NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc.

05/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/20/2026 09:20

Fisheries and Marine Technology Investments in CJS Spending Bill Applauded by NMMA

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS), led by Chairman Hal Rogers (R-KY-05) and Ranking Member Grace Meng (D-NY-06), advanced its last week. NMMA applauds the advancement of the legislation, which includes several provisions that support improving and expanding access for recreational boating and fishing.

The CJS appropriations bill provides annual funding for NOAA, the primary federal agency responsible for the management, science, conservation, and oversight of the nation's marine fisheries. The bill, and its accompanying report, include several important provisions that support improved fisheries science, protect public access, strengthen state partnerships and promote practical conservation solutions instead of one-size-fits-all restrictions.
Two of the key provisions in the funding package include:
  • $10 million in new grants focused on reducing whale strikes, namely through detection technologies, improved communication systems, and better data infrastructure.
  • $5 million to continue implementation of the Recreational Angler Partnership Improvement Directive (RAPID). This is a commitment to moving beyond the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) system that often provided flawed data on fishing activity.
Passage of the CJS subcommittee package is one step in the FY27 appropriations process. Even though more work remains ahead, inclusion of these provisions reflects growing recognition of the power of boating and fishing across the United States and the voice of those within it.
NMMA will continue working with members of Congress and industry partners to advance these provisions and more in the appropriations bill. To learn more about the CJS spending package, or the broader appropriations process, please reach out to Cameron Nelson, NMMA's Senior Manager of Federal Affairs, at [email protected].
NMMA - National Marine Manufacturers Association Inc. published this content on May 20, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 20, 2026 at 15:20 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]