Bill > HR5699

This bill seeks to reform the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) of the National Marine Fisheries Service to improve the accuracy and reliability of recreational fishing data collection. The legislation establishes a standing committee within the National Academies to regularly discuss recreational fisheries data collection, with a focus on reducing the percent standard error (PSE) in data collection. States will be empowered to develop their own recreational fishing catch and effort data collection programs, with the potential to receive grants to support these efforts. The bill introduces a new grant program to help states develop or improve their data collection methods, with priority given to applications that can reduce uncertainty in MRIP data for economically important or at-risk species. Additionally, the legislation mandates the development of a stock assessment plan, requires more transparent decision-making processes in fishery management councils, and establishes a program for independent entities to conduct fishery-independent surveys to estimate fish stock abundance. The bill aims to create more flexible, accurate, and locally-responsive approaches to recreational fishing data collection and management, ultimately supporting better scientific understanding and conservation of marine fisheries.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/5699/all-info