# Plain Language Summary: Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

This bill is about making it easier for people to find out what they can and can't do in America's ocean waters. Right now, information about fishing rules, boating restrictions, and protected marine areas is scattered across different government websites and databases, making it hard for recreational boaters, fishermen, and divers to know where they're allowed to go. This bill requires the federal government to create one centralized, easy-to-use online map showing all the rules and restrictions for recreational activities in federal ocean waters (the area extending 200 miles off the coast).

The bill gives the Department of Commerce about four years to build a public website with interactive maps showing where fishing is restricted, which areas are open or closed to recreational boating, what types of boats are allowed in different zones, and where marine protected areas like National Marine Sanctuaries are located. The maps will also include navigation information like depth charts to help boaters stay safe. This information will be updated at least twice a year for most data, with some updates happening in real time. The goal is to make the data organized, easy to find, and accessible to anyone with internet access—whether you're planning a fishing trip, taking your boat out, or just curious about ocean regulations.

The bill protects sensitive information by preventing the government from publishing details about archaeological sites, cultural resources, or commercial fishing operations' proprietary data. It also specifically protects Native American tribal fishing rights and waters, making clear that tribal territories aren't affected by these new rules. The government will work with states, tribes, universities, tech companies, and nonprofit organizations to build and maintain this system, ensuring the information is accurate and useful for everyone who uses America's public oceans.