Technical corrections only. The diff between v1 and v2 reflects procedural updates, including the addition of new sponsors and committee reporting information. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill's text.
Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7]
- Committees
- Natural Resources Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 23, 2026
Bottom line
The Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act aims to enhance transparency and accessibility of federal ocean data for recreational users, streamlining information on regulations and access points.
What it actually does
This bill mandates the Secretary of Commerce to standardize and publish geospatial data related to public outdoor recreational use of federal waterways, specifically within the exclusive economic zone. It requires the creation of a publicly accessible website providing information on fishing restrictions, recreational vessel use limitations, and authorized activities in marine protected areas, while also ensuring the data is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill will significantly improve public access to critical information regarding federal waterways, making it easier for recreational boaters, divers, and anglers to understand regulations and navigate the exclusive economic zone safely and legally. They contend that standardizing and centralizing this data will reduce confusion, enhance compliance, and promote responsible use of marine resources, ultimately boosting outdoor recreation and supporting related economies.
Opponents contend
Critics, if any, might express concerns about the potential administrative burden and cost associated with developing and maintaining such a comprehensive, real-time data system across multiple agencies. They might also raise questions about data privacy, particularly regarding the collection and dissemination of recreational vessel use data, or the potential for misinterpretation of complex regulations if not presented carefully.
The bill is concise and clearly structured, allowing a reader to grasp its core provisions and implications within a reasonable timeframe.
Section 3
Standardization of Geospatial Data
This provision requires the Secretary of Commerce to develop and adopt standards for coordinating and sharing geospatial data. This data will cover fishing restrictions, how recreational vessels use the exclusive economic zone, and their access to federal waters. The goal is to ensure consistency and ease of use across different data sources.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that standardized data is crucial for effective information dissemination, preventing conflicting information and ensuring that all stakeholders are working from a common, reliable dataset.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against data standardization in principle, though concerns might arise about the resources required or the complexity of achieving true interoperability across diverse datasets.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies in balancing the need for comprehensive standards with the practical challenges and resource demands of implementing them across various agencies and data types.
Section 4
Publicly Accessible Geospatial Data Website
This section mandates the creation of a public website to host geographic information system (GIS) data. This data will include details on fishing restrictions, areas open or closed to recreational activities like boating and diving, restrictions on vessel types or propulsion, and information about federally protected marine areas. The website must be designed for easy access, interoperability, and regular updates, with a mechanism for public feedback.
Section 5
Interagency and Non-Federal Partnerships
This provision authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to collaborate with a wide range of non-federal entities, including states, tribes, private sector, and academic institutions, to carry out the Act's objectives. It also mandates interagency coordination with other federal departments like Interior, Defense, and EPA to ensure that federal databases related to ocean mapping and recreational use are compatible and interoperable.
Prohibits the disclosure of information regarding the nature, location, character, or ownership of historic, paleontological, cultural, or archaeological resources, as well as commercial fishing proprietary information, in the publicly available GIS data.
Section 4(f)
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to protect sensitive information, balancing transparency with security and privacy concerns.
Case for: Protects valuable cultural heritage sites from potential damage or looting and safeguards proprietary business data, which is essential for maintaining trust with commercial entities.
Case against: While generally accepted, some might argue that broader access to certain non-proprietary commercial fishing data could aid in understanding overall ocean use patterns, though the bill protects *proprietary* information.
Estimated impact: Protects potentially millions of dollars in cultural resources and ensures the privacy of commercial fishing operations, which collectively represent billions in economic activity.
States that the data publication authorities granted by this section shall not apply with respect to any usual or accustomed fishing areas or Tribal waters.
Section 4(g)
Why it matters:This is a critical protection for Tribal sovereignty and existing rights, often included as a "rule of construction" or specific exclusion to ensure federal actions do not inadvertently infringe upon them.
Case for: Essential for respecting the sovereign rights of Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations, ensuring that federal data initiatives do not undermine their traditional practices or jurisdiction over their waters and resources.
Case against: No direct opposition, as this provision upholds established legal principles regarding Tribal sovereignty. Some might argue that a lack of data in these areas could create gaps in a comprehensive national dataset, but this is generally outweighed by the need to respect Tribal rights.
Estimated impact: Preserves the autonomy and traditional practices of numerous Indian Tribes and Native Hawaiian organizations across significant coastal and marine areas.