119-HR-3340 Journalist Public Summary
119 · HR 3340 Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
A bipartisan House bill would require NOAA to build unified, regularly updated public maps and data standards showing where boating, fishing, and other recreation are allowed in federal ocean waters, with safeguards for tribal rights and sensitive information. As of January 22, 2026, it cleared the House Natural Resources Committee by unanimous consent and awaits a House floor vote.
Public Summary — Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act (H.R. 3340, 119th Congress)
Headline Summary: A bipartisan proposal to create a single, easy-to-use public website and data standards that map where recreational boating, fishing, diving, and similar activities are allowed in U.S. federal ocean waters, and how those rules change over time.
What It Does: The bill directs the Department of Commerce (through NOAA) to set common data standards within 31 months and, within 4 years, publish a public, searchable map and downloadable GIS data for the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone. The site would show openings and closures, restrictions on vessel types or propulsion, and what activities are allowed in marine protected areas. It must include navigation, depth, and bathymetry layers; be easy to find and reuse; and notify users when data change. Updates are required at least twice a year for most datasets and in near‑real time for area boundaries and allowed uses. It bars disclosure of sensitive cultural/archaeological sites and proprietary commercial fishing data, respects Tribal waters and usual and accustomed fishing areas, and clarifies that it doesn’t change existing federal, state, or Tribal authorities.
Who’s For It:
- Sponsors: Rep. Russell Fry (R‑SC), Rep. Mike Levin (D‑CA), and Rep. Jimmy Panetta (D‑CA), signaling bipartisan backing.
- House Natural Resources Committee advanced it by unanimous consent on January 22, 2026, indicating broad committee support.
- Supporters generally argue it will reduce confusion for boaters and anglers, improve safety, and make federal data easier to find and use.
Who’s Against It:
- No recorded committee opposition as of the January 22, 2026 markup.
- Potential concerns raised in similar policy debates include: risking exposure of sensitive cultural sites or ecologically fragile areas; over‑centralizing data that may quickly change; and ensuring Tribal sovereignty is respected. The bill includes nondisclosure provisions and explicit protections for Tribal waters to address these risks.
What’s Next: As of January 22, 2026, the bill was ordered reported by the House Natural Resources Committee. The next step is scheduling a House floor debate and vote. If it passes the House, it would move to the Senate for consideration. The timelines in the bill (31 months and 4 years) start only if and when it is enacted into law.
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