§6883 Data Publication and Accessibility

Summary

The Secretary, through the Director of the Office of Science and Technology at the National Marine Fisheries Service, must put digital map data on a public website no later than 4 years after September 25, 2026. The maps must show, for the U.S. exclusive economic zone, where recreational boating, diving, and fishing are open or closed and why (including safety reasons like harmful algal blooms); areas with limits on motorized propulsion, horsepower, or fuel; which vessel types are restricted where; the exact boundaries of fishing-restricted zones; and Federal marine protected areas (like National Marine Sanctuaries and monuments) with the activities allowed in each. The Secretary must also keep providing navigation maps, bathymetry, depth charts, and similar data and, when possible, put those on the same website. The website must make the data easy to find, use, and link with other systems, and must offer a way for users to get updates. The Secretary must set up a way for the public to ask questions or send comments and must work on improving access. The maps for closures, vessel rules, and navigation must be refreshed at least twice a year; boundaries and protected-area activity info must be updated in real time. The Secretary must not publish locations or details about historic, cultural, paleontological, or archaeological resources, or proprietary commercial fishing information. These rules do not apply to Tribal waters or usual and accustomed Tribal fishing areas.