MAPWaters Act of 2025

This bill mandates the standardization and public online publication of geospatial data related to public outdoor recreational use of Federal waterways and fishing restrictions, aiming to enhance public access to this information. It requires the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to jointly develop interagency standards for collecting and disseminating this data, thereby improving compatibility and interoperability among Federal databases.

Within five years, the Secretaries must digitize and make publicly available online comprehensive geographic information system data. This includes detailed information on Federal waterway restrictions, such as conditions for entry, seasonal closures, restrictions on motorized propulsion or vessel types, and permissible watercraft activities. Additionally, data will cover Federal waterway access and navigation information, including the locations and operational dates of boat ramps, portages, fishing access sites, and bathymetric details.

The legislation also mandates the publication of GIS data on Federal fishing restrictions, detailing the location and boundaries of closures, no-take zones, equipment or bait restrictions, and catch-and-release requirements. This fishing data must be updated in real-time, while other data will be updated at least twice annually, and a public comment process will be established for waterway information. To achieve these goals, the Secretaries may partner with non-Federal entities and the U.S. Geological Survey.

The bill clarifies that it does not alter the definition of "navigable waters," affect agency jurisdiction over waters or fisheries, or change the accessibility of waters for recreation as of the enactment date. Annual reports on progress will be submitted to Congress.