Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
Latest action (25 Sep 2026): Became Public Law No: 119-116.
What this bill does
S. 759, the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act, directs the Secretary of Commerce to standardize and publicly publish geospatial data about recreational and fishing access to federal ocean waters. Within 31 months, the Secretary must develop data standards, in consultation with state and local governments, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations, for information on fishing restrictions and recreational boating access in the exclusive economic zone. Within four years, the Secretary must launch a publicly accessible website showing where fishing restrictions, marine protected areas, and vessel-use limits apply, along with navigation and depth data, updated periodically and, for certain items, in real time. The site must allow public comment and be designed for easy public use.
The bill primarily affects recreational boaters, anglers, divers, and federal agencies such as the National Marine Fisheries Service, which will compile and maintain the data. It exempts sensitive information, including archaeological sites, tribal waters, and proprietary commercial fishing data, from disclosure. The Act does not alter existing legal definitions of navigable waters, agency authority over fisheries or waterways, or tribal treaty rights.
The bill has passed both the Senate and House and now awaits the President's signature to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
This act directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to standardize and publish geospatial data related to public recreational use of federal waterways (e.g., boating and fishing).
Under the act, 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 act 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 act allows NOAA to coordinate and partner with nonfederal entities to carry out this act. 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.
Timeline
25 Sep 2026
Became Public Law No: 119-116.
Common questions
- What does S. 759 do?
- S. 759, the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act, directs the Secretary of Commerce to standardize and publicly publish geospatial data about recreational and fishing access to federal ocean waters. Within 31 months, the Secretary must develop data standards, in consultation with state and local governments, Indian Tribes, and Native Hawaiian organizations, for information on fishing restrictions and recreational boating access in the exclusive economic zone. Within four years, the Secretary must launch a publicly accessible website showing where fishing restrictions, marine protected areas, and vessel-use limits apply, along with navigation and depth data, updated periodically and, for certain items, in real time. The site must allow public comment and be designed for easy public use. The bill primarily affects recreational boaters, anglers, divers, and federal agencies such as the National Marine Fisheries Service, which will compile and maintain the data. It exempts sensitive information, including archaeological sites, tribal waters, and proprietary commercial fishing data, from disclosure. The Act does not alter existing legal definitions of navigable waters, agency authority over fisheries or waterways, or tribal treaty rights. The bill has passed both the Senate and House and now awaits the President's signature to become law.
- Has S. 759 become law?
- Yes. S. 759 has been enacted. Status last updated 25 Sep 2026.
- Who sponsored S. 759?
- S. 759 was sponsored by Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] (R-TX), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 759?
- Became Public Law No: 119-116. (25 Sep 2026).
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