Press Releases

Reps. Russell Fry (SC-07) and Mike Levin (CA-49) Introduce MAPOceans Act to Enhance Access to Recreational Waterway Data

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressmen Russell Fry (SC-07) and Mike Levin (CA-49) introduced the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans (MAPOceans) Act, legislation that will modernize public access to vital data about U.S. waterways. By requiring the Secretary of Commerce to digitize and display real-time marine data through GPS and smartphone applications, the bill aims to improve the recreational experience for boaters and anglers, support safe and legal activity on the water, and strengthen coastal economies.

Building on the success of the MAPLand Act (2022) and the MAPWaters Act (which passed the House in January 2025), the MAPOceans Act would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to consolidate, standardize, and digitize public information about U.S. marine waters and make that information easily accessible in real time.

Specifically, the bill would:

• Provide real-time status updates on which waterways are open or closed to entry or watercraft, low-elevation aircraft, or diving.

• Digitize restrictions related to motorized propulsion, fuel type, and specific types of watercraft (e.g., motorboats, kayaks, personal watercraft, airboats, ships).

• Display fishing regulations and restrictions, including no-take zones, marine protected areas, and rules about specific equipment or bait (such as circle hooks or descending devices).

• Publish continuously updated geographic information (GIS) data on navigation, bathymetric information, and depth charts.

• Require the Department of Commerce to partner with non-federal entities—including states, Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, private industry, data experts, and academic institutions—to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.

“The MAPOceans Act is a commonsense bill to help Americans enjoy our nation’s waters and coastlines more safely and responsibly,” said Congressman Fry. “Whether you’re a fisherman or a boater, this bill gives individuals the easily accessible real-time information they need and ensures that Americans who rely on our waterways—whether for work or recreation—have the tools to access and enjoy our natural resources.”

“Our district is home to terrific coastal waters that offer recreational and economic benefits to our entire region,” said Congressman Levin. “Every resident and visitor should be able to easily access clear information about how to responsibly enjoy these areas. This bipartisan bill will help ensure that’s the case while promoting the long-term protection of these natural resources. I look forward to working with Rep. Fry to advance this important legislation through the House.”

Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Angus King (I-ME) reintroduced the bill in the Senate, where it passed the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee by voice vote in March 2025.

The bill has received endorsements from the following organizations: South Carolina Boating & Fishing Alliance, American Sportfishing Association, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, International Game Fish Association, Center for Sportfishing Policy, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), and National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

“Boaters and anglers want to follow the rules, but too often those rules are buried in scattered websites or outdated PDFs,” said President and CEO of the South Carolina Boating & Fishing Alliance Gettys Brannon. “For a coastal state like South Carolina, where access to our waterways drives tourism, supports small businesses, and defines our way of life, the MAPOceans Act will bring clarity to the chaos. It gives the public one clear source to understand where they can fish, anchor, or operate. It’s a long-overdue fix that makes federal waterways more accessible and more manageable for everyone on the water. We thank Congressman Fry for his leadership on this important legislation.”

“The MAPOceans Act will provide many benefits for the millions of saltwater anglers who fish our nation’s marine waters every year,” said President and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) Glenn Hughes. “This legislation will ease access to information on federal fishing regulations through navigation tools and mapping applications, helping anglers and boaters stay up-to-date with changing regulations and opportunities. ASA and the recreational fishing industry thank Representatives Fry and Levin for their leadership of this legislation, which will simplify access to a wide range of recreational information, allowing anglers to feel confident they’re in compliance with the law as they’re heading out on the water.”

“America’s incredible saltwater recreation opportunities should be easily enjoyed by all,” said President and CEO of the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership Joel Pedersen. “The MAPOceans Act will help simplify boating and recreational fishing information by digitizing not easily accessible regulations and making them readily available to the public. TRCP thanks Representatives Fry and Levin for their leadership to introduce and advance this important public access legislation.”

"Accurate charts are one of the basic safety tools for all boaters,” said Government Affairs Manager for Boat Owners Association of The United States, BoatUS David Kennedy. “The MAPOceans Act will ensure the information collected by federal agencies will get on the chart plotters, mobile devices and even paper charts that boaters rely upon."

"The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) applauds the introduction of the MAPOceans Act, which would provide recreational boaters and anglers with more easily accessible resources and information to enjoy America’s waterways in a responsible and safe way,” said NMMA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer. “NMMA appreciates Representatives Fry and Levin’s support of the $230 billion recreational boating community and their steadfast leadership on this issue."

Several organizations also submitted this letter.

Congressman Fry serves on both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and X pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov.