WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and Ted Cruz (R-TX) have introduced legislation to modernize information on public oceans to improve public safety and provide navigation guidance. The bipartisan Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans (MAPOceans) Act would require the federal government to standardize and digitize information about ocean recreation and navigation. This would create a one-stop shop that would help to ensure sportsmen and women can recreate in a safe and responsible manner.

“Maine’s Atlantic coastline is an incredible natural treasure, and one that attracts outdoor enthusiasts from around the country and world,” said Senator King, Vice Chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus. “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.”

“For many Texans and Americans who enjoy recreational fishing and boating, it can be difficult to find simple and reliable information about access to waterways and restricted areas,” said Senator Cruz. “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.”

Senator King is among the Senate’s leading voices for advocating our nation’s outdoor recreation and conservation. In 2022, his bipartisan bill to modernize park and public land mapping was signed into law. He also helped lead the passage the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) into law; the legislation includes the Restore Our Parks Act — a bill led by Senator King — and the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Permanent Funding Act. The historic legislative package continues Senator King’s career-long focus on conservation efforts, dating back to his work prior to running for elected office through his years as Governor and his service in the Senate. Over the course of his time in the Blaine House, Governor King was responsible for conserving more land across Maine than all Governors before him combined. 

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