# 119-hr-5699: Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act of 2025 119-hr-5699, Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act of 2025, is a 119th Congress bill sponsored by Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5] (R-FL); status in_committee (as of 2026-05-02). - Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-5699 - As of: 2026-05-02 - Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts. ## Facts - Bill: 119-hr-5699 - Congress: 119 - Title: Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act of 2025 - Status: in_committee - Introduced: 2025-10-06 - Sponsor: Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5] (R-FL) - Cosponsors: 13 - Policy area: Public Lands and Natural Resources - Touches household money: no - Last recorded action: 2026-05-02 ## Summary **Rebuild recreational fishery data to make management more scientific and transparent.** This bill would remake the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), create a new state data program and grants, require independent fishery surveys, and embed National Academies oversight to cut data uncertainty and improve stock assessments. - States and local programs would get a standardized State Recreational Fishery Catch and Effort Data Collection program with a three-year calibration framework and a grant program that must start within 180 days and run with program direction through 2031. - Science and stock assessment processes would be strengthened by a codified stock assessment plan that must be issued within two years, expanded use of alternative data from fishermen and universities, and a new Fishery-Independent Surveys program with competitive contracts and annual reporting. - Transparency and independent oversight would increase through a National Academies standing committee, a one-year National Academies report on red snapper and survey use, and requirements for webcasts, recordings, searchable transcripts, and a public archive available within 30 days of meetings. ## Cosponsors (13) - Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8] (R-FL), 2025-11-17T00:00:00.000Z - Rep. Soto, Darren [D-FL-9] (D-FL), 2025-11-17T00:00:00.000Z - Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4] (R-MS), 2025-11-17T00:00:00.000Z - Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23] (D-FL), 2025-11-17T00:00:00.000Z - Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11] (R-FL), 2025-11-17T00:00:00.000Z - Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2] (D-LA), 2025-11-17T00:00:00.000Z - Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1] (R-GA), 2025-11-17T00:00:00.000Z - Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7] (R-SC), 2025-11-17T00:00:00.000Z - Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12] (R-FL), 2025-11-17T00:00:00.000Z - Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16] (R-FL), 2025-11-17T00:00:00.000Z - Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14] (R-TX), 2025-12-05T00:00:00.000Z - Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1] (D-NC), 2025-12-17T00:00:00.000Z - Rep. McDowell, Addison P. [R-NC-6] (R-NC), 2026-01-21T00:00:00.000Z ## Provisions PRIA read - Grants for state-run fishing data: benefit, medium. If enacted, NOAA would start a grants program within 180 days to help States run or improve recreational catch data. The bill would authorize $15 million each year for 2026–2031. NOAA would set universal standards and approve State programs that collect and report data in State and Federal waters.… - Independent fish surveys used in management: benefit, medium. If enacted, NOAA would hire independent groups through competitive contracts to estimate absolute fish abundance for key stocks. Survey results would be peer‑reviewed and, after consultation, could be used in management; NOAA would report to Congress each year on use. The National Academies, with t… - Regular stock assessments with clear schedules: benefit, medium. If enacted, the Secretary of Commerce would publish the first national stock assessment plan within 2 years. For most priority stocks, the plan would target updates about every 5 years; for unassessed priority stocks, an initial assessment within 3 years of plan publication, unless justified otherw… - More open fishery council meetings and advice: benefit, low. If enacted, Regional Fishery Management Councils would webcast non‑closed meetings when practical and post a recording or searchable transcript within 30 days. The Secretary would keep a public archive. Scientific and statistical committees would have to develop advice in a transparent way and allo… - Reforms to cut errors in angler data: mixed, medium. If enacted, NOAA would reform its recreational fishing data program to better fit regional and State needs and not weaken strong State surveys. When error rates hit 30% in a season wave or a State flags major problems, NOAA would consult an independent National Academies committee and publish a pla… ## Related bills - 119-hr-9877: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2026 - 119-hr-842: Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act - 119-hr-2102: Major Richard Star Act - 119-hr-909: Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025 - 119-hr-1229: United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025 - 119-hr-6130: ASAP Act ## Sources - [119-hr-5699 on Congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5699) ## Related - [119-hr-9877: Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2026](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-9877) - [119-hr-842: Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage A…](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-842) - [119-hr-2102: Major Richard Star Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-2102) - [119-hr-909: Crime Victims Fund Stabilization Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-909) - [119-hr-1229: United States-Israel Defense Partnership Act of 2025](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-1229) - [119-hr-6130: ASAP Act](https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-6130) - [All bills in Congress](https://policyrisk.com/legislation) Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/legislation/119-hr-5699 (as of 2026-05-02).