Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

Improved Access to Information: The Secretary must make geographic information system data available on a publicly accessible website, providing information on fishing restrictions, open or closed areas for recreational activities, and restrictions on vessel propulsion or fuel (Section 4(a)).

Enhanced Safety and Navigation: The bill requires the publication of data regarding areas that may be closed for safety reasons, such as harmful algal blooms, as well as navigation information, bathymetric information, and depth charts (Section 4(a) and 4(b)).

Clearer Understanding of Protected Areas: The data will identify Federal marine protected areas, including National Marine Sanctuaries and national marine monuments, and describe which recreational activities are authorized in those areas (Section 4(a)(3)).

Improved Data Usability: The Act requires that the website be organized so that data is findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable, including a mechanism to update users when new data is available (Section 4(c)).

Public Engagement Opportunities: The Secretary is required to develop a process for members of the public to submit questions or comments regarding the data and its accessibility (Section 4(d)).

Restrictions on Information Disclosure: Certain sensitive information will not be made available to the public, specifically information regarding the nature, location, character, or ownership of historic, paleontological, cultural, or archaeological resources, as well as commercial fishing information (Section 4(f)).

Exclusions of Certain Waters: The data and authorities provided in the Act do not apply to any usual or accustomed fishing areas or Tribal waters (Section 4(g)).