Interior Department cancels $14M fishing grant following Senate investigation, sparking concern in the $230B outdoor industry.

Federal Grant Canceled After Spending Concerns

The U.S. Department of the Interior has canceled a multi-year, $14 million annual grant to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), a nonprofit dedicated to promoting fishing, boating, and outdoor activities. The decision follows scrutiny by the Senate DOGE leadership, who flagged concerns over the nonprofit’s expenditures, including contracts for advertising on Disney streaming platforms and high executive salaries.

According to federal data, the RBFF received more than $26 million recently and $164 million since 2012. The group’s "Take Me Fishing" campaign, designed to boost fishing participation through media outreach, social campaigns, and mobile events, has been a central focus of the funding. However, a review found that large sums went to digital marketing contracts—including a $1.99 million deal with Disney and millions more for SEO consulting and creative agencies—as well as executive compensation in the mid-to-high six figures.

Senate DOGE Caucus Chairwoman Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, called the grant "Washington waste" and praised Secretary Burgum’s efforts to ensure taxpayer money is spent responsibly. "I am proud to have exposed bloated overhead costs and worked with Secretary Burgum to ensure tax dollars collected to boost fishing are not siphoned into the pockets of slick D.C.-based consultants," Ernst said. Interior Department officials confirmed the decision, stating, “Under President Donald J. Trump’s leadership, we are ensuring that every taxpayer dollar serves a clear purpose and aligns with our core mission.”

Industry Leaders Warn of Economic Fallout

Outdoor industry leaders and RBFF officials strongly criticized the move, warning it will harm the $230 billion recreational fishing economy. RBFF highlighted that, since the funding pause, fishing license sales have dropped 8.6% across 16 states, costing the industry over $590 million in angler spending and 5,600 jobs. Matt Gruhn, president of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, said the grant’s termination would undercut efforts to recruit and retain anglers, disrupt license and registration processes, and diminish support for habitat conservation.

Glenn Hughes, CEO of the American Sportfishing Association, echoed these concerns, noting that the grant—originally funded by a self-imposed tax on fishing equipment—has underpinned the industry’s growth for decades. The RBFF’s "Take Me Fishing" initiative, launched in 1998, has reportedly driven more than $230 billion in economic impact since its inception.

RBFF said it had proposed reforms, including reducing staff and re-aligning investments, but struggled to engage with Interior officials during the grant review process. A spokesperson for Interior countered that the department had met with RBFF representatives several times.

Looking Ahead

The decision to end the grant marks a significant shift in federal support for the outdoor industry. While the administration emphasizes fiscal discipline and stewardship of taxpayer resources, critics argue the cancellation risks weakening fishing participation and the broader outdoor economy. As the debate continues, both policymakers and industry groups are watching closely to see how the loss of funding will affect conservation, recreation, and American jobs in the years ahead.