Senate Passes King-led Bipartisan Bill to Improve Ocean Navigation and Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C. -The U.S. Senate passed bipartisan legislation to improve ocean navigation and safety in federal waters. The Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act (MAPOceans) led by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, and Ted Cruz (R-TX), would modernize mapping information on public oceans to improve public safety and provide navigation guidance through a user-friendly smartphone app. If passed into law, the MAPOceans Act would create a one-stop shop that would help to ensure sportsmen and women can recreate in a safe and responsible manner.

"Maine's Atlantic coastline is an incredible natural treasure that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the country," said Senator King. "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."

"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," said Senator Cruz. "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."

Senator King is among the Senate's leading voices for conservation of our nation's outdoor treasures. In 2022, his bipartisan MAPLand bill to modernize park and public land mapping was signed into law. He also helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation includes the Restore Our Parks Act - a bill led by Senator King - and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Permanent Funding Act. The historic legislative package continues Senator King's career-long focus on conservation efforts, dating back to his work prior to running for elected office through his years as Governor and his service in the Senate. Over the course of his time in the Blaine House, Governor King was responsible for conserving more land across Maine than all Governors before him combined.

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