Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
- Bill Number
- S. 759
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-09-11: Held at the desk.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-31T18:13:14Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act (S. 759) aims to standardize, publish, and make publicly accessible geospatial data related to fishing restrictions and recreational use of Federal waterways, particularly in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)—the area of ocean extending from the edge of U.S. territorial waters to 200 nautical miles offshore. This promotes safer and more informed public outdoor recreation, such as boating, diving, and fishing, while respecting existing laws and tribal rights.
Key Provisions
- Definitions (Sec. 2): Establishes clear terms, including "exclusive economic zone" (U.S. ocean jurisdiction up to 200 nautical miles), "fishing restriction" (e.g., closures, no-catch zones, or limits on fishing methods in federally managed fisheries), "recreational vessel" (pleasure boats under 300 gross tons), and references to Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, and nonprofits.
- Data Standardization (Sec. 3): Requires the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with states, local governments, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations, to develop standards within 31 months for coordinating and sharing geospatial data (digital mapping information) on fishing restrictions, recreational vessel use in the EEZ, and access to Federal waters.
- Data Publication and Accessibility (Sec. 4):
- Within 4 years, the Secretary, through the National Marine Fisheries Service, must publish geographic information system (GIS) data on a public website covering:
- Fishing restrictions and areas open/closed to recreational activities like boating and diving (e.g., due to safety issues like harmful algal blooms).
- Vessel restrictions (e.g., limits on motorized propulsion or horsepower).
- Federal marine protected areas (e.g., National Marine Sanctuaries) and allowed activities within them.
- Navigation aids like charts, depth measurements, and bathymetric data (underwater topography).
- Data must be organized to be easily findable, accessible, interoperable (compatible across systems), and reusable.
- Includes a public comment process for feedback and a notification system for updates.
- Updates: Biannual for most data; real-time for boundaries and protected areas.
- Prohibits disclosure of sensitive information, such as archaeological sites or commercial fishing details.
- Excludes Tribal waters and traditional fishing areas.
- Cooperation and Coordination (Sec. 5): Authorizes partnerships with non-Federal entities (e.g., states, Tribes, nonprofits, universities, private tech firms) and interagency collaboration (e.g., with Interior, Defense, EPA, Coast Guard) to ensure data compatibility. Emphasizes compliance with Federal, state, and Tribal laws.
- Rule of Construction (Sec. 6): Clarifies that the Act does not alter definitions of "navigable waters," agency jurisdictions, fisheries management, Tribal consultation requirements, or treaty rights.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces mandatory timelines and standards for publishing GIS data on recreational access and restrictions in the EEZ, which were previously not centralized or uniformly accessible.
- Builds on existing laws like the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (for fisheries) but adds new requirements for public-facing data dissemination without changing core regulatory authorities.
- Enhances interoperability among Federal databases, promoting better integration than under prior fragmented systems.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Increases coordination burdens for the Department of Commerce (especially National Marine Fisheries Service) and other agencies, potentially improving efficiency in data sharing but requiring new resources for website maintenance and updates.
- Citizens: Recreational users (e.g., boaters, divers, anglers) gain easier access to real-time safety and access information via a single website, reducing risks from outdated or scattered data and encouraging safer ocean use.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as it focuses on U.S. EEZ management; however, standardized data could indirectly support international maritime cooperation by improving U.S. navigation and conservation transparency.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Secretary of Commerce, National Marine Fisheries Service, Coast Guard, EPA, and others involved in ocean mapping and enforcement.
- State and Local Governments: Consulted for standards and data contributions, benefiting from interoperable systems for coastal management.
- Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian Organizations: Protected from data application in their waters; involved in consultations to safeguard traditional rights.
- Recreational Users and Nonprofits: Boaters, divers, fishing groups, and environmental nonprofits gain from accessible data for planning and advocacy.
- Private Sector and Academia: Tech firms, data experts, and universities can partner in development, potentially fostering innovation in geospatial tools.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces existing Federal authority over the EEZ without expanding it, while explicitly preserving Tribal sovereignty and treaty rights (e.g., under the Indian Self-Determination Act), avoiding potential challenges under constitutional protections for Native rights.
- Constitutional: Aligns with the Commerce Clause by facilitating interstate and ocean commerce through better navigation data; no apparent conflicts with states' rights, as it emphasizes coordination rather than preemption.
- Political: Promotes bipartisan goals of recreation access and environmental safety, potentially reducing conflicts over fishing closures by increasing transparency; however, implementation costs and Tribal exemptions could spark debates on equity and funding in Congress.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]
Recent Actions
- 2025-09-11: Held at the desk.
- 2025-09-11: Received in the House.
- 2025-09-11: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2025-09-10: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S6556; text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR S6556)
- 2025-09-10: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-07-16: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 117.
- 2025-07-16: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-40.
- 2025-07-16: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Reported by Senator Cruz with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. With written report No. 119-40.
- 2025-03-12: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- 2025-02-26: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2025-02-26: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act — issued 2025-09-10 — PDF (12 pages)
- Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act — issued 2025-02-26 — PDF (8 pages)
- Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act — issued 2025-07-16 — PDF (18 pages)