The FishAmerica Foundation is the conservation and research foundation of the American Sportfishing Association. Fish America unites the sportfishing industry with conservation groups, government natural resource agencies, corporations, and charitable foundations to keep our fish and waters healthy. The foundation invests in local, hands on-projects that enhance fish populations, restore fish habitat, improve water quality and advance fisheries research to increase the opportunity for sportfishing success and ensure the future of fishing. Founded in 1983, FishAmerica has funded more than 1,000 projects valued at more than $11 million. From removing dams and reconnecting historical habitat for salmon in the northeast, to restoring critical habitat destroyed by hurricanes in the gulf states, to improving fish stocks in the Midwest, FishAmerica is helping to ensure a future for sportfish and sportfishing. FishAmerica does not implement the project. We are a pass-through organization that leverages funding from federal and non -federal sources to invest in fisheries projects. Applications are accepted throughout the year based on available funding and partnerships. They are first evaluated by FAF staff and our partners then sent to the FishAmerica committee whose members include fisheries biologists and members of the sportfishing and boating community, for final evaluation and approval. Among the many criteria for project selection, several key factors include the potential of the project to enhance sportfish resources including its ecological and socioeconomic benefits; the partnership, cooperation, and involvement of the local community and its volunteers, other organizations, and participating landowners: and the project’s cost effectiveness and the availability of matching/leverage funds.