PHOTO BY SPIRITOFAMERICA - STOCK.ADOBE.COM U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), a member of the senate committee on energy and natural resources, and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), have introduced legislation to modernize information about public oceans. The Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act would require the federal government to standardize and digitize information about ocean recreation and navigation.
“Maine’s Atlantic Coast is an incredible natural treasure, and one that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the country and world,” King, vice chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, said in a statement. “The bipartisan MAPOceans Act would combine all the available information about ocean recreation and navigation into a one-stop shop containing information about ocean recreation and navigation that you can hold in the palm of your hand. From deep-sea anglers to sailors, this legislation ensures that every person seeking adventure in Maine has the opportunity to do so safely and responsibly.”
Cruz said that for boaters, finding simple, reliable information about access to waterways and restricted areas can be difficult. “I am pleased Sen. King has joined me in this bipartisan effort to ensure fishery information is easily and centrally accessible, so anglers and boaters can focus on enjoying America’s beautiful waterways instead of wading through confusing data sources,” Cruz stated in the statement.
