Modernizing access to federal waters: digital maps and fishing rules.
This Act aims to create a single, easily accessible website with digital maps and data concerning federal waterways. Citizens will gain clear information on where and when they can boat, dive, use specific watercraft, and where fishing restrictions or bans apply. This will simplify planning water recreation by providing up-to-date data on access rules and safety.
Key points
New, standardized data: The government must develop standards for collecting and disseminating data related to public recreational use of federal waterways and fishing restriction areas.
Public map access: Within 4 years, a public website with GIS maps will be established, showing where and what restrictions apply (e.g., engine bans, no-wake zones, speed limits, types of permitted watercraft).
Up-to-date fishing information: The website will include real-time (or very frequent) updates on fishing closure zones, seasonal restrictions, and gear requirements (e.g., circle hooks).
Improved navigation: Navigation information, bathymetric data (depth), and depth charts will continue to be publicly available on the same website, facilitating safe movement on the water.
Expired
Citizen Poll