Today, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries convened to discuss four bills related to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The proposed legislation addresses issues ranging from speed regulations for vessels to updates in fisheries data collection. Subcommittee Chairman Cliff Bentz (R-Ore.) provided a statement on the matter:

"The introduction of these pieces of legislation will continue our commitment to safeguarding our marine environments and the species that inhabit them. The bills we discussed today, if enacted, would continue to prevent NOAA from implementing regulations that would harm our fishing communities. These legislative measures ensure that any changes in regulations are grounded in sound scientific evidence and properly take into account their impact on our coastal communities."

H.R. 7925, known as the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act, was introduced by U.S. Rep. Anthony D'Esposito (R-N.Y.). This bill aims to improve access to data about United States waterways by mandating that the NOAA Administrator publish this information online. The goal is to enhance recreational experiences, encourage compliance with laws and regulations, and support vital industries.

H.R. 8704, introduced by U.S. Rep. Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), seeks to mitigate the impacts of NOAA's proposed expansion of vessel speed restrictions. The bill maintains the current rule limiting vessels 65 feet and longer to a 10-knot speed limit until December 31, 2030. It also establishes a grant program administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to deploy innovative technologies aimed at reducing harmful interactions between ocean users and species like the North Atlantic right whale.

H.R. 8705, titled the Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act, was put forward by U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-La.). This legislation reforms NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program by incorporating the best available science into fishery management decisions. It requires NOAA to form a standing committee with the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine for improved stock assessments and recreational fisheries data collection.

Lastly, H.R. 6841 was introduced by U.S. Rep Mark Levin (D-Calif.). This bill reauthorizes two programs aiding NOAA’s research efforts in protecting coastal communities and estuarine reserves effectively. It mandates that within five years of enactment, five additional national estuarine reserves be designated.

For further details on these legislative proposals, click here.