S. 759 · Signed into law · Transportation and Public Works

Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

What it does

Directs NOAA to publish geospatial data on public recreational use of federal waterways, including boating and fishing restrictions, within four years of enactment.
Requires NOAA to consult with state and local governments, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations to develop standards for coordination and dissemination of geospatial data on fishing restrictions and recreational vessel use.
Requires NOAA to provide geographic information system data identifying locations of fishing restrictions, exclusive economic zone recreational vessel restrictions, and federally protected areas on a public website.
Authorizes NOAA to coordinate and partner with nonfederal entities to carry out the bill's requirements.

Official summary

Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to publish geospatial data related to public recreational use of federal waterways (e.g., boating and fishing). Under the bill, NOAA must consult with relevant stakeholders (including state and local governments, Indian tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations) to develop and adopt standards for the coordination and dissemination of geospatial data relating to fishing restrictions and recreational vessels' use of federal waterways, including the exclusive economic zone of the United States (EEZ). (The EEZ generally includes waters between 3 and 200 miles seaward from the U.S. coastline.) Within four years after the bill is enacted, NOAA must provide geographic information system data on a public website that identifies and describes the locations where and conditions under which certain recreational activities are restricted in federal waterways. Specifically, the website must identify (1) locations where fishing restrictions are imposed, (2) areas in the EEZ with restrictions on specified recreational vessel types, and (3) federally protected areas (e.g…

Latest action

Sep 25, 2026: Became Public Law No: 119-116.

Committee: Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation