Congress mandates public ocean maps so you know where you can fish and boat
H.R. 3340 — Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act · Filed by Russell Fry (R-SC) · 15 cosponsors · Introduced May 13, 2025 · Reported out
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What it does
This bill requires the Department of Commerce to create and publish standardized, publicly accessible maps and data showing fishing restrictions, recreational boating zones, and navigation information in U.S. ocean waters (the exclusive economic zone) within 4 years. The data will show where fishing is closed, where recreational boating is allowed, depth charts, and marine protected areas, while protecting sensitive information like archaeological sites and commercial fishing proprietary data. The bill aims to help recreational boaters, fishers, and the public understand where they can legally access federal waters.
Why we flagged it
The bill's core mechanism is mandating standardized, publicly accessible geospatial data on fishing restrictions and recreational water access. It is fundamentally a transparency and information-access measure, not a regulatory change or subsidy.
What the text implies
- Standardized data may reduce barriers to entry for recreational fishing and boating, potentially increasing participation and demand for related services (boat rentals, fishing guides, equipment).
- Real-time updates on fishing restrictions and marine conditions could shift where recreational users concentrate, affecting local tourism and coastal communities unevenly.
The full analysis lists 4 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
geospatial data technology companies; recreational boating and fishing industries; tourism and hospitality sectors in coastal regions