The "Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act" aims to improve public access to coastal and ocean areas by standardizing and publishing geospatial data related to fishing restrictions and recreational vessel use in the exclusive economic zone. The Secretary of Commerce will work with relevant stakeholders to develop and adopt data standards and make the information publicly accessible through a website. The Act also emphasizes cooperation and coordination with non-Federal entities and ensures the applicability of Federal, State, and Tribal laws and regulations. It clarifies that it does not alter the definition of "navigable waters" or impact the jurisdiction or authority of regulatory agencies.
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., National Marine Sanctuaries). NOAA must also continue to provide digitized navigation information related to the EEZ and make the information available on the website to the extent practicable.
The bill allows NOAA to coordinate and partner with nonfederal entities to carry out this bill. It also directs NOAA to work with other federal agencies to ensure compatibility and interoperability among federal databases with respect to collecting and disseminating geospatial data related to the public outdoor recreational use of the EEZ.
