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Sport Fish Restoration Program - Overview
About
The Sport Fish Restoration Program (SFR) provides grant funds to the states, the District of Columbia and insular areas fish and wildlife agencies for fishery projects, boating access and aquatic education. The Program is authorized by the Sport Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson DJ) of 1950.
The SFR Program was created to restore and better manage America's declining fishery resources and was modeled after the successful Wildlife Restoration Program. Through the purchases of fishing equipment, motorboat and small engine fuels and import duties the SFR Program is one of the most successful user pay, user benefit programs.
The SFR Program symbol may be downloaded and displayed by authorized users.
Learn more about Sport Fish Restoration Program accomplishments.
Preview or download 2011 information brochures for the WSFR Program and Items Taxed to Support Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration in America.
Source of Funds
Excise taxes on fishing equipment, motorboat and small engine fuels, import duties, and interest are collected and appropriated from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. These funds are apportioned to States and Territories based on a formula which includes land area, number of paid license holders, minimums and maximums. Learn about the economic benefits of the use of these funds.
Grants
States, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Insular Areas fish & wildlife agencies may apply for grants by contacting the specific WSFR Office or apply online at grants.gov.
Grant funds are disbursed to states for approved grants up to 75% of the project costs and insular areas up to 100% of the project costs.