The U.S. Senate has passed the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans (MAPOceans) Act, a bipartisan bill designed to improve access to information for recreational fishermen and boaters in federal waters. The legislation was introduced by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Angus King (I-Maine).
The MAPOceans Act will standardize and digitize mapping information related to recreational fishing restrictions, boating access, and other recreational uses in federal ocean waters. This data will be made available through a smartphone app, allowing users to easily find up-to-date information on where they can fish or boat.
Senator Cruz explained the motivation behind 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.”
Senator King also highlighted the benefits for his home state: “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.”
The MAPOceans Act follows in the footsteps of the MAPLand Act passed in 2022, which required standardized digital maps for hunting access on public lands but did not include federal ocean fisheries.
The bill was reintroduced earlier this year before advancing out of the Senate Commerce Committee.
