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Decades of national fishing and boating promotional work has been put in jeopardy by the new US administration’s decision to terminate the funding of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Federation (RBFF).
For the last 27 years the organisation has been responsible for leading the US effort to increase fishing participation to record high levels in 2024. In that year alone, the average angler contributed $2,4291 in annual spending – fueling growth in small businesses, manufacturing and rural communities across 50 states.
RBFF CEO Dave Chanda (below) told Angling International that the decision from Washington came out of the blue. “It was made without direct consultation with or input from the organisation or its Board of Directors. It has not only shocked the foundation but also raised pressing questions about the future of recreation outreach, funding for conservation and the vitality of related industries across North America.”
The unexpected email from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Department of the Interior (DOI) that could fundamentally change the landscape of fishing and boating outreach cited a shift in agency priorities following an internal review conducted by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) which formally terminated RBFF’s longstanding cooperative agreement with the National Outreach and Communication Programme (NOCP).
“RBFF has been at the helm of the NOCP for 27 years, serving as its sole grant recipient. At the time of the termination, it was in the third of a five year grant cycle and had operated under the assumption that the arrangement would continue as planned.
“The NOCP grant represented the majority of the RBFF’s budget. As a result all core programmes have been halted.”
These include:
- The Take Me Fishing campaign, along with its search, social, influencer, content and PR activities;
- State grant programmes, the State Marketing Workshop, First Catch Centres and the Boat Registration Reactivation Programme;
- State-industry R3 pilot projects and other partnership efforts.
RBFF furloughed eight members of staff in June with the remaining team – seven – set to face the same fate in August. “If we receive funding via the new NCOCP, we will resume operations, but in a much smaller capacity.
“A new funding opportunity for the NCOP was posted in June under a new revised structure,” explained Chanda. “Unlike previous years, USFWS now plans to award approximately 15 grants instead of one, signalling a significant change in programme delivery. If awarded, the RBFF will likely need to operate with a restructured, more limited model.
“My understanding is that the new funding opportunity is intended to fulfill the legislative mandate to implement the NCCOP. However, it remains unclear how the responsibilities RBFF has historically carried out will be divided among multiple awardees.”
As most of RBFF’s funding came from the NCOP grant, without that funding all operations have been suspended. “Future funding depends on the outcome of the new grant application.”
RBFF has formally appealed the decision to the Department of Interiors Office of Hearings and Appeals which has the authority to review such matters. However, the process and timeline for a final determination remain uncertain, explained Chanda.
He added that since RBFF’s funding and campaigns ended in April, states participating in national schemes have reported an 8% drop in licence sales. “That reverses a longstanding upward trend that we have worked to build. If this decline were to play out nationally, the resulting economic loss could exceed $18 billion annually with 90,000 jobs at risk.
“I am extremely proud of RBFF’s accomplishments and our 27 year collaboration with states and industry. Together we have grown participation, strengthened conservation funding, expanded access to the outdoors and supported local economies in every state.
“I believe this work must continue and remain committed to advancing this important mission.”
