To provide for the standardization, publication, and accessibility of data relating to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways, and for other purposes.
About This Bill
Committee
Latest Action · March 6, 2024
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
The Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act directs the Secretary of Commerce to create standardized, publicly accessible maps and data showing restrictions and conditions on federal waterways and fishing areas. Within 31 months of enactment, the Secretary must develop data collection standards in consultation with stakeholders, and within 4 years must launch a public website displaying information about where watercraft are restricted, fishing closures, depth charts, navigation data, and other waterway access details. The bill requires the Secretary to update this data at least twice yearly for general restrictions and in real time for fishing closures, while partnering with state agencies, nonprofit organizations, private companies, and other federal agencies to ensure the information is accurate and compatible across different government databases. The law protects sensitive cultural and archaeological site information from public disclosure and clarifies that nothing in the act changes existing federal or state authority over waterways and fisheries. This legislation affects recreational boaters, fishermen, and the general public seeking to understand where they can legally access federal waterways.
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