After the Department of the Interior terminated its grant, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation may have an opportunity to reestablish its programs later this year with a new round of funding.

“A new notice of funding for the grant has been posted, and RBFF is currently reviewing its options for applying,” Stephanie Vatalaro, senior vice president of strategy and operations, told Trade Only Today. “Proposals are due Aug. 17, and grantees will be notified Oct. 1. As of right now, all RBFF programs are on hold.”

A months-long battle by industry groups to retain RBFF’s funding, as reported by Trade Only Today in May, ended when the Department of the Interior ended RBFF’s funding, which is derived from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund through excise taxes collected from the sale of fishing tackle, licenses and boat fuel.

In a statement, RBFF outlined its successes in growing boating and fishing participation in the U.S. since its formation in 1998. The statement also points to losses in participation already seen since the organization lost its funding.

“In just the past few months since RBFF’s funding has been terminated, fishing license sales are down 8.6% across 16 states that report to the national dashboard, representing an estimated loss of over $590 million in angler spending and 5,600 jobs,” the statement said. “These figures signal that the industry and the economic activity it drives could be at risk.”

RBFF has devised a plan, the statement said, that “it believes would meet the goals and priorities of the administration. We are eager for the opportunity to meet with [ the Department of Government Efficiency] and DOI to share our plan and incorporate feedback.”