Press Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Russell Fry (SC-07) applauded the final passage of his Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act (MAPOceans) by the United States Congress. The bill’s Senate companion, S. 759, advanced in the U.S. House of Representatives by voice vote. Rep. Fry introduced the legislation in May 2025 alongside Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49). Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced the Senate version of the bill.

“Americans should be able to easily access real-time information and enjoy our waterways safely and responsibly,” said Rep. Fry. “Anglers, recreational boaters, and all those who enjoy our coastal waterways will soon have easier access to consolidated information on rules, regulations, and navigational tools, making their time on the water safer and more enjoyable. I am proud to see this legislation head to the President’s desk, and I look forward to seeing t signed into law.”

“All Americans, from fishermen to boaters to small business owners, should have reliable and easy access to crucial information about our public waterways that can be used for business and recreational purposes,” said Rep. Levin. “The MAPOceans Act accomplishes exactly that. This legislation will provide information in real time on key topics such as watercraft restrictions and fishing regulations, making the waterways safer for everyone who enjoys them and supporting protection of these natural resources. I thank Rep. Fry for his partnership on this important bill, and I am proud to see it advance through Congress, on the way to become law.”

MAPOceans 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, MAPOceans 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 will:

• Provide real-time status updates on which waterways are open or closed to entry by 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 system (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 bill was endorsed by several recreational fishing and boating organizations, including: 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).

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