Navigation tools like chartplotters and mapping apps help anglers find structure, fish and their way around the water. However, anglers fishing on federal waterways must also navigate complex rules and regulations.
From watercraft restrictions to regulations on tackle to catch-and-release only fishing, federal waterways are covered by ever-changing laws. And Federal agencies don’t always make this information easy to access, either. For example, specific restrictions on fishing and boating on National Wildlife Refuges are scattered across dozens of pages uploaded in the Code of Federal Regulations.
Senators Barrasso (R-WY) and King (I-ME) recently introduced the MAPWaters Act, which will make these regulations far more accessible, and able to be integrated onto your chartplotter, fish finder or navigation app. The legislation will also direct agencies to digitize the locations of boat ramps and access points – helping anglers find new fishing spots.
Call on your Senator to improve federal mapping data and support the MAPWaters Act.
