H.R. 3340: Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

This bill, titled the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act, aims to enhance the availability and standardization of data related to recreational use of federal waterways. The bill's main objectives include:

Data Standardization

The Secretary of Commerce, with input from various stakeholders like state governments and Native organizations, is instructed to develop and adopt standards for the coordination and dissemination of geospatial data concerning:

• Fishing restrictions in federally managed fisheries.
• Use of the exclusive economic zone by recreational vessels.
• Access to federal waters by such vessels.

Data Publication and Accessibility

Within four years of the bill's enactment, the Secretary must ensure the availability of geospatial information on a publicly accessible website. This data should include:

• Conditions for fishing restrictions and areas open or closed to recreational activities.
• Areas with restrictions on recreational vessel use, including motorized propulsion limits.
• Types of recreational vessels restricted in specific areas.
• Geographic boundaries for fishing restrictions and identification of marine protected areas, including what is allowed within these areas.

Navigation Data

The bill also mandates the continued availability of digitized navigation-related data, which must include:

• Navigation information.
• Bathymetric information.
• Depth charts.

Data Accessibility and Public Interaction

The Secretary is required to organize the data to ensure it is:

• Findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable.
• Supported by a mechanism that alerts users when new data is available.

Additionally, a process will be developed to allow public comments or questions regarding the data and its accessibility.

Updates and Nondisclosure

The Secretary must update the relevant data at least twice a year, with some information updated in real-time. However, certain sensitive information—such as details about archaeological resources and proprietary commercial fishing data—will be kept confidential.

Cooperation and Coordination

The bill allows the Secretary to partner with various non-federal entities, including states, tribes, and non-profit organizations, as well as experts and private sector entities involved in technology and geospatial data. There is also an emphasis on interagency coordination among different federal bodies to ensure data compatibility and interoperability related to recreational use of waterways.

Applicability of Laws

The bill clarifies that the data shared is subject to existing federal, state, and tribal laws and regulations.

Rule of Construction

Lastly, the bill reaffirms that it does not alter existing definitions or the authority of federal or state agencies over navigable waters or fisheries management, nor does it affect treaty rights of Indian Tribes.

Relevant Companies

None found.