§6873 Data Consolidation and Publication

Summary

Within 5 years after December 26, 2025, each Secretary must convert federal-waterway rules and maps into digital GIS files and post them online, as much as possible. The online data must show when and why waterways are open or closed (including inspection or decontamination rules, low-flying aircraft, or diving), seasonal closure dates, areas with limits on motorized use (propulsion, horsepower, or fuel), anchoring/no-wake/exclusion/danger/speed zones, travel-direction rules (upstream or downstream), and which uses are allowed or banned in each area. It must also show locations of boat ramps, portages, and fishing access sites with their open/closed dates, and, if feasible, bathymetry and depth charts. Fishing maps must show boundaries of closures and no-take zones (including around marine protected areas), limits on gear or bait, and catch-and-release rules. The Secretaries must set up a way for the public to ask questions or comment about the waterways and access information. The restriction and access data must be updated at least twice a year. Fishing restriction data must be updated in real time when changes go into effect. The rule does not apply to irrigation canals or flowage easements. Any published data must not reveal information about historic, paleontological, or archaeological resources, in line with existing law.