Funds under this award will be used to enhance the public s understanding of water resources, aquatic life forms, sport fishing, and develop responsible attitudes and ethics toward the aquatic…

The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission received a $1.1 million Formula Grant from the U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) for the period of July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. The award funds comprehensive fishing education and public outreach activities designed to enhance public understanding of water resources, aquatic life, and sport fishing while fostering responsible attitudes toward the aquatic environment across North Carolina.

The funded activities include fishing experience events, adult aquatic workshops, aquatic resources education programming, and operation of a tackle loaner program. The Commission's staff will deliver educational classes on basic and advanced fishing skills, including fly-tying instruction, on-the-water training, and hands-on techniques. Additionally, the award supports program outreach conducted by Commission staff throughout the state and facilitates partnerships to expand the geographic reach and impact of these educational and engagement initiatives.

Funds under this award will be used to enhance the public s understanding of water resources, aquatic life forms, sport fishing, and develop responsible attitudes and ethics toward the aquatic environment in north carolina. Fishing education activities in the state include fishing experience events, adult aquatic workshops, aquaticresources education, the tackle loaner program, and program outreach conducted across north carolina by commission staff. Agency staff host multiple fishing and aquatic educational and engagement opportunities including classes on basic and advanced fishing skills that include opportunities such as fly-tying, on-the-water classes, and other hands-on techniques. The agency is engaging partners to increase the reach of these efforts.