NMMA Applauds Passage of MAPOceans Act

On September 14, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 759, the bipartisan Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans (MAPOceans) Act. This is an important step toward giving boaters and anglers clearer, more accessible information about America's marine waters-a top priority for the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and partners across the recreational boating, fishing and conservation communities. The bill now heads to President Trump's desk for his signature.

The MAPOceans Act directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to modernize the availability of geospatial data covering federally managed marine waters and fisheries.

"Access to America's public waters starts with giving boaters and anglers clear, accurate information about where they can go and how they can safely enjoy time on the water," said Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA President and CEO. "The MAPOceans Act brings federal marine data into the 21st century by making important information about access, navigation, fishing regulations, and waterway restrictions easier to find and use."

The MAPOceans Act also advances the goals of NMMA's Waterways Access Initiative, which is focused on protecting and improving Americans' ability to enjoy the nation's public waters. Meaningful access is about more than having a boat ramp, marina, or dock-it also means knowing where you can go, how to get there, and what rules apply once you are on the water. By making federal waterway information easier to find and use, MAPOceans complements broader efforts to improve recreation infrastructure, reduce barriers to boating and ensure public waters remain accessible for generations to come.

The MAPOceans Act builds upon broader efforts to modernize outdoor recreation information, including the 2022 MAPLand Act and the 2025 MAPWaters Act. Together, these initiatives help to bring federal recreation and access information into modern mapping platforms so Americans can more easily understand and enjoy opportunities on public lands and waters.

The bipartisan legislation was championed by Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Angus King (I-Maine) and Representatives Russell Fry (R-S.C.) and Mike Levin (D-Calif.), and NMMA appreciates their efforts to protect and expand access to America's public waters.