BFHOF continues scholarship program

The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame (BFHOF) has announced the second year of its Fishery Management Scholarship Program. Recognizing the critical role of fishery management professionals in ensuring the health and vibrancy of bass fisheries across the U.S. and Canada, the program aims to provide financial support and encouragement to high school and college bass anglers pursuing careers in this vital field.

Up to $15,000 will be awarded in June 2024 to selected applicants. Applications are now open and can be submitted through the BFHOF website: https://www.bassfishinghof.com/

“Many fishery management agencies face a growing need for qualified individuals who possess both a deep understanding of the science behind fishery management and a passion for the sport of bass fishing,” said BFHOF Board President John Mazurkiewicz. “Spearheaded by Gene Gilliland and our dedicated Conservation/Education Committee, this scholarship program aligns perfectly with the Hall’s mission of celebrating, promoting and preserving the sport by investing in the future of healthy fisheries, accessible waters and clean aquatic ecosystems.”

High school seniors committed to enrolling in a four-year college or university program and undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in a four-year college, university, or accredited graduate program are eligible. Students must have a declared or planned major in biology, aquatic ecology, fisheries, marine science or a closely related natural resources field.

Application requirements are a short essay outlining career goals in natural resources and describing the applicant’s dream agency job, proof of membership in a recognized bass fishing organization or valid fishing license and a completed BFHOF Fishery Management Scholarship Program application form.

Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of distinguished individuals involved in fishery management across the U.S. and Canada. The panel includes Phil Morlock, Director of Government Affairs for the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association; Chris Horton, Senior Director of Fisheries Policy for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation; Ross Self, Chief of Inland Fisheries for the South Carolina DNR; and Dr. Mark Rogers, Tennessee Cooperative Fishery Research Unit Leader at Tennessee Tech University.

The application deadline is April 15, 2024.

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