H.R. 3340: Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

H.R. 3340 is a public-information bill for people who use federal ocean waters recreationally. It tells the Commerce Department to create common geospatial data standards for fishing restrictions, boating access, and recreational vessel use offshore.

Then it requires NOAA to make that information public on a website within 4 years. The site would need to show where fishing is restricted, which areas are open or closed to boating or diving, where harmful algal blooms trigger safety closures, and what limits apply to engines, fuel, or vessel types.

The bill also covers practical navigation details like depth charts, bathymetric data, and other navigation information. It says the data should be findable, reusable, and easy to update, and it requires a public process for questions and comments.

The timing rules are stricter than a typical study bill. General access and restriction data must be updated at least twice a year, while geographic boundaries and federal marine protected area data must be updated in real time.

Just as important, the bill says what it does not do. It does not expand fisheries authority, change navigable waters rules, replace Tribal consultation, or affect treaty rights, and its mapping authorities do not apply to Tribal waters or usual and accustomed fishing areas.