Rutherford Introduces Bipartisan Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Bill

November 19, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) introduced H.R. 5699, the Fisheries and Data Modernization and Accuracy Act of 2025, to better meet regional and state fishing needs, empower state management of recreational fisheries data programs, increase data transparency, and expand fishery-independent science.

Rutherford was joined by Representatives Darren Soto (FL-09), Mike Ezell (MS-04), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Troy Carter (LA-2), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Russell Fry (SC-07), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), and Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) in the House.

“For too long, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has relied on outdated data collection methods through the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), which has significantly overestimated recreational fishing activity,” said Rutherford. “In a 2023 study, NOAA acknowledged that MRIP has overestimated recreational fishing effort by 30 to 40 percent. These inflated numbers resulted in unnecessarily short seasons, abrupt fishery closures, and economic harm to coastal communities, even when stocks are healthy. We have seen firsthand how damaging short red snapper seasons have been for our coastal communities. That’s why I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Fisheries and Data Modernization and Accuracy Act to modernize data collection and accuracy of our fisheries so we can make better, more informed decisions about Florida’s recreational fishing seasons going forward. I’m committed to Making Fishing Great Again!”

"Florida’s fisheries are vital to our economy, our culture, and our way of life," said Soto. "We’re ensuring that fishermen, scientists, and coastal communities have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information possible to keep our fisheries strong and sustainable for future generations.”

“I’m proud to help lead the Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act because our coastal communities deserve fisheries data they can trust. This bill puts better tools in the hands of our states, increases transparency, and strengthens the science we rely on to manage our resources. When we improve the data, we improve the future of recreational fishing across the Gulf and the entire country,” said Ezell.

“Florida’s anglers and coastal communities deserve fisheries management that reflects what they actually see on the water. The Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act modernizes MRIP, elevates high-quality state data, and strengthens stock assessments. Together, these reforms reduce uncertainty, support fair seasons, and protect the coastal economy our families and local businesses rely on,” said Moskowitz.

“Floridians expect fisheries to be managed responsibly, with decisions guided by reliable and up-to-date data,” said Webster. “Yet for too long, flawed data has resulted in shortened seasons and increased uncertainty for anglers and coastal communities. This bill is a commonsense approach to improve the quality of data to ensure management of fisheries reflects the real health of stocks and gives states a stronger voice in the management of recreational fisheries.”

“For too long, federal fisheries management has been held back by outdated and inaccurate figures that simply don’t reflect what’s happening on the water. When federal data shows that recreational fishing effort has been overestimated by as much as 40 percent, it’s clear that the status quo is hurting both fishermen and coastal communities in Louisiana that depend on sustainable fisheries. The Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act finally brings our science and management tools into the 21st century. By empowering states to run their own high-quality data programs, expanding independent stock assessments, and increasing transparency across the board, this bill ensures we base decisions on reliable science—not guesswork. Better data means healthier fisheries, longer fishing seasons, and a stronger coastal economy. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting these long-overdue reforms," said Troy Carter.

“When fishery management decisions are based on highly uncertain data, the effects for fish stocks, anglers, businesses, communities and the economy can be unnecessarily severe,” said American Sportfishing Association. “ASA commends Congressman Rutherford for introducing the Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act, which is major step toward improving recreational fisheries data and improving confidence in scientific information used for fisheries management.

Background

This bill establishes a standing committee through the National Academies to advise on recreational fisheries science and improve transparency. It creates a grant program to assist states in establishing state-led data collection programs, prioritizing efforts that cover high-risk fisheries. It requires NOAA to create and regularly update stock assessment plans at least every five years for all priority stocks and report on missing data. The bill also directs NOAA to contract with independent entities, such as universities, to conduct absolute abundance surveys. Finally, this legislation increases transparency in fisheries science and decision-making by requiring scientific and statistical committees to allow public participation.

The Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act was endorsed by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), and the Center for Sportfishing Policy (CSP), Bonefish and Tarpon Trust (BTT), and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

Issues:Environment