Federal · S. 759, Public Law 119-116
New law directs NOAA to publish online maps of federal fishing restrictions and boating rules offshore
Signed Sept. 25, 2026
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The short version
- The law requires the Commerce Department (through NOAA Fisheries) to publish map (GIS) data showing where and when federal fishing restrictions apply in the U.S. exclusive economic zone. That zone generally runs from 3 to 200 miles offshore.
- The website must also show areas open or closed to recreational boating and diving, limits on motors, horsepower or fuel, and federal marine protected areas, along with which activities are allowed in each.
- NOAA has 31 months to adopt data standards and 4 years to put the data online. Boundaries of restricted areas must be updated "in real time," and other data at least twice a year.
- The Senate passed it by unanimous consent and the House by voice vote. It was signed September 25, 2026.
- Status
- Signed into law Sept. 25, 2026 as Public Law 119-116. NOAA has 31 months to adopt data standards and 4 years to publish the data.
- Official source
- Congress.gov: S.759, Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act (Public Law 119-116)
Enrolled bill text
What it does
- Standards. Within 31 months, the Secretary of Commerce must develop and adopt standards for geospatial data on fishing restrictions, use of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by recreational vessels, and access to federal waters. This is done in consultation with state and local governments, tribes and others. (Enrolled text, sec. 3)
- Public website. Within 4 years, NOAA Fisheries must publish GIS data showing:
- the conditions under which fishing restrictions apply, and areas open or closed to recreational boating and diving, including for safety reasons such as harmful algal blooms
- limits on motorized propulsion, horsepower or fuel
- boundaries of restricted areas
- federal marine protected areas, such as National Marine Sanctuaries, and what activities are allowed in each
- Fishing restriction includes full, partial or seasonal closures, no-catch zones and limits on catch methods in federally managed fisheries. (Enrolled text, sec. 2)
- Updates. Data on restricted-area boundaries and protected areas must be updated “in real time.” Other data must be updated at least twice a year. The site must let users get notified of new data and submit questions or comments. (Enrolled text, sec. 4(c)–(e))
- Not disclosed: locations of historic or archaeological resources, and commercial fishing or proprietary information. (Enrolled text, sec. 4(f))
Who it affects
Recreational anglers, boaters and divers who go into federal waters, including off the South Carolina coast, and NOAA Fisheries. (Enrolled text)
What it means for you
Nothing changes about the rules themselves. The law is about making existing federal restrictions easier to find on a map. Until the site is built, check NOAA Fisheries and the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council for current federal rules, and SCDNR for state waters.
How it passed
The Senate passed it by unanimous consent on September 10, 2025, and the House by voice vote on September 14, 2026. It was signed September 25, 2026. (Congress.gov actions)
Current status
Law since September 25, 2026 (Public Law 119-116). (Congress.gov)
Sources
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Every statement above is drawn from the official source text linked here; section references are shown in grey. This is a plain-English summary, not legal advice. Spot an error? Tell us.