This bill reforms how the federal government collects and uses data on recreational fishing. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) must modernize its Marine Recreational Information Program to better meet regional and state needs, with help from a standing committee of experts that will regularly review fishing data collection issues. When data quality drops below acceptable standards—specifically when measurement error reaches 30 percent or higher for seasonal fisheries—NOAA must consult with this committee and develop a plan to either improve the data or adjust fishing management accordingly. States can now develop their own fishing data collection programs approved by NOAA and will receive grants to build or improve these programs, with state-collected data replacing federal data in management decisions. Additionally, the bill requires NOAA to create a schedule for regularly updating scientific assessments of fish populations and establishes a new program contracting with independent research entities to conduct surveys measuring fish abundance. The bill also increases transparency by requiring Regional Fishery Management Councils to record and publicly archive their meetings and to involve the public in scientific advice development.