The MAPWaters Act of 2025 aims to improve public access to federal waterways by standardizing, digitizing, and publishing data on waterway restrictions, access points, and fishing regulations, while ensuring data privacy and collaboration with external partners. This act requires annual reports to Congress on the progress of these efforts.
Blake Moore
Representative
UT-1
The MAPWaters Act of 2025 aims to improve public access to federal waterways by standardizing and digitizing data related to waterway restrictions, access points, and fishing regulations. It directs federal agencies to create consistent data standards, publish geographic data online, and collaborate with external partners to enhance data collection and dissemination. The Act requires annual reports on progress and clarifies that it does not alter existing authorities related to water regulation, fisheries management, or recreational access.
| Party | Total Votes | Yes | No | Did Not Vote |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Republican | 217 | 211 | 0 | 6 |
Democrat | 215 | 202 | 0 | 13 |
MAPWaters Act to Digitize Waterway Access: Boaters and Anglers Get Real-Time Data by 2030
The Modernizing Access to our Public Waters Act of 2025 (MAPWaters Act) is all about making it easier to know where you can go, and what you can do, on federal waterways. Instead of sifting through confusing rules, this bill mandates a digital, one-stop shop for info on waterway access, restrictions, and fishing regulations, managed by the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior. Think of it as Google Maps, but specifically for boaters and anglers.
Making Waves: Data Standardization and Publication
Within 30 months, the MAPWaters Act requires federal agencies like the National Park Service and the Forest Service to standardize their data on waterway access and fishing rules (SEC. 3). This means that all the different ways agencies currently track this information will be unified into a single, consistent format. No more deciphering different rules from different agencies. By 2030, this standardized data will be available online in a geospatial (map-based) format (SEC. 4). This includes details like:
- Waterway Restrictions: Where you can and can't go, seasonal closures, motor restrictions (like no-wake zones), and even what types of watercraft are allowed (SEC. 4).
- Access Points: Locations of boat ramps, portages, and fishing access sites, along with their opening and closing dates (SEC. 4). Imagine a family planning a fishing trip: they can easily see where to launch their boat and if it’s open.
- Fishing Regulations: Real-time updates on fishing restrictions, closures, and catch-and-release requirements (SEC. 4). This is crucial for anglers to avoid fines and fish responsibly.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: Collaboration and Reporting
The bill allows for collaboration with state agencies, tribes, and even private companies to collect and publish this data (SEC. 5). This could mean faster updates and more accurate information, leveraging the expertise of various groups. The bill does have safeguards to prevent the release of sensitive information, such as the location of archeological sites (SEC. 4). The agencies must also report annually to Congress on their progress, ensuring accountability until March 30, 2034 (SEC. 6). This keeps the pressure on to get the job done and provides transparency.
Staying the Course: No Changes to Existing Laws
Importantly, the MAPWaters Act doesn't change any existing laws about navigable waters or fishing rights (SEC. 7). It simply focuses on making information about those laws more accessible. This means that existing regulations and authorities remain in place, but the public will have a much easier time understanding and following them.
Real-World Ripples: Potential Challenges
While the MAPWaters Act promises a lot of benefits, there are some potential challenges. The accuracy of the data is crucial. If the online information is wrong or outdated, it could lead to boaters getting stranded or anglers accidentally violating fishing regulations. The bill allows for public comments and questions, which is a good start, but the agencies need to be responsive to those concerns (SEC. 4). Also, while collaboration with private companies can be helpful, there's always a slight risk of preferential treatment or influence. The bill doesn't specifically address how to prevent this, so it's something to watch. Overall, though, the MAPWaters Act seems like a solid step toward making our waterways easier to navigate, both literally and figuratively.