The FFA has spent 11 years delivering a highly celebrated, custom-designed fishing education and life skills program to over 18,508 Palm Beach County elementary, middle and high school students. At its heart, the Angling For a Healthy Future curriculum is an environmental awareness initiative that teaches children - tomorrow's boaters, anglers and environmental stewards - to enjoy Florida's fragile marine resources in a way that preserves the ecosystem for generations to come. The program also arms these kids with the tools and knowledge to resist the temptations of the streets and to gain a richer appreciation for our local waters. Some even use what we teach them to pursue jobs in the marine industries. To date, FFA has helped over 320 students find jobs and certified 152 students as American Red Cross lifeguards. In 2017 alone, the FFA had 3,750 students of all ages participate in its camps and weekend events.

This year, FFA was able to complete building a fun, interactive public-messaging Mobile Marine Lab. With this new hands-on educational program, students explore a working model of Florida's watershed, the effects of pollution and beach erosion and how it relates to the marine-life food chain. They have the opportunity to hold various marine critters in a touch tank, and participate in an oil spill clean-up activity. These activities will explore the importance of water quality, conservation and a healthy marine environment.

Website: floridafishingacademy.com

It's all about introducing kids to fishing and our marine environment! Since 1988, the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation, along with the assistance of volunteers and important community partners like the Marine Industries Association of Palm Beach County has conducted an annual Kid's Fishing Day Program. Each year, hundreds of less fortunate, at-risk and special needs children from throughout Palm Beach County experience what most of us take for granted, a day of boating and fishing on the ocean. It takes three days and 12 separate drift boat trips to get all the kids on the water. More importantly, because of this program's strong educational component, the kids learn all about our marine environment and why we need to protect it. This is accomplished through a variety of hands-on educational stations based on land, which includes the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission's Marine Touch Tank.

To date, over 10,000 special kids have participated in this heartwarming community outreach event. The program is free of charge to those who participate and is made possible each year through the generosity of many sponsors and volunteers. Each child receives an event t-shirt, lunch, drinks, dessert, and an official certificate of participation. If that wasn't enough, every kid goes home with a brand new fishing rod and reel. 'Big fish' awards are presented to those lucky enough to catch the largest fish on each drift boat trip. Of course, each child walks away with special memories of a fun day on the water and a better understanding of our unique marine environment. For many, this ocean adventure is a first time experience. Seeing flying fish, sea turtles and large oceanic predators like sharks is a thrill not soon forgotten! We believe programs like our Kid's Fishing Day help build better citizens and environmental stewards for the future.

NPBRC is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization formed in January, 2007, by rowers, coxswains, coaches and friends who are committed to spreading our love of the sport throughout south Florida. They do this by sharing the athletic, health, educational and social benefits of rowing through classes, programs, and outreach. Additionally, the NPBRC works with the community to enhance the recreational quality of local waterways and contribute to the vibrant south Florida culture.

Learn to row programs are open to the public and provide a fun, safe way to learn how to row under the watchful supervision of coaches and adult members. Youth teams are open to middle and high school students, ages 12-18. NPBRC's teams compete successfully around the country. Its Youth Program is open to students from any area school. Masters teams are open to area adults who want to learn the sport, enjoy our waterways, or participate in local and national regattas. The NPBRC has both competitive and recreational groups. No prior experience is necessary.

Website: npbrc.com

The West Palm Beach Fishing Club annually produces one of the largest and most popular "KDW style" tournaments in South Florida. The event is called the Palm Beach County KDW Classic and is headquartered at the Riviera Beach Municipal Marina each year on the first Saturday following the Memorial Day holiday weekend. This one-day tournament is fun, affordable and very family oriented. There are cash payouts eight places deep for the heaviest kingfish, dolphin and wahoo, plus ten cash prizes for junior anglers! There are plenty of other ways to win and the event also features a huge raffle.Tournament proceeds support the marine conservation and youth education initiatives of the non-profit West Palm Beach Fishing Club and the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation. kdwclassic.com.

The mission of SGF is to aid in the protection and preservation of current fish populations for future generations by facilitating coordination between anglers, researchers, and policy makers. The organization supports unbiased and responsible fishery and marine regulations and conservation, preservation, restoration, and enhancement of estuarine and coastal water habitats. Its primary service project, the Angler Action Program (AAP), has blossomed into the premier recreational angler data collection platform on the planet, with multiple partners and platforms. Through the AAP, SGF has given an unprecedented voice in the management of our fisheries. If you would like to become involved or make a contribution, please join SGF today. Or contact brett@snookfoundation.org, or call 561 707 8923.

Website: snookfoundation.org