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119-s-759119th Congress

Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

Sponsored By: Senator Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

Became Law

Summary

Creates public, standardized maps of fishing restrictions and vessel access across U.S. federal waters. The law directs the Department of Commerce to set data standards, publish GIS layers within 4 years, and keep the data interoperable and updated for public and agency use.

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  • Families and recreational boaters get clear, online maps showing areas open or closed to recreation, motorized-propulsion and vessel-type rules, and access in the exclusive economic zone. Those GIS layers must be published within 4 years and kept current.
  • Fisheries managers, scientists, states, and partners gain interoperable geospatial data to coordinate rules and enforcement. Agencies must maintain updates at least twice yearly for some layers and provide real-time updates for others.
  • Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations retain treaty and other rights. The law excludes Tribal waters and "usual and accustomed" Tribal fishing areas and bars disclosure of sensitive cultural or proprietary commercial fishing information.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Public ocean maps for boaters and anglers

The law creates a public GIS website for the U.S. exclusive economic zone. Within 4 years, it shows fishing closures, vessel and engine limits, and areas open or closed to recreation. It lists marine protected areas and allowed activities, and keeps navigation and depth data easy to find and reuse. Boundaries for restrictions and protected areas update in real time; other conditions and navigation/depth data update at least twice a year. Within 31 months, shared data standards are set with States, Tribes, and local partners. The Secretary can partner with States, Tribes, colleges, nonprofits, and private experts, and coordinates with other federal agencies so databases work together. The site offers user alerts and a way to ask questions and comment.

Protections for Tribal rights and sensitive data

The law does not publish Tribal waters or usual and accustomed Tribal fishing areas. It keeps Tribal treaty rights, agency powers over navigable waters, and required government-to-government consultation in place. It blocks online release of sensitive historic, cultural, or archaeological site details and proprietary commercial fishing data. It also defines key terms so rules are clear.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cruz, Ted [R-TX]

TX • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]

    ME • I

    Sponsored 2/26/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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