. (b) Applications An eligible entity seeking a grant under this section shall submit an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require. (c) Determinations of eligibility The Secretary shall develop criteria for purposes of determining whether an entity is eligible to receive a grant under this section in consultation with relevant offices of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, such as the Office of Coastal Management, the National Sea Grant Office, the National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. (d) Use of funds An eligible entity that receives a grant award under this section shall use the amount of the award for purposes related to conducting a youth fishing project, including— (1) the purchase or rental of fishing equipment; (2) the cost of transporting participants to and from a youth fishing project; (3) fees associated with boat rental, pier access, or other facilities; (4) fishing license purchases; (5) fishing guide costs; or (6) such other expenses related to conducting a youth fishing project as the Secretary considers appropriate. (e) Priority In awarding grants under this section, the Secretary shall give priority to applications containing proposals for youth fishing projects focused on an underserved community. (f) Report required Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report on— (1) the eligible entities awarded grants under this section; (2) the amount each such entity received; (3) how those entities used the grant award; and (4) the number of participants in youth fishing projects funded by grants under this section. (g) Funding (1) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $2,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2028 to carry out this section. (2) Availability Amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended. (3) Administrative costs Not more than 3 percent of amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under paragraph (1) may be used by the Secretary for the administrative costs of carrying out this section. (h) Definitions In this section: (1) Eligible entity The term eligible entity (A) a nonprofit organization; (B) an educational institution; (C) a State, local, or Tribal government; or (D) a Native Hawaiian organization (as defined in section 6207 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7517 (2) Nonprofit organization The term nonprofit organization section 501(c)(3) (3) Secretary The term Secretary (4) State The term State (5) Tribal government The term Tribal government 25 U.S.C. 5131 (6) Underserved community The term underserved community (A) racial and ethnic minorities; (B) individuals with access and functional needs; or (C) individuals otherwise adversely affected by persistent poverty or inequality. (7) Youth fishing project The term youth fishing project (A) a recreational fishing experience conducted from a shore, pier, or boat located in the Great Lakes, coastal waters, ocean waters, or a tidal river; (B) education about marine science, conservation, and fishing regulations; and (C) information on where and how to continue fishing.

Summary: Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act of 2023 This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish a grant program to support youth fishing projects. Under the program, NOAA must award grants to nonprofit organizations; educational institutions; state, local, or tribal governments; or Native Hawaiian organizations for conducting youth fishing projects. Funds from the grants must be used for related purposes, such as (1) the purchase or rental of fishing equipment; (2) fees for boats, piers, or other facilities; (3) fishing licenses; and (4) fishing guide costs. In awarding such grants, NOAA must prioritize proposals for projects focused on underserved communities. NOAA must also provide technical assistance related to the youth fishing projects. The bill also requires NOAA to report to Congress regarding (1) the entities that were awarded grants, (2) the amount of funds disbursed, and (3) the activities and number of participants funded by the grants.