Senate Clears Cruz-King Bill Making It Easier to Know Where You Can Fish Recreationally

MAPOceans Act publishes info to help recreational fishermen navigate federal waters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans (MAPOceans) Act, bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Angus King (I-Maine). The bill would standardize and digitize mapping information on recreational fishing restrictions, boating access, and recreational use in federal waters. Much like the MAPLand Act, a 2022 law that expanded access to information for hunting on public lands, the MAPOceans Act ensures that recreational fishermen, boaters, and the public can access clear, up-to-date information on federal ocean fisheries through a user-friendly smartphone app. This effort will improve safety, reduce confusion, and make it easier for millions of Americans to enjoy saltwater recreation.

MAPOceans Act was reintroduced in February and advanced out of the Senate Commerce Committee the following month.

As Sen. Cruz said upon Senate passage of the bill:

"Recreational fishing and boating are a favorite pastime of many families who cherish the outdoors. But far too often, a relaxing day on the water can turn into a frustrating time when you can't navigate waterways and restricted areas. That is why I introduced MAPOceans Act, alongside Sen. King, to ensure fishery information is easily and centrally accessible. This is commonsense legislation, and I urge my House colleagues to take up this legislation so anglers and boaters can spend more time enjoying America's beautiful waterways instead of deciphering confusing data sources."

Sen. King, Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, said:

"Maine's Atlantic coastline is an incredible natural treasure that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the country. The bipartisan, and now Senate-passed, MAPOceans Act combines all the available information about ocean recreation and navigation into a one-stop resource - a phone app - containing information about ocean recreation and navigation. From deep-sea anglers to sailors and lobstermen, this legislation ensures that every person seeking adventure in Maine can do so safely and responsibly."

Read the full text of the bill here.

Background:

In the 117th Congress, the Modernizing Access to Our Public Lands Act (or MAPLand Act), led by Sens. Angus King (I-Maine) and Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and cosponsored by Chairman Cruz, was signed into law, requiring the federal government to standardize and digitize information showing access boundaries for hunting and fishing. This allowed the public to better understand where and when they could access public lands for hunting and fishing. However, the MAPLand Act did not include data on America's federal ocean fisheries.

###