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S. 759: Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

119th Congress · introduced 2025-02-26 · Transportation and Public Works · Latest: Became Public Law No: 119-116.

federal

What does this mean?

Official title

Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

Plain 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.

Congressional Research Service summary (Public Law), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

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PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Public Law)

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Officials and money

Sponsor: Sen. Cruz, Ted [R-TX] · 1 cosponsors

Money: CBO cost estimate: S. 759, Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act (2025-07-10) No linked contracts or vendors yet.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong119-s759 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong119 · updated 2026-11-03 by psicol fed-bills