H.R. 3718

[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3718 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>

119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3718

To reauthorize and amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act, and for other purposes.

_______________________________________________________________________

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

June 4, 2025

Mr. Huffman (for himself, Mr. Moylan, and Mr. Case) introduced the 
following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Natural 
Resources, and in addition to the Committee on Agriculture, for a 
period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for 
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the 
committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

A BILL

To reauthorize and amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act, and for other purposes.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Sustaining America's Fisheries for 
the Future Act of 2025''.

SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
Sec. 3. References.
Sec. 4. Definitions.
Sec. 5. Gender neutral language.
Sec. 6. Conforming amendments to table of contents of Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
TITLE I--CLIMATE-READY FISHERIES

Sec. 101. Findings, purposes, and policy.
Sec. 102. Promoting climate resilience in fisheries management.
Sec. 103. Incorporating climate science.
Sec. 104. Climate-ready fisheries innovation program.
Sec. 105. Managing shifting stocks of fish.
Sec. 106. Emerging fisheries.
Sec. 107. Report regarding inshore and shallow water mobile gear 
fishing.
TITLE II--SUPPORTING FISHING COMMUNITIES

Sec. 201. Subsistence fishing.
Sec. 202. Working Waterfronts Grant Program.
Sec. 203. Seafood marketing.
Sec. 204. Community participation in limited access privilege programs.
Sec. 205. Findings.
TITLE III--STRENGTHENING PUBLIC PROCESS AND TRANSPARENCY

Sec. 301. Tribal representation on Pacific Fishery Management Council.
Sec. 302. Tribal representation on North Pacific Fishery Management 
Council.
Sec. 303. Atlantic Councils.
Sec. 304. Council procedures and participation.
Sec. 305. Council accountability and membership.
Sec. 306. Western Pacific Sustainable Fishery Fund.
Sec. 307. Council staff and administration.
Sec. 308. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration sexual 
harassment and assault prevention.
TITLE IV--MODERNIZING FISHERIES SCIENCE AND DATA

Sec. 401. Data modernization.
Sec. 402. Expanding and improving electronic technologies.
Sec. 403. Stock assessments.
Sec. 404. Cooperative research and management.
Sec. 405. Northeast regional pilot research trawl survey and study.
Sec. 406. Recreational data consistency.
Sec. 407. Emergency operating plans.
Sec. 408. Zeke Grader Fisheries Conservation and Management Fund.
Sec. 409. Offshore wind collaboration.
Sec. 410. Shark populations analysis.
TITLE V--SUSTAINING FISHERIES THROUGH HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS AND IMPROVED 
MANAGEMENT

Sec. 501. Sense of Congress.
Sec. 502. Essential fish habitat consultation.
Sec. 503. Reducing bycatch.
Sec. 504. Improving rebuilding outcomes.
Sec. 505. Overfished fisheries and preventing overfishing.
Sec. 506. Preparation and review of Secretarial plans.
Sec. 507. Councils.
Sec. 508. Forage fish conservation.
Sec. 509. Funding for monitoring implementation of Northeast 
Multispecies Fishery Management Plan.
Sec. 510. Highly migratory species.
TITLE VI--INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

Sec. 601. Conservation Commissioner of Atlantic Tunas Convention.
Sec. 602. Conservation Commissioner of Western and Central Pacific 
Fisheries Convention.
Sec. 603. Conservation Commissioner of Inter-American Tropical Tuna 
Commission.
Sec. 604. Application of annual catch limit and accountability measures 
requirement.
Sec. 605. Authorization of appropriations.

SEC. 3. REFERENCES.

Except as otherwise expressly provided, wherever in this Act an 
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to, or repeal 
of, a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to 
be made to a section or other provision of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.).

SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

In this Act:
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration.
(2) Council.--The term ``Council'' has the meaning given 
the term in section 3 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1802).
(3) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
of Commerce.

SEC. 5. GENDER NEUTRAL LANGUAGE.

(a) The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 
(16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) is amended by striking ``prepared by him'' 
each place such term appears and inserting ``prepared by the 
Secretary''.
(b) Each of the following provisions is amended by striking ``he'' 
each place such term appears and inserting ``the Secretary'':
(1) Section 201(h)(2) (16 U.S.C. 1821(h)(2)).
(2) Section 204(b) (16 U.S.C. 1824(b)).
(3) Section 305(c)(1) (16 U.S.C. 1855(c)(1)).
(4) Section 306(b)(2) (16 U.S.C. 1856(b)(2)).
(c) Each of the following provisions is amended by striking ``his'' 
each place such term appears and inserting ``the Secretary's'':
(1) Section 3(39) (16 U.S.C. 1802(39)).
(2) Section 204(b)(9) (16 U.S.C. 1824(b)(9)).
(3) Section 306(b)(1) (16 U.S.C. 1856(b)(1)).
(4) Section 308(a) (16 U.S.C. 1858(a)).
(d) Section 201(e)(1)(D) (16 U.S.C. 1821(e)(1)(D)) is amended by 
striking ``he'' and inserting ``such Secretary''.
(e) Section 201(i) (16 U.S.C. 1821(i)) is amended by striking 
``his'' and inserting ``such Governor's''.
(f) Section 203(c)(5)(C) (16 U.S.C. 1823(c)(5)(C)) is amended by 
striking ``his'' and inserting ``the minority leader's''.
(g) Sections 204(b)(4)(A) and 302(c)(1)(D) (16 U.S.C. 1824(b)(4)(A) 
and 1852(c)(1)(D)) are each amended by striking ``his'' and inserting 
``such Secretary's''.
(h) Subsections (b)(1)(B) and (c)(1)(A) of section 302 (16 U.S.C. 
1852(b)(1)(B) and (c)(1)(A)) are each amended by striking ``his'' and 
inserting ``such director's''.
(i) Section 302(c)(1)(B) (16 U.S.C. 1852(c)(1)(B)) is amended by 
striking ``his'' and inserting ``such commander's''.
(j) Section 302(c)(1)(C) (16 U.S.C. 1852(c)(1)(C)) is amended by 
striking ``his'' and inserting ``such executive director's''.
(k) Section 302(f)(4) (16 U.S.C. 1852(f)(4)) is amended by striking 
``he'' and inserting ``the Administrator of General Services''.
(l) Section 302(j)(4) (16 U.S.C. 1852(j)(4)) is amended by striking 
``his or her'' and inserting ``such individual's''.
(m) Section 302(j)(7)(D) (16 U.S.C. 1852(j)(7)(D)) is amended by 
striking ``he or she'' each place such term appears and inserting 
``such individual''.
(n) Section 309(a) (16 U.S.C. 1859(a)) is amended by striking 
``he'' and inserting ``such person''.
(o) Section 311(b)(1)(A)(i) (16 U.S.C. 1861(b)(1)(A)(i)) is amended 
by striking ``he'' and inserting ``such officer''.
(p) Section 311(b)(2) (16 U.S.C. 1861(b)(2)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``he'' and inserting ``such person''; and
(2) by striking ``his'' and inserting ``such person's''.

SEC. 6. CONFORMING AMENDMENTS TO TABLE OF CONTENTS OF MAGNUSON-STEVENS 
FISHERY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT ACT.

The table of contents is amended to read as follows:

``TABLE OF CONTENTS

``Sec. 2. Findings, purposes, and policy.
``Sec. 3. Definitions.
``Sec. 4. Authorization of appropriations.
``TITLE I--UNITED STATES RIGHTS AND AUTHORITY REGARDING FISH AND 
FISHERY RESOURCES

``Sec. 101. United States sovereign rights to fish and fishery 
management authority.
``Sec. 102. Highly migratory species.
``TITLE II--FOREIGN FISHING AND INTERNATIONAL FISHERY AGREEMENTS

``Sec. 201. Foreign fishing.
``Sec. 202. International fishery agreements.
``Sec. 203. Congressional oversight of international fishery 
agreements.
``Sec. 204. Permits for foreign fishing.
``Sec. 205. Import prohibitions.
``Sec. 206. Large-scale driftnet fishing.
``Sec. 207. International monitoring and compliance.
``TITLE III--NATIONAL FISHERY MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

``Sec. 301. National standards for fishery conservation and management.
``Sec. 302. Regional fishery management councils.
``Sec. 303. Contents of fishery management plans.
``Sec. 304. Action by the Secretary.
``Sec. 305. Other requirements and authority.
``Sec. 306. State jurisdiction.
``Sec. 307. Prohibited acts.
``Sec. 308. Civil penalties and permit sanctions.
``Sec. 309. Criminal offenses.
``Sec. 310. Civil forfeitures.
``Sec. 311. Enforcement.
``Sec. 312. Transition to sustainable fisheries.
``Sec. 313. North Pacific fisheries conservation.
``Sec. 314. Northwest Atlantic Ocean fisheries reinvestment program.
``Sec. 315. Regional Coastal Disaster Assistance, Transition, and 
Recovery Program.
``Sec. 316. Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program.
``Sec. 317. Shark feeding.
``Sec. 318. Cooperative Research and Management Program.
``Sec. 319. Herring Study.
``Sec. 320. Restoration Study.
``Sec. 321. Required possession of descending devices.
``Sec. 322. Increasing resilience of stocks of fish to climate change.
``TITLE IV--FISHERY MONITORING AND RESEARCH

``Sec. 401. Registration and information management.
``Sec. 402. Information collection.
``Sec. 403. Observers.
``Sec. 404. Fisheries research.
``Sec. 405. Incidental harvest research.
``Sec. 406. Fisheries systems research.
``Sec. 407. Gulf of Mexico red snapper research.
``Sec. 408. Deep sea coral research and technology program.
``Sec. 409. Recreational data improvement program.''.

TITLE I--CLIMATE-READY FISHERIES

SEC. 101. FINDINGS, PURPOSES, AND POLICY.

Section 2 (16 U.S.C. 1801) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
``(2) Certain stocks of fish have declined to the point 
where their survival is threatened, and other stocks of fish 
have been so substantially reduced in number that they could 
become similarly threatened as a consequence of--
``(A) increased fishing pressure;
``(B) inadequate fishery resource conservation and 
management practices and controls;
``(C) direct and indirect habitat losses that 
result in a diminished capacity to support existing 
fishing levels; or
``(D) changing environmental conditions, including 
those associated with climate change.'';
(B) in paragraph (6), by striking ``to insure 
conservation,'' and inserting ``to ensure conservation, 
to account for the impacts of environmental changes on 
stocks of fish,'';
(C) by amending paragraph (9) to read as follows:
``(9) One of the greatest long-term threats to the 
viability of commercial and recreational fisheries is the 
continuing degradation of marine ecosystems, including the loss 
of marine, estuarine, and other aquatic habitats, including as 
a result of changing environmental conditions associated with 
climate change. Habitat and ecosystem considerations should 
receive increased attention for the conservation and management 
of fishery resources of the United States.''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(14) Environmental changes associated with climate 
change, including changes in water temperature, ocean 
acidification, and deoxygenation, are rapidly altering the 
abundance, productivity, and distribution of fish and are 
affecting commercial, recreational, and subsistence fisheries.
``(15) The impacts of climate change on fish and their 
habitats are resulting in management and sustainability 
challenges that threaten to negatively impact marine 
ecosystems, fishery resources, and coastal communities.
``(16) Many factors beyond the direct impacts of fishing 
can contribute to a decline in abundance of a stock of fish, 
resulting in depleted stocks of fish and threatening the 
stability of ecosystems and fishing communities, including 
climate change, pollution, habitat and watershed degradation, 
inadequate freshwater resources, and industrial uses of the 
ocean. The designation of a stock of fish as overfished 
indicates that it is depleted and management actions are 
necessary to allow the stock of fish to rebuild, regardless of 
the cause of depletion.'';
(2) in subsection (b), by amending paragraph (5) to read as 
follows:
``(5) to establish Regional Fishery Management Councils to 
exercise sound judgement in the stewardship of fishery 
resources through the preparation, monitoring, and revision of 
such plans under circumstances--
``(A) which will enable the States, the fishing 
industry, consumer and environmental organizations, and 
other interested persons to participate in, and advise 
on, the establishment and administration of such plans;
``(B) which take into account the social and 
economic needs of the States; and
``(C) which address the impacts of environmental 
conditions associated with climate change on stocks of 
fish, marine ecosystems, fisheries management, and 
coastal communities;''; and
(3) in subsection (c)--
(A) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(B) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the 
end and inserting a semicolon; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) to promote management that accounts for changes in 
stocks of fish and the marine environment that result from 
climate change; and
``(9) to ensure that the research, resource management, and 
expenditures to prepare fisheries and fishing communities for 
climate change include indigenous, insular, and coastal 
populations in decisionmaking and promote equity with respect 
to environmental, economic, and social outcomes across 
fisheries and regions.''.

SEC. 102. PROMOTING CLIMATE RESILIENCE IN FISHERIES MANAGEMENT.

(a) In General.--Section 303(a) (16 U.S.C. 1853(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A)--
(A) by striking ``and'' before ``to protect''; and
(B) by inserting ``, and to promote the resilience 
of stocks of fish to cumulative stressors, including 
cumulative stressors associated with climate change'' 
before the semicolon at the end;
(2) in paragraph (3), by inserting ``including considering 
the impacts of climate change,'' after ``fishery,'';
(3) in paragraph (8), by striking ``1991'' and inserting 
``2025'', and by inserting ``, including data needed to 
implement the plan effectively under prevailing and anticipated 
environmental or ecological conditions, including climate 
change'' before the semicolon at the end;
(4) in paragraph (13), by inserting ``as well as examine 
the vulnerability of the fishery and fishery participants to 
the impacts of prevailing and anticipated environmental or 
ecological conditions, including climate change'' before the 
semicolon at the end;
(5) in paragraph (14), by striking ``and;'' and inserting a 
semicolon;
(6) in paragraph (15), by striking the period at the end 
and inserting a semicolon; and
(7) by adding at the end the following:
``(16) assess and describe the anticipated impacts of 
climate change and other environmental and ecological changes 
on the fishery, including an assessment of whether and how the 
management measures contained in the plan or plan amendment 
have accounted for such impacts, and a summary of the 
information used in such assessment; and
``(17) describe and identify the current range and 
distribution of, and fishing patterns on, each stock of fish 
managed under the plan, including areas outside the 
jurisdiction of the Council having authority to issue the plan, 
and for each stock of fish the distribution of which crosses 
management boundaries, describe the measures used to coordinate 
with other relevant management bodies for the conservation and 
management of each such stock of fish.''.
(b) Increasing Resilience of Stocks of Fish to Climate Change.--
Title III (16 U.S.C. 1851 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the 
following:

``SEC. 322. INCREASING RESILIENCE OF STOCKS OF FISH TO CLIMATE CHANGE.

``(a) Vulnerability Assessment.--Not later than 3 years after the 
date of the enactment of the Sustaining America's Fisheries for the 
Future Act of 2025, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall--
``(1) assess the vulnerability of stocks of fish within the 
geographical area of authority of each Council to climate 
change;
``(2) notify each Council of the vulnerability of stocks of 
fish within such geographical area; and
``(3) make recommendations to each Council for measures to 
increase the resilience of stocks of fish within such 
geographical area identified as vulnerable to climate change.
``(b) Council Prioritization Plans.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after receiving a 
notification from the Secretary under subsection (a), each 
Council shall publish a plan identifying management actions to 
increase resilience of the stocks of fish identified as 
vulnerable to climate change and begin implementing such 
management actions.
``(2) Highly migratory species.--With respect to stocks of 
fish managed under section 302(a)(3), not later than 1 year 
after issuing a notification under subsection (a), the 
Secretary shall publish a plan identifying management actions 
to increase resilience of such stocks of fish identified as 
vulnerable to climate change and begin implementing such 
management actions.
``(3) Report.--Not later than 3 years after publishing a 
plan under paragraph (1), each Council shall report to the 
Secretary on the actions the Council has taken to implement 
such plan or provide an explanation for not taking such action.
``(c) Report to Congress.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
the enactment of the Sustaining America's Fisheries for the Future Act 
of 2025, and every 5 years thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to 
Congress a report--
``(1) describing the vulnerability of stocks of fish to 
climate change;
``(2) identifying the risks posed by climate change to the 
conservation and management of stocks of fish; and
``(3) summarizing the steps taken by the Secretary and the 
Councils to mitigate and address the impacts on and risks of 
climate change to stocks of fish.''.
(c) Guidance for Councils.--Section 305 (16 U.S.C. 1855) is amended 
by adding at the end the following:
``(l) Guidance.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
enactment of the Sustaining America's Fisheries for the Future Act of 
2025, the Secretary shall issue guidelines to assist the Councils in 
preparing and adapting fishery management for the impacts of climate 
change, including for consideration of climate change in the 
conservation and management of stocks of fish under the geographical 
area of authority of each Council.''.
(d) Effective Date.--The amendments made by subsection (a) shall 
take effect on the date that is 4 years after the date of the enactment 
of this section.

SEC. 103. INCORPORATING CLIMATE SCIENCE.

(a) Council Training Program.--Section 302(k)(1) (16 U.S.C. 
1852(k)(1)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) through (H) as 
subparagraphs (D) through (I), respectively;
(2) by redesignating subparagraph (I) as subparagraph (K);
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
``(C) climate change and relevant impacts of 
climate change on fisheries health, range, and other 
factors that would affect the conservation and 
management of a stock of fish;'';
(4) by striking ``and'' after the semicolon at the end of 
subparagraph (I), as so redesignated; and
(5) by inserting after subparagraph (I), as so 
redesignated, the following:
``(J) ecosystem-based fishery management; and''.
(b) Fisheries Research.--Section 404 (16 U.S.C. 1881c) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``, on changes in 
geographic range, spatial distribution, and productivity of a 
fishery or interrelated fisheries,'' after ``management''; and
(2) in subsection (c)(1), by inserting ``changes in 
geographic range, spatial distribution, and productivity of a 
fishery or interrelated fisheries,''after ``degradation,''.

SEC. 104. CLIMATE-READY FISHERIES INNOVATION PROGRAM.

(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish a program 
to develop innovative tools and approaches designed to increase the 
adaptive capacity of fishery management to the impacts of climate 
change.
(b) Duties.--In carrying out the program established under 
subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
(1) develop science and management tools and approaches 
that address regional and national priorities to improve the 
conservation and management of fishery resources under existing 
and anticipated climate impacts;
(2) provide for routine input from fishery managers and 
scientists in order to maximize opportunities to incorporate 
results of the program in fishery management actions;
(3) promote adoption of methods developed under the program 
in fishery management plans developed by the Councils;
(4) provide information and outreach to the private and 
academic sectors to encourage development and 
operationalization of tools and approaches to manage the 
effects of climate change on fisheries; and
(5) provide information and outreach to fishery 
participants to increase understanding and encourage adoption 
and use of tools and approaches developed under the program.
(c) Coordination of Program.--
(1) In general.--In carrying out the program established 
under subsection (a), the Administrator shall establish a 
process to ensure coordination with and outreach to--
(A) regional offices and science centers of the 
National Marine Fisheries Service;
(B) the Councils;
(C) the scientific and statistical committees of 
the Councils; and
(D) the heads of other relevant programs, including 
the cooperative research and management program 
established under section 318 (16 U.S.C. 1867), the 
Integrated Ocean Observing System, and programs within 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
designed to address ocean acidification.
(2) Identification of research priorities.--
(A) In general.--Coordination carried out under 
paragraph (1) should include identification of 
multiyear research priorities to study and understand 
the current and anticipated impacts of climate change 
on fisheries, fisheries interactions, habitats, fishery 
participants, fishing communities, seafood markets, 
fisheries science and monitoring, or other relevant 
priorities.
(B) Review.--The Administrator, in coordination 
with the entities described in subparagraphs (A) 
through (D) of paragraph (1), should routinely review 
the priorities identified under subparagraph (A) in a 
timeframe not to exceed 5 years and updated as 
necessary.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section $5,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.

SEC. 105. MANAGING SHIFTING STOCKS OF FISH.

(a) Cross-Jurisdictional Management.--Section 304(f) (16 U.S.C. 
1854(f)) is amended to read as follows:
``(f) Fisheries Under Authority of More Than 1 Council.--
``(1) Secretarial review of areas of authority.--The 
Secretary shall review the geographical area of authority of 
each Council to determine if a substantial portion of any 
federally managed fishery within such area is within the area 
of authority of another council--
``(A) upon request of such Council; or
``(B) not less frequently than every 5 years.
``(2) Designation of council to prepare plan.--If the 
Secretary determines under paragraph (1) that a substantial 
portion of a federally managed fishery is located in the 
geographical area of authority of more than 1 Council, the 
Secretary shall, not later than 6 months after making such 
determination--
``(A) designate 1 of the Councils concerned to 
prepare the fishery management plan for such fishery 
and any amendment to such plan, if required under this 
Act; or
``(B) designate that such plan and any such 
amendment, if required under this Act, be prepared 
jointly by the Councils concerned.
``(3) Deadline for submission of plan.--Not later than 2 
years after the Secretary makes a designation under paragraph 
(2), the designated Council or Councils shall prepare and 
submit a fishery management plan or amendment in accordance 
with this Act.
``(4) Termination of cross-jurisdictional authority.--
``(A) Request of council.--At the request of a 
Council or as a result of the review pursuant to 
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall determine whether a 
fishery described in paragraph (2) no longer has a 
substantial portion of such fishery located in the 
geographical area of authority of more than 1 Council.
``(B) Termination.--
``(i) In general.--If the Secretary 
determines under subparagraph (A) that a 
fishery described in paragraph (2) no longer 
has a substantial portion of such fishery 
located in the geographical area of authority 
of more than 1 Council--
``(I) the Secretary shall determine 
which Council has predominant 
geographic authority over the fishery; 
and
``(II) not later than 2 years after 
the date on which the determination 
under subclause (I) is made, and at 
such other times as required under this 
Act, the Council determined under such 
subclause shall adopt any existing 
fishery management plan for the fishery 
and shall prepare and submit any plan 
amendments necessary for transitioning 
to single-Council management as well as 
for any other purposes, in accordance 
with the provisions of this Act.
``(ii) Repeal of prior plan.--
Notwithstanding subsection (h), upon the date 
of adoption of a fishery management plan under 
clause (i)(II), any preceding fishery 
management plan with respect to such fishery is 
repealed.
``(5) Establishment of criteria.--The Secretary shall by 
regulation identify criteria for determining under paragraphs 
(1) and (5) whether a substantial portion of a federally 
managed fishery is located in the geographical area of 
authority of more than 1 Council.
``(6) Establishment of boundaries.--The Secretary shall 
establish the boundaries between the geographical areas of 
authority of adjacent Councils.
``(7) Requirement for majority of voting members.--No 
jointly prepared plan or amendment required to be prepared 
under this subsection may be submitted to the Secretary unless 
such plan or amendment is approved by a majority of the voting 
members, present and voting, of each Council concerned.
``(8) Highly migratory species in certain fisheries.--This 
subsection does not apply with respect to any fishery to which 
section 302(a)(3) applies.''.
(b) International Cooperation in the Research and Management of 
Cross-Jurisdictional Fisheries.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary, in coordination with the 
Secretary of State where necessary, shall develop a strategy 
for coordinated research and management with other relevant 
nations with which the United States shares stocks of fish that 
are currently experiencing or are expected to experience shifts 
in geographic range or spatial distribution that spans or will 
span international boundaries, including within the same life 
stage or across life stages.
(2) Report.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Congress a report that includes--
(A) a list of fisheries that are currently 
experiencing or are expected to experience shifts in 
geographic range or spatial distribution that spans or 
will span international boundaries and the relevant 
countries for each fishery or stock of a fishery's 
current or expected range and the relevant regional 
fisheries management organization or other 
international organizations or agreement with authority 
over the management of each fishery or stock of fish;
(B) an analysis of priority research needs for each 
of these fisheries or stocks of fisheries that should 
be coordinated with other affected nations and relevant 
international management organizations; and
(C) a 5-year strategy to undertake and complete 
such research, including a proposed budget and timeline 
for that work.

SEC. 106. EMERGING FISHERIES.

Section 305(a) (16 U.S.C. 1855(a)) is amended--
(1) in the subsection heading, by striking ``Notification 
of Entry'' and inserting ``Development of New Fisheries'';
(2) in paragraph (1) to read as follows:
``(1) The Secretary shall publish in the Federal Register, 
subject to paragraph (3), and after notice and an opportunity 
for public comment--
``(A) a list of all fisheries managed under this 
Act, organized by Federal region (or Secretarial 
management under section 302(a)(3), as applicable); and
``(B) with respect to each such fishery--
``(i) the types of fishing gear authorized 
for use in such fishery;
``(ii) the jurisdiction (State, Federal, 
interstate, or otherwise) exercising management 
authority over such fishery;
``(iii) whether a fishery management plan 
or analogous management structure exists for 
the fishery; and
``(iv) the species authorized to be caught 
and retained in such fishery.'';
(3) in paragraph (2), by striking ``determining'' and all 
that follows through the end of the paragraph and inserting 
``determining--''
``(A) when a fishery is sufficiently different from 
those listed as to constitute a new fishery; and
``(B) minimum criteria for a fishery to be 
considered managed under paragraph (1)(A), which, for 
federally managed fisheries, must include having a 
fishery management plan and associated regulations 
under this Act.'';
(4) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and
(5) by striking paragraphs (3), (4), and (5) and inserting 
the following:
``(3) Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
enactment of the Sustaining America's Fisheries for the Future 
Act of 2025, and at least once every 5 years thereafter, each 
Council (or the Secretary for fisheries to which section 
302(a)(3) applies) shall review the fisheries for which the 
Council is responsible on the list published under paragraph 
(1)(A) and submit to the Secretary proposed changes to such 
list in specific and narrow terms, including geographic range, 
to ensure that only managed fisheries are included on such 
list.
``(4) The Secretary shall review proposed changes pursuant 
to the guidelines established under paragraph (2) and publish a 
revised list, after notice and an opportunity for public 
comment.
``(5) The Secretary may permit, pursuant to section 318(d), 
on a limited interim basis, fishing activity that is not 
included on the list, if--
``(A) the experimental fishing permit is designed 
and implemented so as to yield information necessary 
and currently lacking for the development of a fishery 
management plan or amendment to such plan under section 
302(h)(1) and section 303;
``(B) the Secretary collects, evaluates, and, 
notwithstanding section 402(b), makes public the data 
generated by the experimental fishing activity at the 
end of each permit year, and based on such evaluation, 
the Council renders a determination of whether the 
fishing activity should be continued, either in the 
form of a subsequent year of experimental fishing under 
this paragraph, or in the form of a fishery managed 
under a fishery management plan pursuant to section 
302(h)(1) and section 303; and
``(C) the data collected from, and the evaluation 
of the Secretary of, the fishing activity are included 
in any fishery management plan or amendment that is 
prepared for management of the fishing activity.
``(6) No person or vessel may employ fishing gear or engage 
in a fishery not included on the list except as provided in 
paragraph (4). A Council may request the Secretary to 
promulgate emergency regulations under subsection (c) to 
prohibit any persons or vessels from using an unlisted fishing 
gear or engaging in an unlisted fishery.''.

SEC. 107. REPORT REGARDING INSHORE AND SHALLOW WATER MOBILE GEAR 
FISHING.

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this 
title, the Secretary shall conduct a study and submit to Congress, the 
Councils, State fisheries managers, and the regional Marine Fisheries 
Commissions a report regarding the effects of inshore and shallow water 
mobile gear fishing on habitat and nontarget species and the effects it 
has between interstate boundaries and Federal and State waters.

TITLE II--SUPPORTING FISHING COMMUNITIES

SEC. 201. SUBSISTENCE FISHING.

(a) Purposes.--Section 2(b)(3) (16 U.S.C. 1801(b)(3)) is amended by 
inserting ``, subsistence,'' after ``commercial''.
(b) Definition of Subsistence Fishing.--Section 3 (16 U.S.C. 1802) 
is amended by inserting after paragraph (42) the following:
``(42A)(A) Subsistence fishing.--The term `subsistence 
fishing' means fishing in which the fish harvested are intended 
for customary and traditional uses, including--
``(i) for direct or sharing personal, family, or 
community consumption, including as food, shelter, 
clothing, or tools;
``(ii) for the making or selling of handicraft 
articles out of nonedible byproducts of subsistence 
fishing;
``(iii) for barter; and
``(iv) for customary trade.
``(B) In this paragraph--
``(i) the term `family' means all persons related 
by blood, marriage, or adoption, or any person living 
within the household on a permanent basis; and
``(ii) the term `barter' means the exchange of a 
fish or fish part harvested through subsistence 
fishing--
``(I) for another fish or fish part; or
``(II) for other food or for nonedible 
items other than money if the exchange is of a 
limited and noncommercial nature.''.

SEC. 202. WORKING WATERFRONTS GRANT PROGRAM.

The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.) is 
amended by inserting after section 306A of that Act (16 U.S.C. 1455a) 
the following:

``SEC. 306B. WORKING WATERFRONTS.

``(a) Task Force.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall establish a task 
force to work directly with covered entities, users of working 
waterfronts, and coastal stakeholders to identify and address 
critical needs with respect to working waterfronts.
``(2) Membership.--The Secretary shall appoint members of 
the Task Force, and shall include--
``(A) experts in the unique economic, social, 
cultural, ecological, geographic, and resource concerns 
of working waterfronts; and
``(B) representatives from--
``(i) the Office of Coastal Management of 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration;
``(ii) the United States Fish and Wildlife 
Service;
``(iii) the Department of Agriculture;
``(iv) the Environmental Protection Agency;
``(v) the United States Geological Survey;
``(vi) the Department of the Navy;
``(vii) the National Marine Fisheries 
Service;
``(viii) the Economic Development 
Administration;
``(ix) such other Federal agencies as the 
Secretary determines appropriate;
``(x) Indian Tribes; and
``(xi) Native Hawaiian organizations.
``(3) Functions.--The Task Force shall--
``(A) identify and prioritize critical needs with 
respect to working waterfronts in coastal states that 
have a management program approved under section 306, 
in the areas of--
``(i) economic and cultural importance of 
such working waterfronts to communities;
``(ii) changing circumstances and threats 
such working waterfronts face from trade 
barriers and environmental changes, including 
sea level rise, extreme weather events, ocean 
acidification, and harmful algal blooms; and
``(iii) identifying such working 
waterfronts and highlighting them within 
communities;
``(B) outline options, in consultation with coastal 
states and coastal stakeholders, to address each 
critical need identified under subparagraph (A), 
including adaptation and mitigation options where 
applicable;
``(C) identify which Federal agency is responsible 
for addressing each critical need identified under 
subparagraph (A); and
``(D) recommend which Federal agency is best suited 
to address each critical need identified under 
subparagraph (A) for which no responsible Federal 
agency is identified under subparagraph (C).
``(4) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of 
the enactment of this section, the Task Force shall submit to 
Congress a report regarding the findings of the Task Force 
under this subsection.
``(5) Implementation.--Not later than 30 months after the 
date of the enactment of this section, the head of each Federal 
agency identified under paragraph (3)(C) shall, to the extent 
practicable and subject to the availability of appropriations, 
implement the options outlined under paragraph (3)(B).
``(b) Working Waterfronts Plan.--
``(1) In general.--A covered entity may submit to the 
Secretary a working waterfronts plan for approval under this 
subsection, which, as applicable and with respect to the 
covered entity--
``(A) shall--
``(i) provide for the preservation and 
expansion of access to coastal waters by 
coastal users;
``(ii) be complementary to and incorporate 
the policies, objectives, and regulations of 
regional and local working waterfronts plans or 
strategies in effect before the date of the 
enactment of this section;
``(iii) be developed through a process 
that--
``(I) ensures the involvement of 
coastal stakeholders; and
``(II) is consistent with other 
coastal management programs, 
regulations, and activities of the 
covered entity;
``(iv) designate each qualified holder of 
the covered entity, if any;
``(v) if the covered entity designates a 
qualified holder under clause (iv)--
``(I) ensure that such qualified 
holder complies with the duty of a 
qualified holder to enforce each 
working waterfront covenant to which 
the qualified holder is a party; and
``(II) certify that the covered 
entity retains the responsibility to 
ensure that each affected working 
waterfront is managed in a manner that 
is consistent with the working 
waterfronts plan of the covered entity; 
and
``(vi) include--
``(I) an assessment of the 
economic, social, cultural, and 
historical value of working 
waterfronts;
``(II) a description of any 
relevant non-Federal laws and 
regulations that affect working 
waterfronts in the geographic areas 
identified under subclauses (III) and 
(IV);
``(III) an identification of 
geographic areas where working 
waterfronts are, as of the date of the 
enactment of this subsection, under 
threat of conversion to uses 
incompatible with commercial and 
recreational fishing, recreational 
fishing and boating businesses, 
aquaculture, boatbuilding, or other 
water-dependent, coastal-related 
business, and the level of that threat;
``(IV) an identification of 
geographic areas with a historical 
connection to working waterfronts where 
working waterfronts are not, as of the 
date of the enactment of this section, 
available, and, where appropriate, an 
assessment of the environmental impacts 
of any expansion or new development of 
working waterfronts on the coastal 
ecosystems of such geographic areas;
``(V) an identification of 
additional working waterfronts needs, 
including improvements to existing 
working waterfronts;
``(VI) a strategic and prioritized 
plan for the preservation, expansion, 
and improvement of each relevant 
working waterfront;
``(VII) for geographic areas 
identified under subclauses (III) and 
(IV), an identification of the current 
availability and potential for 
expansion of public access to coastal 
waters in such geographic areas;
``(VIII) a description of the 
degree of community support for the 
plan included under subclause (VI); and
``(IX) a contingency plan for any 
property that reverts to the covered 
entity pursuant to a determination made 
by the covered entity under subsection 
(c)(11)(B); and
``(B) may--
``(i) be developed using existing 
information contained in relevant surveys, 
plans, or other documents to fulfill the 
information requirements under this paragraph;
``(ii) include a vulnerability assessment, 
hazards resilience plan, or identification of 
waterfront properties exposed to sea level rise 
or inundation; and
``(iii) be part of a management program 
approved under section 306.
``(2) Duration of approval.--
``(A) In general.--A working waterfronts plan 
approved by the Secretary under this subsection shall 
be effective during the 5-year period beginning on the 
date of such approval.
``(B) Maintenance of approval.--An eligible covered 
entity that participates in the grant program on the 
basis of an approved working waterfronts plan of that 
eligible covered entity shall resubmit such working 
waterfronts plan for approval by the Secretary before 
the end of each 5-year period described in subparagraph 
(A).
``(c) Working Waterfronts Grant Program.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall, in consultation 
with covered entities, Federal agencies the Secretary 
determines appropriate, and interested coastal stakeholders 
with expertise in working waterfronts planning, establish a 
regionally equitable and competitive grant program, to be known 
as the `Working Waterfronts Grant Program'.
``(2) Uses.--The Secretary may award grants under this 
subsection to eligible covered entities--
``(A) to implement or revise an approved working 
waterfronts plan of such eligible covered entity, 
including--
``(i) acquiring a working waterfront or an 
interest in a working waterfront;
``(ii) making improvements to a working 
waterfront, including constructing or repairing 
wharfs, boat ramps, or related facilities; or
``(iii) carrying out necessary climate 
adaptation mitigation activities for a working 
waterfront; or
``(B) to develop a working waterfronts plan of such 
eligible covered entity under subsection (b).
``(3) Application.--
``(A) In general.--To be eligible for a grant under 
this subsection, an eligible covered entity shall 
submit an application to the Secretary--
``(i) that, if applicable, is consistent 
with the management program of the eligible 
covered entity approved under section 306; and
``(ii) in such form, at such time, and 
containing such information as the Secretary 
determines appropriate.
``(B) Deadline.--Not later than 60 days after the 
date on which the Secretary receives an application for 
a grant under this paragraph, the Secretary shall 
approve or reject such application.
``(4) Guidelines.--The Secretary shall, in consultation 
with the entities described in paragraph (1), issue guidelines 
regarding the implementation of the grant program.
``(5) Criteria.--In awarding a grant to an eligible covered 
entity, the Secretary shall take into account the following 
criteria:
``(A) The economic, cultural, and historical 
significance of working waterfronts to the eligible 
covered entity.
``(B) The demonstrated working waterfronts needs of 
the eligible covered entity, as described in the 
approved working waterfronts plan of the eligible 
covered entity, if any.
``(C) The ability of the eligible covered entity to 
meet the matching requirement under paragraph (10).
``(D) The potential for rapid turnover in the 
ownership of relevant working waterfronts, and, if 
applicable, the need for the eligible covered entity to 
respond quickly when property in an existing or 
potential working waterfront area or public access 
area, as identified in the approved working waterfronts 
plan of the eligible covered entity, if any, comes 
under threat of conversion to incompatible uses or 
becomes available for purchase.
``(E) As applicable, the impact of the approved 
working waterfronts plan of the eligible covered 
entity, if any, on the coastal ecosystem and working 
waterfronts of the eligible covered entity and the 
users of the coastal ecosystem of the eligible covered 
entity.
``(6) Other technical and financial assistance.--
``(A) In general.--Upon the request of an eligible 
covered entity that is awarded a grant under this 
subsection, the Secretary shall provide to such 
eligible covered entity technical assistance--
``(i) to identify and obtain sources of 
Federal technical or financial assistance other 
than that provided under this subsection to 
develop a working waterfronts plan for approval 
under subsection (b) or to implement or revise 
an approved working waterfronts plan;
``(ii) to develop a working waterfronts 
plan for approval under subsection (b);
``(iii) to implement or revise an approved 
working waterfronts plan;
``(iv) to integrate resilience planning 
into working waterfronts preservation efforts 
of such eligible covered entity;
``(v) to develop additional tools to 
protect working waterfronts;
``(vi) regarding guidance for best storm 
water management practices with regard to 
working waterfronts; or
``(vii) to collect and disseminate best 
practices regarding working waterfronts and 
resilience planning.
``(B) Limitation.--The Secretary may use not more 
than 5 percent of the amounts made available under this 
subsection in each fiscal year to provide technical 
assistance under this paragraph.
``(7) Public access requirement.--A project carried out 
with a grant awarded under this subsection, other than a 
project that involves commercial fishing or other industrial 
access points to which the eligible covered entity determines 
public access would be unsafe, shall provide for the expansion, 
improvement, or preservation of reasonable and appropriate 
public access to coastal waters at or in the vicinity of 
working waterfronts.
``(8) Limitation on acquisition.--An eligible covered 
entity that is awarded a grant under this subsection, or any 
entity to which such eligible covered entity allocates a 
portion of such grant under paragraph (9), may use such grant 
award to acquire title to or an interest in a working 
waterfront, including an easement, only--
``(A) for fair market value from a willing seller; 
or
``(B) for less than fair market value from a seller 
that certifies to the Secretary that the seller is 
willing and is not subject to coercion.
``(9) Allocation.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible covered entity that 
is awarded a grant under this subsection may allocate a 
portion of such grant award to a unit of State or local 
government, a nonprofit organization, a fishing 
cooperative, or any other appropriate entity for the 
purpose of carrying out this subsection if such 
eligible covered entity ensures that any such allocated 
grant award is used consistently with this subsection.
``(B) Identified working waterfronts.--The 
Secretary shall encourage each eligible covered entity 
that is awarded a grant under this subsection to 
equitably allocate such grant award among working 
waterfronts identified in the approved working 
waterfronts plan of each such eligible covered entity, 
if any.
``(10) Matching requirement.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in 
subparagraph (B), the Federal share of a project 
carried out with a grant awarded under this subsection 
may not exceed 75 percent.
``(B) Waiver of matching requirement.--The 
Secretary may waive the application of subparagraph 
(A)--
``(i) with respect to an eligible covered 
entity that is awarded a grant under this 
subsection that has designated a qualified 
holder that is located within--
``(I) a disadvantaged community; or
``(II) a community that has an 
inability to draw on other sources of 
funding because of the small population 
or low income of the community; or
``(ii) for any other reason the Secretary 
determines appropriate.
``(C) Non-federal share.--An eligible covered 
entity that is awarded a grant under this subsection 
may satisfy the non-Federal share of a project carried 
out with a grant awarded under this subsection through 
in-kind contributions and other noncash support, 
including the following:
``(i) The value, as determined by an 
appraisal performed at such time before the 
award of the grant as the Secretary determines 
appropriate, of a working waterfront or an 
interest in a working waterfront, including 
conservation and other easements, that is held 
in perpetuity by a qualified holder, if the 
working waterfront or interest in a working 
waterfront--
``(I) is identified in the grant 
application; and
``(II) is acquired by the qualified 
holder not later than 3 years after--
``(aa) the grant award 
date; or
``(bb) the date of the 
submission of such application 
and before the end of the 
initial 5-year period for which 
the approved working 
waterfronts plan associated 
with the grant application, if 
any, is effective.
``(ii) The costs, including cash or in-kind 
contributions, associated with the acquisition, 
restoration, or enhancement of, or making other 
improvements to, a working waterfront or an 
interest in a working waterfront, if--
``(I) such costs are identified in 
the grant application; and
``(II) the costs are incurred--
``(aa) before the end of 
the initial 5-year period for 
which the approved working 
waterfronts plan associated 
with the grant application, if 
any, is effective; or
``(bb) for working 
waterfronts described in clause 
(i), within the time limits 
described in that clause.
``(11) Working waterfront covenants.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible covered entity that 
is awarded a grant under this subsection may use such 
grant award with respect to a working waterfront only 
for which each person other than the eligible covered 
entity that holds title to or an interest in such 
working waterfront enters into a working waterfront 
covenant.
``(B) Violation.--
``(i) In general.--An eligible covered 
entity may determine, on the record after an 
opportunity for a hearing, that a working 
waterfront covenant of the eligible covered 
entity has been violated.
``(ii) Reversion; conveyance; right of 
immediate entry.--If an eligible covered entity 
makes a determination under clause (i) that a 
violation described under that clause has 
occurred--
``(I) all right, title, and 
interest in and to the working 
waterfront covered by the violated 
working waterfront covenant shall 
revert to the eligible covered entity;
``(II) the eligible covered entity 
may convey the working waterfront or 
interest in the working waterfront to a 
qualified holder; and
``(III) the eligible covered entity 
shall have the right of immediate entry 
onto the working waterfront covered by 
the violated working waterfront 
covenant.
``(12) Terms and conditions.--The Secretary shall subject 
each grant awarded under this subsection to such terms and 
conditions as the Secretary determines appropriate to ensure 
that each such grant is used for purposes consistent with this 
section.
``(13) Report.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall biennially 
submit to Congress a report regarding the 
implementation of this subsection, which shall 
include--
``(i) an evaluation, based on performance 
measures developed by the Secretary, of the 
effectiveness of the grant program in 
accomplishing the purposes of this subsection;
``(ii) an account of all expenditures under 
this subsection; and
``(iii) descriptions of each project 
carried out using a grant awarded under this 
section.
``(B) Alternative manner of submission.--The 
Secretary may submit each report required under 
subparagraph (A) by including the information required 
under that subparagraph in each report required under 
section 316.
``(14) Administrative expenses.--The Secretary may use not 
more than 5 percent of the amounts made available under this 
subsection in each fiscal year to pay the administrative 
expenses necessary to carry out this subsection.
``(15) Authorization of appropriations.--There is 
authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out 
this subsection $50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 
through 2030.
``(d) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Approved working waterfronts plan.--The term 
`approved working waterfronts plan' means a working waterfronts 
plan that is approved by the Secretary under subsection (b).
``(2) Coastal indian tribe.--The term `coastal Indian 
Tribe' means an Indian Tribe with respect to which land owned 
by the Indian Tribe, held in trust by the United States for the 
Indian Tribe, or held by the Indian Tribe and subject to 
restrictions on alienation imposed by the United States or the 
reservation of the Indian Tribe is located within a coastal 
state.
``(3) Coastal users.--The term `coastal users' means--
``(A) persons that engage in commercial or 
recreational fishing;
``(B) recreational fishing and boating businesses; 
and
``(C) boatbuilding, aquaculture, and other water-
dependent, coastal-related businesses.
``(4) Covered entity.--The term `covered entity' means--
``(A) a coastal state;
``(B) a coastal Indian Tribe; or
``(C) a Native Hawaiian organization.
``(5) Eligible covered entity.--The term `eligible covered 
entity' means a covered entity that--
``(A) has an approved working waterfronts plan;
``(B) is in the process of developing a working 
waterfronts plan for approval under subsection (b); or
``(C) has a coastal land use plan that the 
Secretary determines is sufficient for the purposes of 
this section.
``(6) Grant program.--The term `grant program' means the 
grant program established under subsection (c).
``(7) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the 
meaning given the term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
``(8) Native hawaiian organization.--The term `Native 
Hawaiian organization' means a nonprofit organization--
``(A) that serves the interests of Native 
Hawaiians;
``(B) in which Native Hawaiians serve in 
substantive and policymaking positions;
``(C) that is recognized for having expertise in 
Native Hawaiian culture and heritage, including 
tourism; and
``(D) is located within a coastal state.
``(9) Qualified holder.--The term `qualified holder' 
means--
``(A) a unit of local government of a covered 
entity, if the covered entity is a coastal state; or
``(B) a nonprofit organization;
that is designated by a covered entity in the approved working 
waterfronts plan of the covered entity to carry out some or all 
of the functions of the covered entity under the grant program 
if the covered entity applies for and is awarded a grant under 
the grant program, including holding title to or an interest in 
a working waterfront acquired with a grant awarded under the 
grant program.
``(10) Task force.--The term `Task Force' means the task 
force established under subsection (a)(1).
``(11) Disadvantaged community.--The term `disadvantaged 
community' means a community the Secretary determines, based on 
appropriate data, indices, and screening tools, is 
economically, socially, or environmentally disadvantaged.
``(12) Working waterfront.--The term `working waterfront' 
means real property (including support structures over water 
and other facilities) that--
``(A) provides access to coastal waters by coastal 
users; and
``(B) is used for, or supports, commercial and 
recreational fishing, recreational fishing and boating 
businesses, boatbuilding, aquaculture, and other water-
dependent, coastal-related business.
``(13) Working waterfront covenant.--The term `working 
waterfront covenant' means an agreement in recordable form 
entered into between a person that holds title to or an 
interest in a working waterfront and a covered entity that is 
awarded a grant under the grant program or a qualified holder 
of such covered entity that provides such assurances as the 
Secretary determines necessary to ensure the following:
``(A) Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the 
title to or interest in the working waterfront will be 
held by an entity that is subject to such agreement in 
perpetuity.
``(B) The working waterfront will be managed in a 
manner that is consistent with the purposes of this 
section, and the working waterfront will not be 
converted to any use that is inconsistent with this 
section.
``(C) If the title to or interest in the working 
waterfront is subsequently sold or otherwise 
exchanged--
``(i) each party involved in such sale or 
exchange shall accede to such agreement; and
``(ii) funds equal to the fair market value 
of the title to or interest in the working 
waterfront shall be paid to the Secretary by 
the parties to the sale or exchange, and such 
funds shall be, at the discretion of the 
Secretary, paid to the relevant covered entity 
or a qualified holder of such covered entity 
for use in the implementation of the approved 
working waterfronts plan of the covered entity.
``(D) Such agreement shall be subject to 
enforcement and oversight by the covered entity or by 
another person as the Secretary determines appropriate.

``SEC. 306C. WORKING WATERFRONTS PRESERVATION LOAN FUND.

``(a) General Authority.--
``(1) Grants to eligible coastal states to establish 
working waterfronts preservation loan funds.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may enter into an 
agreement with an eligible coastal state to issue a 
capitalization grant, including a letter of credit, to 
such eligible coastal state to implement the approved 
working waterfronts plan of such eligible coastal 
state.
``(B) Establishment of working waterfronts 
preservation loan funds.--
``(i) In general.--To be eligible to 
receive a capitalization grant under this 
subsection, an eligible coastal state shall 
establish a working waterfronts preservation 
loan fund.
``(ii) Deposit.--Each capitalization grant 
made to an eligible coastal state under this 
paragraph shall be deposited in the working 
waterfronts preservation loan fund of such 
eligible coastal state.
``(C) Extended period.--A capitalization grant made 
to an eligible coastal state under this section shall 
be available to the eligible coastal state for 
obligation for a period of 2 fiscal years.
``(2) Use of funds.--
``(A) In general.--An eligible coastal state shall 
use amounts deposited in the working waterfronts 
preservation loan fund of such eligible coastal state, 
including loan repayments and interest earned on such 
amounts, to provide financial assistance described in 
subsection (f) to a covered entity to implement the 
approved working waterfronts plan of such eligible 
coastal state through preservation, improvement, 
restoration, rehabilitation, and acquisition of working 
waterfronts pursuant to criteria established by the 
Secretary.
``(B) Sale of bonds.--A covered entity may use 
amounts received under this section as a source of 
revenue (restricted solely to interest earnings of the 
applicable working waterfronts preservation loan fund) 
or security for payment of the principal and interest 
on a revenue or general obligation bond issued by the 
eligible coastal state to provide matching funds under 
subsection (e) if the proceeds of the sale of the bond 
will be deposited in the working waterfronts 
preservation loan fund of such eligible coastal state.
``(C) No increased bonding authority.--Amounts 
deposited in the working waterfronts preservation loan 
fund of an eligible coastal state may not be used as a 
source of payment of, or security for (directly or 
indirectly), in whole or in part, any obligation the 
interest on which is exempt from the tax imposed under 
chapter 1 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.
``(3) Limitation.--An eligible coastal state may not 
provide financial assistance described in subsection (f) to a 
covered entity that does not have the technical, managerial, 
and financial capability to ensure compliance with the 
requirements of this section.
``(4) Prevailing wages.--The Secretary shall ensure 
compliance with the provisions of the Act of March 3, 1931 (40 
U.S.C. 3141 et seq.; commonly known as the `Davis-Bacon Act') 
with respect to any construction project carried out in whole 
or in part with financial assistance made available from a 
working waterfronts preservation loan fund.
``(5) Reservation.--Each eligible coastal state that enters 
into a capitalization agreement under paragraph (1) shall, each 
fiscal year, reserve 0.2 percent of the amount in the working 
waterfronts preservation loan fund of the eligible coastal 
state to provide financial assistance described in subsection 
(f) to an Indian Tribe or a Native Hawaiian organization.
``(b) Intended Use Plans.--
``(1) In general.--Each eligible coastal state that enters 
into a capitalization agreement under subsection (a)(1) shall 
annually prepare an intended use plan, subject to notice and an 
opportunity for public comment, that identifies the intended 
uses of the amounts available to the working waterfronts 
preservation loan fund of the eligible coastal state.
``(2) Contents.--Each intended use plan prepared by an 
eligible coastal state under paragraph (1) shall include, with 
respect to the eligible coastal state--
``(A) a list of each project to be assisted with 
amounts from the working waterfronts preservation loan 
fund in the first fiscal year that begins after the 
date such intended use plan is finalized, including, 
with respect to each such project--
``(i) a description of the project;
``(ii) the expected terms of financial 
assistance; and
``(iii) the size of the community served;
``(B) the criteria and methods established to 
distribute amounts from the working waterfronts 
preservation loan fund; and
``(C) a description of the financial status of the 
working waterfronts preservation loan fund and the 
short- and long-term goals of such working waterfronts 
preservation loan fund.
``(c) Working Waterfronts Preservation Loan Fund Management.--
``(1) In general.--Each working waterfronts preservation 
loan fund under this section shall be established, maintained, 
and credited with repayments and interest and the fund corpus 
shall be available in perpetuity to provide financial 
assistance described in subsection (f) to covered entities 
under this section.
``(2) Extra amounts.--To the extent amounts in a working 
waterfronts preservation loan fund are not required for 
obligation or expenditure, such amounts shall be invested in 
interest-bearing obligations.
``(d) Assistance for Disadvantaged Communities.--
``(1) Loan subsidy.--
``(A) In general.--Notwithstanding any other 
provision of this section, if an eligible coastal state 
makes a loan to a disadvantaged community pursuant to 
subsection (a)(2), the eligible coastal state may 
provide additional subsidization to such disadvantaged 
community, including--
``(i) forgiveness of principal;
``(ii) grants;
``(iii) negative interest loans;
``(iv) other loan forgiveness; and
``(v) through buying, refinancing, or 
restructuring debt.
``(B) Exclusion.--A loan from a working waterfronts 
preservation loan fund with an interest rate equal to 
or greater than 0 percent shall not be considered 
additional subsidization for the purposes of this 
subsection.
``(2) Total amount of subsidies.--Of the amount of a 
capitalization grant received by an eligible coastal state for 
any fiscal year, the total amount of loan subsidies made by 
such eligible coastal state pursuant to paragraph (1)--
``(A) may not exceed 35 percent; and
``(B) to the extent that there are, as determined 
by the Secretary, sufficient applications from 
disadvantaged communities for loans, may not be less 
than 12 percent.
``(e) Eligible Coastal State Contribution.--Each capitalization 
agreement entered into under subsection (a)(1) shall require that the 
eligible coastal state subject to such agreement deposit in the working 
waterfronts preservation loan fund of the eligible coastal state an 
amount equal to not less than 20 percent of the total amount of the 
capitalization grant to be made to the eligible coastal state on or 
before the date on which the capitalization grant payment is made to 
the eligible coastal state.
``(f) Types of Assistance.--The amounts deposited into a working 
waterfronts preservation loan fund of an eligible coastal state under 
this section may be used by the eligible coastal state--
``(1) to make a loan to a covered entity, on the condition 
that--
``(A) the interest rate for the loan does not 
exceed the market rate;
``(B) principal and interest payments on the loan 
will commence not later than 18 months after completion 
of the project for which the loan was made;
``(C) the loan will be fully amortized not later 
than 30 years after the completion of the project, 
except that in the case of a disadvantaged community an 
eligible coastal state may provide an extended term for 
the loan, if the extended term--
``(i) terminates not later than the date 
that is 40 years after the completion of the 
project; and
``(ii) does not exceed the expected design 
life of the project;
``(D) the recipient of the loan will establish a 
dedicated source of revenue (or, in the case of a 
privately owned working waterfront property, 
demonstrate that there is adequate security) for the 
repayment of the loan; and
``(E) the working waterfronts preservation loan 
fund of the eligible coastal state will be credited 
with all payments of principal and interest on the 
loan;
``(2) to buy or refinance the debt obligation of a 
municipality or an intermunicipal or interstate agency within 
the eligible coastal state at an interest rate that is less 
than or equal to the market interest rate;
``(3) to guarantee, or purchase insurance for, a local 
obligation (all of the proceeds of which finance a project 
eligible for financial assistance under this section) if the 
guarantee or purchase would improve credit market access or 
reduce the interest rate applicable to the obligation;
``(4) as a source of revenue or security for the payment of 
principal and interest on a revenue or general obligation bond 
issued by the eligible coastal state if the proceeds of the 
sale of the bond will be deposited into the working waterfronts 
preservation loan fund of the eligible coastal state; or
``(5) to earn interest on the amounts deposited into the 
working waterfronts preservation loan fund of the eligible 
coastal state.
``(g) Administration of Working Waterfronts Preservation Loan 
Funds.--
``(1) Combined financial administration.--Notwithstanding 
subsection (c), an eligible coastal state may combine the 
financial administration of a working waterfronts preservation 
loan fund of the eligible coastal state with the financial 
administration of any other revolving fund established by the 
eligible coastal state if the Secretary determines that the 
capitalization grants made under this section, together with 
loan repayments and interest, will be separately accounted for 
and used solely for the purposes specified in subsection (a).
``(2) Cost of administering working waterfronts 
preservation loan fund.--
``(A) In general.--For each fiscal year, an 
eligible coastal state may use the amount described in 
subparagraph (B)--
``(i) to cover the reasonable costs of 
administration of the programs under this 
section, including the recovery of reasonable 
costs expended to establish a working 
waterfronts preservation loan fund that are 
incurred after the date of the enactment of 
this section; and
``(ii) to provide technical assistance to 
working waterfronts projects carried out within 
the eligible coastal state.
``(B) Description of amount.--The amount referred 
to in subparagraph (A) is an amount equal to the sum 
of--
``(i) the amount of any fees collected by 
the eligible coastal state for use in 
accordance with subparagraph (A)(i), regardless 
of the source; and
``(ii) the greater of--
``(I) $400,000;
``(II) 0.2 percent of the current 
valuation of the working waterfronts 
preservation loan fund of the eligible 
coastal state; or
``(III) an amount equal to 4 
percent of all grant awards made to the 
working waterfronts preservation loan 
fund of the eligible coastal state 
under this section for the fiscal year.
``(h) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section $50,000,000 for 
each of fiscal years 2026 through 2030.
``(i) Definitions.--In this section:
``(1) Approved working waterfronts plan.--The term 
`approved working waterfronts plan' has the meaning given the 
term in section 306B.
``(2) Covered entity.--The term `covered entity' means--
``(A) a State agency;
``(B) an Indian Tribe;
``(C) a Native Hawaiian organization;
``(D) a local government; or
``(E) a nonprofit organization.
``(3) Disadvantaged community.--The term `disadvantaged 
community' has the meaning given the term in section 306B.
``(4) Eligible coastal state.--The term `eligible coastal 
state' means a coastal state that has an approved working 
waterfronts plan.
``(5) Working waterfront.--The term `working waterfront' 
has the meaning given the term in section 306B.
``(6) Working waterfronts preservation loan fund.--The term 
`working waterfronts preservation loan fund' means a revolving 
loan fund established under this section for the preservation 
of working waterfronts.''.

SEC. 203. SEAFOOD MARKETING.

(a) Outreach Plan.--The Secretary of Agriculture, in conjunction 
with the Administrator, shall develop an outreach plan to expand 
outreach by the Department of Agriculture to fishing industry 
stakeholders to increase awareness of and assist with the use of 
programs in the Agricultural Marketing Service by such stakeholders.
(b) Study.--The Administrator shall, in consultation with the 
Secretary of Agriculture and members of the seafood industry, study the 
possibility of establishing education and marketing programs within the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
(c) Reports.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
enactment of this section--
(1) the Secretary of Agriculture, in conjunction with the 
Administrator, shall submit a report to Congress regarding the 
outreach plan developed under subsection (a); and
(2) the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report 
regarding the findings of the study conducted under subsection 
(b).

SEC. 204. COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN LIMITED ACCESS PRIVILEGE PROGRAMS.

(a) In General.--Section 303A(c) (16 U.S.C. 1853a(c)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (C)(iii), by inserting ``, 
including the participation of fishing communities in 
the fishery'' after ``benefits'';
(B) in subparagraph (J), by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(C) in subparagraph (K), by striking the period at 
the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(L) consider the needs of fishing communities and 
provide a process for fishing communities to 
participate in the limited access privilege program in 
accordance with subsection (c)(3).''; and
(2) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
``(3) Fishing communities.--
``(A) Eligibility.--To be eligible to participate 
in a limited access privilege program to harvest fish, 
a fishing community shall--
``(i) be located within the management area 
of the relevant Council;
``(ii) consist of residents who conduct 
commercial or recreational fishing, processing, 
or fishery-dependent support businesses within 
the management area of the relevant Council;
``(iii) seek to participate in such program 
for a purpose other than perfecting or 
realizing a security interest in such access; 
and
``(iv) develop and submit a community 
sustainability plan to the relevant Council and 
the Secretary that demonstrates how the plan 
will address the social and economic 
development needs of coastal communities, 
including those that have not historically had 
the resources to participate in the fishery, 
for approval.
``(B) Community sustainability plan approval.--
``(i) In general.--A community 
sustainability plan submitted by a fishing 
community to a Council and the Secretary for 
approval shall include the following 
components:
``(I) A description of the entity 
and the Board and governance for the 
entity that will receive the 
allocation.
``(II) A description of the quota 
allocation process that will be used by 
the entity, including an appeals 
process within the entity.
``(III) Provisions for monitoring 
and enforcement of the community 
sustainability plan.
``(IV) Goals and objectives for the 
fishing community and how the entity 
will use the allocation to meet those 
goals and objectives.
``(V) A description of how the 
entity will sustain the participation 
of the fishing community in the 
fisheries, including providing for new 
entry and intergenerational transfer, 
encouraging active participation and 
addressing economic barriers to access 
to the fisheries.
``(VI) A description of how the 
community sustainability plan will 
address the projected economic and 
social impacts associated with the 
implementation of the limited access 
privilege program, including the 
potential for strengthening economic 
conditions in remote fishing 
communities that lack the resources to 
participate in harvesting activities in 
the fishery.
``(VII) A description of how the 
community sustainability plan will 
ensure the benefits of participating in 
the limited access privilege program 
accrue to the fishing community and 
participants, including limitations or 
measures necessary to prevent an 
inequitable concentration of limited 
access privileges within the fishing 
community.
``(ii) Previously adopted plan.--A 
community sustainability plan submitted before 
the date of the enactment of the Sustaining 
America's Fisheries for the Future Act of 2025 
shall not be invalidated by failure to comply 
with clause (i) unless such plan is amended 
after such date.''.
(b) Audit.--
(1) In general.--The inspector general of the Department of 
Commerce shall conduct an audit regarding limited access 
privilege programs for federally managed fisheries in the 
United States.
(2) Determinations and disclosures.--The audit required 
under paragraph (1) shall determine and disclose the following:
(A) The amount of harvest privileges or 
transferable quota that were actively harvested in each 
year from 2020 through 2025.
(B) The amount of harvest privileges or 
transferable quota that were leased to other parties or 
entities in each year from 2020 through 2025.
(C) The names of each corporation, partnership, or 
other authorized entity that, at the time such audit is 
conducted, hold harvesting privileges or transferable 
quota in Federal fisheries.
(D) The proportion of transferable quota holders 
(including both individuals and authorized entities) 
that, at the time such audit is conducted, are actively 
fishing their harvesting privileges.
(E) The average cost of a transferable harvest 
share in each federally managed limited access 
privilege program.
(F) The average leasing cost of a transferable 
harvest share in each federally managed limited access 
privilege program where, at the time such audit is 
conducted, leasing is occurring.
(3) Additional requirements.--In addition to the 
requirements under paragraph (2), the audit required under 
paragraph (1) shall--
(A) evaluate the performance of the Secretary in 
overseeing limited access privilege programs in 
accordance with section 303A(c)(1)(J) (16 U.S.C. 
1853a(c)(1)(J)); and
(B) recommend policies to strengthen transparency 
and achieve full disclosure of ownership of harvest 
privileges in limited access privilege programs.
(4) Congressional briefing.--Not later than 1 year after 
the date of the enactment of the Sustaining America's Fisheries 
for the Future Act of 2025, the inspector general of the 
Department of Commerce shall brief the appropriate committees 
of Congress on the preliminary findings of the audit conducted 
under paragraph (1).
(5) Final report.--Not later than 30 days after the date on 
which a briefing occurs under paragraph (4), the inspector 
general of the Department of Commerce shall submit to Congress 
a final report setting forth the results of the audit conducted 
under paragraph (1).

SEC. 205. FINDINGS.

Section 2(a)(3) (16 U.S.C. 1801(a)(3)) is amended to read as 
follows:
``(3) Commercial, recreational, and charter fishing 
constitute major sources of employment and contribute 
significantly to the economy of the Nation. Many coastal areas 
are dependent upon fishing and related activities, and the 
economies of such areas have been badly damaged by the 
overfishing of fishery resources; ensuring the sustainable use 
of fishery resources is essential to the economic well-being of 
such areas.''.

TITLE III--STRENGTHENING PUBLIC PROCESS AND TRANSPARENCY

SEC. 301. TRIBAL REPRESENTATION ON PACIFIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL.

(a) In General.--Section 302(b)(5) (16 U.S.C. 1852(b)(5)) is 
amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by striking ``not less than 3''; 
and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(E) An individual appointed under subparagraph (A) shall 
serve on the Pacific Council until such time as a new 
appointment to the tribal seat is made under subparagraph 
(A).''.
(b) Conforming Amendment.--Section 302(b)(3) (16 U.S.C. 1852(b)(3)) 
is amended by striking ``paragraphs (2) and (5)'' and inserting 
``paragraph (2)''.

SEC. 302. TRIBAL REPRESENTATION ON NORTH PACIFIC FISHERY MANAGEMENT 
COUNCIL.

(a) In General.--Section 302 (16 U.S.C. 1852) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)(1)(G)--
(A) by striking ``seward'' and inserting 
``seaward'';
(B) by striking ``11'' and inserting ``13''; and
(C) by inserting before the period at the end ``and 
2 appointed by the Secretary in accordance with 
subsection (b)(6)'';
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)(C), by striking ``paragraphs 
(2) and (5)'' and inserting ``paragraphs (2), (5), and 
(6)'';
(B) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph 
(7);
(C) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following:
``(6)(A) The Secretary, in accordance with subparagraph 
(C), shall appoint to the North Pacific Council 2 individuals 
to serve as representatives of covered Indian tribes from a 
list submitted by the tribal governments.
``(B) The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of 
the Interior, tribal governments, and the Alaska Federation of 
Natives, shall establish by regulation the procedure for 
submitting a list under subparagraph (A).
``(C) An individual is qualified for appointment to the 
North Pacific Council under subparagraph (A) if such 
individual--
``(i) possesses knowledge of--
``(I) the anadromous fish of the North 
Pacific Council region;
``(II) the marine resources managed by such 
Council;
``(III) the effects of the actions of such 
Council on such resources;
``(IV) the subsistence uses, customs, and 
traditions relating to such resources; and
``(V) commercial and sport uses of the fish 
described in subclause (I) and such resources; 
or
``(ii) demonstrates leadership through involvement 
in local, regional, or tribal fish and wildlife 
management or conservation organizations.
``(D) Representation shall be rotated among affected tribal 
regions, taking into consideration--
``(i) the qualifications of the individuals on the 
list submitted under subparagraph (A);
``(ii) the degree to which the Indian tribes 
located within the North Pacific Council region are 
dependent on anadromous fish and marine resources 
within such region and the effects of the actions of 
such Council on such resources; and
``(iii) the geographic area within which the tribe 
of the representative is located.
``(E) An individual appointed under subparagraph (A) may 
designate as an alternate an individual knowledgeable with 
respect to tribal rights and fishing practicies, Indigenous 
traditional knowledge, tribal law, and the marine resources 
managed by the North Pacific Council.
``(F) An individual appointed under subparagraph (A) shall 
serve on the North Pacific Council until such time as a new 
appointment to the tribal seat is made under that subparagraph.
``(G) In this paragraph, the term `covered Indian tribe' 
means an Indian tribe in Alaska that is identified (including 
parenthetically) on the most current list published by the 
Secretary under section 104 of the Federally Recognized Indian 
Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 5131).''; and
(D) in paragraph (7), as so redesignated, by 
striking ``paragraphs (2) or (5)'' and inserting 
``paragraph (2), (5), or (6)''; and
(3) in subsection (j)(1)(A)(ii)(II), by striking 
``subsection (b)(5)'' and inserting ``paragraph (5) or (6) of 
subsection (b)''.
(b) Western Pacific Fishery Management Council Study.--The 
Administrator shall conduct a study regarding the feasibility and 
implications of adding indigenous seats to the Western Pacific Fishery 
Management Council established by section 302 of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1852) for the 
Western Pacific Fishery Management Council region.

SEC. 303. ATLANTIC COUNCILS.

Section 302(a) (16 U.S.C. 1852(a)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``18'' and inserting 
``19''; and
(ii) by inserting before the period at the 
end the following: ``and 1 liaison appointed by 
the Secretary in accordance with paragraph (4) 
who is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery 
Management Council to represent the interests 
of fisheries under the jurisdiction of such 
Council''; and
(B) in subparagraph (B)--
(i) by striking ``21'' and inserting 
``22''; and
(ii) by inserting before the period at the 
end the following: ``and 1 liaison appointed by 
the Secretary in accordance with paragraph (4) 
who is a member of the New England Fishery 
Management Council to represent the interests 
of fisheries under the jurisdiction of such 
Council''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) Requirements for liaison.--The Secretary shall 
appoint an individual to be a liaison between the Councils 
described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) who has 
expertise in a fishery that spans the geographical areas of 
both such Councils.''.

SEC. 304. COUNCIL PROCEDURES AND PARTICIPATION.

(a) In General.--Section 302(e) (16 U.S.C. 1852(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (5), by striking ``At the request of any 
voting member of a Council, the Council shall hold a roll call 
vote on any matter before the Council.'' and inserting ``Each 
Council shall hold a roll call vote on all nonprocedural 
matters before the Council. At the request of any voting member 
of a Council, that Council shall hold a roll call vote on any 
procedural matter before the Council.''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) To the extent possible, each Council shall--
``(A) seek to hold meetings in person; and
``(B) ensure the availability of remote meeting 
participation and voting.''.
(b) Council Meetings.--Section 302(i)(2) (16 U.S.C. 1852(i)(2)) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(G) Each Council shall make available on the internet 
website of the Council--
``(i) with respect to each meeting of the Council 
and of the Council Coordination Committee established 
under subsection (l) that is not closed in accordance 
with paragraph (3), to the extent possible, a webcast, 
live audio recording, or live video broadcast of each 
such meeting; and
``(ii) with respect to each meeting of the Council 
and of the scientific and statistical committee 
established by the Council under subsection (g)(1)(A) 
that is not closed in accordance with paragraph (3), by 
not later than 30 days after the conclusion of each 
such meeting, an audio or video recording (if the 
meeting was in person or by video conference) or a 
searchable audio recording or written transcript of 
each such meeting.
``(H) The Secretary shall maintain and make available to 
the public, for a period of not less than 5 years beginning on 
the date of a meeting, an archive of Council and scientific and 
statistical committee meeting audio and video recordings and 
transcripts made available under subparagraph (G).''.

SEC. 305. COUNCIL ACCOUNTABILITY AND MEMBERSHIP.

(a) Voting Members.--Section 302(b)(2) (16 U.S.C. 1852(b)(2)) is 
amended--
(1) by amending subparagraph (A) to read as follows:
``(A) Required expertise.--In making each 
appointment to a Council under this section, the 
Secretary shall appoint an individual who, by reason of 
occupational or other experience, scientific expertise, 
or training, is knowledgeable regarding--
``(i) the conservation and management, or 
the commercial, recreational, or subsistence 
harvest, of the fishery resources of the 
geographic area concerned; or
``(ii) ecosystem-based fishery management 
or climate science.'';
(2) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
``(B) Apportionment.--
``(i) In general.--In making each 
appointment under this section, the Secretary 
shall, to the extent practicable, ensure a fair 
and balanced apportionment, on a rotating or 
other basis, of active participants (or the 
representatives of such participants) in the 
commercial, recreational, and subsistence 
fisheries under the jurisdiction of the Council 
and of members of the conservation community, 
scientists, nonconsumptive users, and members 
of indigenous and tribal communities, as 
applicable.
``(ii) Report.--The Secretary shall, on an 
annual basis, submit to the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources 
of the House of Representatives a report 
regarding the actions taken by the Secretary to 
ensure that a fair and balanced apportionment 
described in clause (i) is achieved, 
including--
``(I) a list of the fisheries under 
the jurisdiction of each Council, 
outlining for each fishery the type and 
quantity of fish harvested, fishing and 
processing methods employed, the number 
of participants, the duration and range 
of the fishery, and other 
distinguishing characteristics;
``(II) an assessment of the 
membership of each Council in terms of 
the apportionment of the active 
participants in each such fishery and 
of members of the conservation 
community, scientists, nonconsumptive 
users, and members of indigenous and 
tribal communities; and
``(III) a statement of the plans 
and schedule of the Secretary for 
actions to achieve a fair and balanced 
apportionment on each Council for the 
active participants in any such fishery 
and for the categories of members 
listed in subclause (II).'';
(3) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
``(C) Appointments.--
``(i) List from governor.--
``(I) Appointment from list.--The 
Secretary shall appoint the members of 
each Council from a list of individuals 
submitted by the Governor of each 
applicable constituent State.
``(II) Requirements for list.--In 
submitting a list under subclause (I), 
a Governor--
``(aa) may only submit the 
name of an individual if such 
Governor has determined such 
individual is qualified under 
subparagraph (A);
``(bb) shall include the 
names and pertinent 
biographical data of not less 
than 3 individuals for each 
applicable vacancy; and
``(cc) shall include a 
statement explaining how each 
individual included on the list 
meets the requirements of 
subparagraph (A).
``(III) Review.--The Secretary 
shall review each list submitted under 
this subparagraph.
``(IV) Notification.--If the 
Secretary determines that an individual 
included on a list submitted under this 
subparagraph does not meet the 
requirements of this paragraph, the 
Secretary shall notify the appropriate 
Governor.
``(V) Response to review.--If a 
Governor receives notification under 
subclause (IV), such Governor may 
submit a revised list or resubmit the 
original list with an additional 
explanation of the qualifications of 
the individual for which such Governor 
received such a notification.
``(ii) Individuals without financial 
interest.--The Secretary shall appoint to each 
Council at least 1 individual who does not have 
a financial interest in matters before the 
Council.
``(iii) Financial disclosure 
requirements.-- An individual is not eligible 
for appointment by the Secretary until that 
individual complies with the applicable 
financial disclosure requirements under 
subsection (j).''; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``(F) Geographical representation.--In appointing at-large 
members to the Western Pacific Council, the Secretary shall 
ensure geographical representation across each constituent 
State of such Council.''.
(b) Disclosure of Financial Interest and Recusal.--Section 302(j) 
(16 U.S.C. 1852(j)) is amended--
(1) by amending paragraph (1)(B) to read as follows:
``(B) the term `designated official' means an 
attorney employed in the Office of the General Counsel 
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
who--
``(i) has expertise in Federal conflict-of-
interest requirements; and
``(ii) is designated by the Secretary, in 
consultation with a Council, to attend the 
meetings of such Council and make 
determinations under paragraph (7)(B).'';
(2) in paragraph (2)(C), by inserting ``contractor,'' after 
``partner,''; and
(3) in paragraph (5)(B), by striking ``on the Internet'' 
and inserting ``on the internet website of the agency, on the 
internet website of the applicable Council,''.
(c) Lobbying.--Section 302 (16 U.S.C. 1852) is amended by adding at 
the end the following:
``(m) Lobbying.--
``(1) Prohibition on council lobbying.--
``(A) In general.--Except as provided in 
subparagraph (B), each member of a Council, member of a 
Council advisory body, and employee or contractor of a 
Council, is prohibited from using Federal funds to 
attempt to influence the--
``(i) introduction, advancement, enactment, 
amendment, or repeal of Federal or State 
legislation; or
``(ii) issuance, modification, or 
overturning of an Executive order, Presidential 
proclamation, or similar Presidential directive 
or decree.
``(B) Technical and factual presentations.--An 
individual described in subparagraph (A) may provide a 
technical and factual presentation directly related to 
the performance of the duties of a Council, through 
hearing testimony or written statements, if such 
presentation is in response to a documented request and 
is made available under paragraph (4).
``(2) Adjudicating violations.--
``(A) Initiation by secretary.--The Secretary may 
initiate an investigation of a potential violation of 
paragraph (1).
``(B) Complaint.--The Secretary shall investigate a 
complaint submitted by any person or government entity 
regarding a potential violation of paragraph (1).
``(3) Penalties.--If the Secretary determines that an 
individual violated paragraph (1), such individual shall be 
subject to disciplinary action, including suspension or 
expulsion from participation in, membership of, or employment 
by a Council, Council advisory body, or related entity or 
activity.
``(4) Training.--The Secretary shall provide training to 
individuals described in paragraph (1) regarding--
``(A) compliance with regulations issued to 
implement this subsection; and
``(B) general limits of Federal grant recipients on 
contacts with members and staff of the executive and 
legislative branches.
``(5) Restriction on ex-voting member lobbying.--A voting 
member appointed to a Council by the Secretary in accordance 
with paragraph (2), (5), or (6) of subsection (b) may not lobby 
the Council to which such member was appointed regarding any 
matter during the 1-year period beginning on the date on which 
the term of such member expires, if such member has not been 
appointed to serve a subsequent term.
``(6) Report.--The Secretary shall annually submit to the 
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate a report that describes--
``(A) the funding provided to implement this 
subsection;
``(B) complaints received of and investigations 
into potential violations of paragraph (1); and
``(C) barriers associated with and proposals to 
improve implementation of this subsection.
``(n) Workplace Harassment Prevention.--
``(1) Prohibition.--The Secretary shall prohibit any person 
from harassing a covered individual during the conduct of 
duties by such covered individual under this Act.
``(2) Harassment prevent training.--Council members and 
staff shall, as a condition of employment, not later than 1 
year after the date of the enactment of the Sustaining 
America's Fisheries for the Future Act of 2025 or the first day 
of employment by a Council of such individual, and not less 
often than once every 2 years thereafter, complete 2 hours of 
workplace harassment prevention training approved by the office 
authorized by section 3541 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017.
``(3) Definitions.--In this subsection:
``(A) Covered individual.--The term `covered 
individual' means--
``(i) a Council member;
``(ii) Council staff;
``(iii) a Council advisory panel member;
``(iv) a member of a committee associated 
with a Council or the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration;
``(v) a Federal fishery permit holder; and
``(vi) a staff member, crew member, 
employee, or contractor associated with a 
federally permitted vessel or a facility 
providing services to such vessels.
``(B) Harassment.--The term `harassment' means 
unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct based on 
race, color, national origin, religion, age (40 and 
above), sex (including gender identity, sexual 
orientation, and pregnancy), disability, genetic 
information, or prior Equal Employment Opportunity 
activity.''.
(d) Judicial Review.--Section 305(f)(1) (16 U.S.C. 1855(f)(1)) is 
amended by striking ``30'' and inserting ``60''.
(e) Regulations.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue regulations to 
implement section 302(m) (16 U.S.C. 1852(m)), as added by this section.

SEC. 306. WESTERN PACIFIC SUSTAINABLE FISHERY FUND.

Section 204(e) (16 U.S.C. 1824(e)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)--
(A) by striking ``in consultation with any 
appropriate Council,'' and inserting ``at the request 
and with the concurrence of the Governor of the 
applicable Pacific Insular Area,'';
(B) by striking ``a Pacific Insular Area--'' and 
inserting ``that Pacific Insular Area.''; and
(C) by striking subparagraphs (A) and (B);
(2) in paragraph (3)(A)--
(A) by inserting ``and'' before ``the Governor'';
(B) by striking ``, and the appropriate Council''; 
and
(C) by adding at the end the following: ``Such 
permits shall also be consistent with any applicable 
fishery management plan.'';
(3) in paragraph (4)--
(A) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``the Western Pacific 
Council and'';
(ii) by inserting ``of the applicable 
Pacific Insular Area'' after ``Governor''; and
(iii) by amending clause (v) to read as 
follows--
``(v) western Pacific community-based 
demonstration projects under section 112(b) of 
the Sustainable Fisheries Act and other coastal 
improvement projects in waters beyond the 
seaward boundary (as such term is defined in 
section 4 of the Submerged Lands Act) of any 
State to foster and promote the management, 
conservation, and economic enhancement of the 
Pacific Insular Areas.''; and
(B) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as 
follows:
``(B) In the case of American Samoa, Guam, and the 
Northern Mariana Islands, the appropriate Governor of 
the applicable Pacific Insular Area shall develop the 
marine conservation plan described in subparagraph (A) 
and submit such plan to the Secretary for approval. In 
the case of other Pacific Insular Areas, the Secretary 
and the appropriate Governor of the applicable Pacific 
Insular Area shall jointly develop the marine 
conservation plan described in subparagraph (A).'';
(4) in paragraph (6)--
(A) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``and'' at 
the end;
(B) by striking subparagraph (B); and
(C) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as 
subparagraph (B);
(5) in paragraph (7)--
(A) by striking ``, who shall provide such funds 
only to'' and inserting ``for the purposes of'';
(B) in subparagraph (A)--
(i) by striking ``the Western Pacific 
Council for the purpose of''; and
(ii) by inserting ``as determined by the 
Secretary, in consultation with the Western 
Pacific Sustainable Fishery Fund Advisory Panel 
established under section 204(e)(9),'' after 
``subsection,'';
(C) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``providing 
such funds as are necessary to'' before ``the 
Secretary'';
(D) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as 
follows:
``(C) providing such funds as remain in the Western 
Pacific Sustainable Fisheries Fund after the funding 
requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) have been 
satisfied to the Governor of Hawaii to meet 
conservation and management objectives in the State of 
Hawaii.''; and
(E) by striking ``Amounts deposited in such fund 
shall not diminish funding received by the Western 
Pacific Council for the purpose of carrying out other 
responsibilities under this Act.''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(9) Western pacific sustainable fishery fund advisory 
panel.--
``(A) In general.--To assist in carrying out this 
subsection, the Secretary shall establish and convene 
an advisory panel under section 302(g), to be known as 
the `Western Pacific Sustainable Fishery Fund Advisory 
Panel' (referred to in this paragraph as the `advisory 
panel'), to evaluate, determine the relative merits of, 
and annually rank applications for grants for 
implementation of marine conservation plans approved 
under paragraph (4).
``(B) Members.--The advisory panel shall consist of 
members such that--
``(i) the Governor of each applicable 
Pacific Insular Area selects 1 member; and
``(ii) no member may be a member or 
employee of the Western Pacific Council.
``(C) Award not in accordance with rank.--If the 
Secretary awards a grant for a project not in 
accordance with the rank given to such project by the 
advisory panel, the Secretary shall provide a detailed 
written explanation of the reasons for such award.
``(D) Notice.--The Secretary shall provide to the 
public timely notice of each meeting of the advisory 
panel.
``(E) Minutes.--The Secretary shall keep and make 
available to the public minutes of each meeting of the 
advisory panel.
``(F) Reports.--The Secretary shall, with the 
assistance of the advisory panel, annually submit to 
Congress a report identifying any projects that were 
funded in the previous year and the status and progress 
of projects carried out under this subsection.
``(G) Exemption from federal advisory committee 
act.--Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code 
(commonly known as the `Federal Advisory Committee 
Act'), does not apply to the advisory panel.''.

SEC. 307. COUNCIL STAFF AND ADMINISTRATION.

Section 302(f) (16 U.S.C. 1832(f)) is amended by adding at the end 
the following:
``(8) Each Council shall, with the approval of the 
Secretary, develop a code of conduct and ethics for members and 
employees of each such Council equivalent to those applicable 
to Federal personnel.
``(9) The Secretary may, in accordance with applicable law, 
take disciplinary action, up to and including termination, 
against an executive director of a Council. A Council may, in 
accordance with applicable law, take disciplinary action, up to 
and including termination, against the executive director or 
any other employee of the Council.''.

SEC. 308. NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION SEXUAL 
HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT PREVENTION.

(a) Policy on the Prevention of and Response to Sexual Harassment 
Involving National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Personnel.--
Section 3541(f) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal 
Year 2017 (33 U.S.C. 894(f)) is amended--
(1) by inserting ``and equal employment'' after ``sexual 
harassment'' each place it appears; and
(2) in paragraph (2)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (C) and (D) as 
subparagraphs (D) and (E), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the 
following:
``(C) A synopsis of each case and the disciplinary 
action taken, if any, in each case.''.
(b) Annual Report on Sexual Assaults, Sexual Harassment, and Equal 
Employment.--Section 3548 of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
Fiscal Year 2017 (33 U.S.C. 894e) is amended--
(1) by striking the section heading and inserting the 
following: ``annual report on sexual assaults, sexual 
harassment, and equal employment in the national oceanic and 
atmospheric administration.'';
(2) in subsection (a), by striking ``the sexual assaults 
involving'' and inserting ``sexual assault and sexual 
harassment involving and the equal employment of''; and
(3) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (4), by inserting ``, including a 
synopsis of each case and the disciplinary action 
taken, if any, in each case'' before the period at the 
end; and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) A summary of the number of change of station, unit 
transfer, and change of work location requests submitted to the 
Under Secretary under section 3544(a), including the number of 
such requests that were denied.
``(6) A summary of the number of cases referred to the 
Coast Guard under this section.
``(7) The number of alleged sexual assaults and sexual 
harassment cases involving fisheries observers, protected 
species observers, and endangered species observers, 
including--
``(A) a synopsis of each case and the status of 
such case;
``(B) the disposition of any investigation; and
``(C) a description of the fishery management 
region and fishery or the geographic region and type of 
permitted operation in which the sexual assault or 
sexual harassment is alleged to have occurred, as 
appropriate.''.
(c) Investigation and Criminal Referral Requirements.--
(1) Technical amendment.--Sections 3548 and 3549 of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (33 
U.S.C. 894e and 894f) are redesignated as sections 3551 and 
3552, respectively.
(2) In general.--Subtitle C of title XXXV of the National 
Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (33 U.S.C. 894 
et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 3547 of that Act 
(33 U.S.C. 894d-2) the following:

``SEC. 3548. EXCEPTIONS REGARDING ANONYMITY OF SURVIVORS IN CERTAIN 
CASES.

``(a) In General.--In any case in which an employee, member of the 
commissioned officer corps of the Administration, or covered personnel 
elects restricted or unrestricted reporting under section 3541(b)(3)(B) 
or 3542(b)(5)(B), disclosure of the personally identifying information 
of such individual is authorized to the following persons or 
organizations when disclosure would be for the following reasons:
``(1) To Administration staff or law enforcement personnel, 
if authorized by the survivor in writing.
``(2) To Administration staff or law enforcement personnel 
to prevent or lessen a serious or imminent threat to the health 
or safety of the survivor or another person.
``(3) To a survivor advocate or healthcare provider, if 
required for the provision of survivor services.
``(4) To a State or Federal court, if pursuant to a court 
order or if disclosure is required by Federal or State statute.
``(b) Notice of Disclosure and Privacy Protection.--In any case in 
which information is disclosed under subsection (a), the Secretary 
shall--
``(1) make reasonable attempts to provide notice to the 
individual whose personally identifying information is 
disclosed; and
``(2) take such action as is necessary to protect the 
privacy and safety of the individual.

``SEC. 3549. RESTRICTED REPORTING.

``(a) In General.--Not later than 3 years after the date of the 
enactment of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual 
Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025, the 
Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Under Secretary for Oceans 
and Atmosphere, shall develop a mechanism to provide a system of 
restricted reporting.
``(b) Restricted Reporting Defined.--In this section the term 
`restricted reporting' means a system of reporting that allows 
employees of the Administration, members of the commissioned officer 
corps of the Administration, and covered personnel who allege that they 
have been sexually harassed or sexually assaulted to confidentially 
disclose the details of such sexual harassment or sexual assault to 
specified individuals and receive the services outlined in this 
subtitle--
``(1) without the dissemination of the personally 
identifying information of such individual except as necessary 
for the provision of such services and as provided by section 
3548(a); and
``(2) without automatically triggering an investigative 
process.

``SEC. 3550. MARINER REFERRAL.

``The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, acting 
through the Director of the Office of Marine and Aviation Operations 
and in consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, shall, not 
later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault 
Prevention Improvements Act of 2025, develop and implement a policy to 
report to the Commandant of the Coast Guard, in accordance with section 
10104 of title 46, United States Code, the names of personnel of the 
Administration who--
``(1) are the subject of a claim of an act or offense 
detrimental to good discipline and safety at sea, such as 
sexual harassment or sexual assault that is substantiated by an 
investigation under section 3546, or any other substantiated 
claim of an act or offense for which suspension or revocation 
of a credential is either mandatory or sought pursuant to part 
5 of title 46, Code of Federal Regulations; and
``(2) are--
``(A) employees or contractors of the 
Administration required to hold a valid merchant 
mariner credential as a condition of employment; or
``(B) crew of a vessel that, at the time of such 
act or offense, was operating under a contract with the 
Administration.''.
(d) Definitions.--Section 3552 of the National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, as so redesignated by 
subsection (c) of this section, is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 3552. DEFINITIONS.

``In this subtitle:
``(1) Administration.--The term `Administration' means the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
``(2) Covered personnel.--The term `covered personnel' 
means an individual who works with or conducts business on 
behalf of the Administration and includes--
``(A) observers, at-sea monitors, and catch 
monitors required by the National Marine Fisheries 
Service to operate on or in commercial fishing vessels, 
other privately owned vessels, barges, or platforms, 
and shoreside processing facilities for--
``(i) commercial fisheries observation 
required by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 
et seq.);
``(ii) protected species or endangered 
species observation required by the Marine 
Mammal Protection Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1361 
et seq.) or the Endangered Species Act of 1973 
(16 U.S.C. 1351 et seq.); or
``(iii) platform removal observation; and
``(B) voting members and executive and 
administrative staff of each Regional Fishery 
Management Council established under section 302 of the 
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act (16 U.S.C. 1852).
``(3) Sexual assault.--The term `sexual assault' has the 
meaning given the term in section 40002(a) of the Violence 
Against Women Act of 1994 (42 U.S.C. 13925(a)).''.
(e) Conforming and Clerical Amendments.--
(1) Conforming amendments.--Subtitle C of title XXXV of the 
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (33 
U.S.C. 894 et seq.) is amended--
(A) by striking ``individuals who work with or 
conduct business on behalf of the Administration'' each 
place it appears and inserting ``covered personnel'';
(B) by striking ``National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric'' each place it appears, except--
(i) when it appears as ``National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration Sexual 
Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements 
Act of 2025'';
(ii) in section 3551 of that Act, as so 
redesignated by subsection (c) of this section, 
in the section heading; and
(iii) in section 3552(1) of that Act, as so 
redesignated by subsection (c) of this section;
(C) by striking the term ``victims'' each place it 
appears and inserting ``survivors'';
(D) in section 3541(b)(2)(B) of that Act (33 U.S.C. 
894), by striking ``victim'' and inserting ``target of 
sexual harassment'';
(E) in section 3542 of that Act (33 U.S.C. 894a)--
(i) in subsection (b)(9)--
(I) by striking ``Victim'' and 
inserting ``Survivor''; and
(II) by striking ``victim'' and 
inserting ``survivor''; and
(ii) in subsection (c)--
(I) in the heading, by striking 
``Victim'' and inserting ``Survivor'';
(II) in paragraph (2), in the 
heading, by striking ``Victim'' and 
inserting ``Survivor''; and
(III) by striking the term 
``victim'' each place it appears and 
inserting ``survivor'';
(F) in section 3543 of that Act (33 U.S.C. 894b)--
(i) in the heading, by striking ``victim'' 
and inserting ``survivor''; and
(ii) by striking ``victim'' and inserting 
``survivor''; and
(G) in section 3544 of that Act (33 U.S.C. 894c)--
(i) in subsection (a)--
(I) by striking ``Victims'' and 
inserting ``Survivors''; and
(II) in paragraph (1), by striking 
``was'' each place it appears and 
inserting ``is''; and
(ii) by striking ``victim'' each place it 
appears and inserting ``survivor''.
(2) Clerical amendment.--The table of contents in section 
2(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2017 and the table of contents preceding subtitle A of title 
XXXV of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 
2017 are both amended--
(A) by striking the item relating to section 3543 
of that Act and inserting the following:

``Sec. 3543. Rights of the survivor of a sexual assault.''; and
(B) by striking the items relating to sections 3548 
and 3549 of that Act and inserting the following:

``Sec. 3548. Exceptions regarding anonymity of survivors in certain 
cases.
``Sec. 3549. Restricted reporting.
``Sec. 3550. Mariner referral.
``Sec. 3551. Annual report on sexual assaults, sexual harassment, and 
equal employment in the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration.
``Sec. 3552. Definitions.''.
(f) Prohibited Acts.--Section 307(1)(L) (16 U.S.C. 1857(1)(L)) is 
amended--
(1) by striking ``forcibly''; and
(2) by striking ``on a vessel''.
(g) Prohibition on Service in the Commissioned Officer Corps of the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by Individuals 
Convicted of Certain Sexual Offenses.--Section 261(a) of the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act 
of 2002 (33 U.S.C. 3071(a)) is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (26) as paragraph (27); and
(2) by inserting after paragraph (25) the following:
``(26) Section 657, relating to prohibition on service by 
individuals convicted of certain sexual offenses.''.
(h) Definition of Responsible Entity of a Vessel.--Section 10104(g) 
of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``or'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and 
inserting ``; or''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) the Director of the Office of Marine and Aviation 
Operations, with respect to each vessel owned or operated by 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.''.

TITLE IV--MODERNIZING FISHERIES SCIENCE AND DATA

SEC. 401. DATA MODERNIZATION.

(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of this section, the Secretary, acting through the Assistant 
Administrator for Fisheries, shall provide to Congress a national 
strategic plan for fisheries data, including a description of--
(1) activities for the goals and objectives of the plan;
(2) a schedule for implementation;
(3) an estimated budget;
(4) a plan for stakeholder engagement for development of 
user-centric systems, processes, and policies; and
(5) how the initiative will align with other National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data management efforts 
to provide for efficiency and interoperability, including the 
Data Strategy, Cloud Strategy, and Artificial Intelligence 
Strategy of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration.
(b) Information From Experts.--In carrying out this section, the 
Secretary shall solicit information, as needed, from data management 
and technology experts inside and outside the government.
(c) Report.--The Secretary shall annually report to Congress 
regarding progress in carrying out this section.

SEC. 402. EXPANDING AND IMPROVING ELECTRONIC TECHNOLOGIES.

(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the use of electronic technologies such as digital 
video cameras and monitors, digital recording systems, and 
other forms of electronic technology as a complement to, and in 
some cases a replacement for, observers may maintain, increase, 
or improve the amount and accuracy of observer and fishery 
dependent information collected from fisheries while reducing 
costs and logistical difficulties;
(2) to achieve optimum yields on a continuing basis while 
conserving and maintaining fisheries and integrating healthy 
ecosystem considerations, managers require reliable, timely 
data across all regions and fishing sectors for conservation, 
management, and scientific purposes;
(3) to achieve management goals, especially in the context 
of climate change, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration should work to meet evolving management needs 
and, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, identify 
appropriate data collection technologies and strategies; and
(4) the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
should also consider the use of innovative technology in 
fishery independent data collection including stock and habitat 
assessments and environmental conditions.
(b) Regional Fishery Management Councils.--Section 303(b)(8) (16 
U.S.C. 1853(b)(8)) is amended to read as follows:
``(8) require the collection of data necessary for the 
conservation and management of the fishery from a vessel of the 
United States engaged in fishing for species that are subject 
to the plan through--
``(A) electronic monitoring or other electronic 
technology; or
``(B) observers carried on board such a vessel, 
except that such a vessel shall not be required to 
carry an observer on board if the facilities of the 
vessel for the quartering of an observer, or for 
carrying out observer functions, are so inadequate or 
unsafe that the health or safety of the observer or the 
safe operation of the vessel would be jeopardized;''.
(c) Information Systems.--Section 402(a) (16 U.S.C. 1881a(a)) is 
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by inserting ``The Council shall 
consider the use of electronic monitoring and reporting or 
other electronic technology as part of an information 
collection program implemented under this paragraph.'' after 
``request.'';
(2) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``The Secretary shall 
consider the use of electronic monitoring and reporting or 
other electronic technology as part of an information 
collection program implemented under this paragraph.'' after 
``fishery.''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Secretarial review.--
``(A) In general.--Not less often than once every 5 
years, the Secretary shall review the procedures and 
policies by which information is collected, managed, 
and used to manage fisheries and revise information 
collection programs and policies needed to integrate 
data collection and management and improve the 
timeliness, quality, usability, and cost-effectiveness 
and reduce unnecessary duplication within and across 
fishery management plans and regions.
``(B) Report.--Upon the completion of each review 
carried out under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall 
publish a report for the public describing the findings 
of each such review and planned revisions to 
information collection programs.''.
(d) Assessment of Electronic Technologies in Fisheries 
Management.--
(1) In general.--The Comptroller General of the United 
States shall, in consultation with the relevant committees of 
Congress--
(A) conduct a review of the capabilities of the 
National Marine Fisheries Service with respect to 
developing, deploying, and using electronic monitoring 
and data collection tools to monitor fisheries; and
(B) make recommendations to improve such 
capabilities, taking into consideration cost, 
efficiency, and collaboration with private entities.
(2) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of the 
enactment of this section, the Comptroller General shall submit 
to Congress a report describing the results of the review 
required under paragraph (1) and the recommendations made 
pursuant to such review.
(e) Electronic Technologies Innovation Prize.--
(1) In general.--The Administrator, in consultation with 
the Secretary of Defense and the heads of other relevant 
Federal agencies, and in conjunction with such nongovernmental 
partners as the Administrator determines appropriate, shall 
establish at least 1 electronic technologies innovation prize 
competition to catalyze the rapid development and deployment of 
electronic technology-based data collection to be used in 
fisheries management.
(2) Subject of prize.--Each prize competition established 
under paragraph (1) shall focus on 1 or more of the following 
subjects:
(A) Improved fish species recognition software.
(B) Confidential data management.
(C) Cost-effective storage of electronic reports, 
imagery, location information, and other data.
(D) Data analysis and visualization.
(E) Artificial intelligence and machine learning 
applications for data collection and monitoring.
(F) Battery storage and energy supply storage at 
sea.
(G) Improved internet connectivity onshore and at 
sea in support of data uploads.
(H) Bycatch hotspot mapping and adaptive use of 
protected areas.
(I) Such other subjects as the Administrator 
determines appropriate.
(f) Advisory Panel for Electronic Technologies Development and 
Deployment.--
(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish an 
advisory panel (referred to in this subsection as the 
``Advisory Panel'') to inform the Administrator, the Assistant 
Administrator for Fisheries, and the Councils regarding 
developments in the advancement of electronic technologies that 
can be used in fisheries monitoring, data collection, and 
management.
(2) Appointments.--In appointing individuals to the 
Advisory Panel, the Secretary shall appoint at least 2 
individuals who are electronic technology developers, 
operators, or providers.
(3) Summaries.--The Secretary shall publish, on an annual 
basis, summaries of Advisory Panel discussions, including a 
summary of best practices and technical guidance to support the 
Councils.
(4) Recommendations.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
of the enactment of this section, the Advisory Panel shall make 
a recommendation to the Secretary regarding the potential value 
of national performance standards for electronic technologies 
used in fisheries data collection and management, including--
(A) an assessment of how the National Marine 
Fisheries Service and electronic technology developers, 
operators, and providers could benefit from such 
performance standards;
(B) if the Advisory Panel recommends establishing 
such performance standards, a recommendation for which 
factors should be included in such performance 
standards and how the Secretary should determine the 
appropriate standards;
(C) an assessment of whether such performance 
standards are likely to spur increased use of 
electronic technologies by the Councils;
(D) an assessment of how such performance standards 
would impact existing regional or fishery-specific 
technologies currently in use and recommendations 
regarding ensuring continued use or improvement of 
these technologies if such performance standards are 
established;
(E) a list of knowledge gaps or additional 
questions the Secretary should consider before 
publishing such performance standards;
(F) recommendations regarding ensuring cost-
effectiveness of electronic technologies for fisheries 
data collection and management;
(G) recommendations to address data storage 
problems of electronic technologies;
(H) recommendations regarding ownership of data 
collected using electronic technology; and
(I) recommendations regarding policies and 
procedures to develop and implement electronic 
technologies for fisheries data collection and 
management.
(5) Exemption from the federal advisory committee act.--
Chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as 
the ``Federal Advisory Committee Act''), does not apply to the 
Advisory Panel.
(6) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subsection may 
be construed to preclude any Council from independently 
developing electronic technologies to be used in fisheries data 
collection and management.

SEC. 403. STOCK ASSESSMENTS.

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this 
section, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall submit to the 
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
report regarding the progress of the National Marine Fisheries Service 
with respect to prioritizing and improving stock assessments, 
including--
(1) a summary of the methods used for assessments for all 
stocks of fish for which a fishery management plan is in effect 
under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and explain which stocks of fish 
have not been assessed, and why;
(2) a summary of each stock assessment and stock assessment 
update completed during the preceding year;
(3) an identification of each stock assessment that was 
planned but not completed and explain why such stock assessment 
was not completed;
(4) the schedule for all upcoming stock assessments and 
stock assessment updates;
(5) a summary of data and analysis, that, if available, 
would reduce uncertainty in and improve the accuracy of future 
stock assessments, including whether such data and analysis 
could be provided by fishermen, fishing communities, 
universities, and research institutions;
(6) a summary of the progress with respect to autonomous 
surveys and an identification of opportunities to expand new 
technologies for stock assessments data collection; and
(7) a summary of data gaps that may be a result of changing 
ocean and climate conditions, and actions taken to address 
changing assessment needs.

SEC. 404. COOPERATIVE RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT.

(a) In General.--Section 318 (16 U.S.C. 1867) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by inserting ``fishing 
communities,'' after ``data),'';
(2) by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
``(b) Eligible Projects.--
``(1) In general.--The Secretary shall make funds available 
under the program established under subsection (a) on a 
competitive basis and based on regional fishery management 
needs to support cooperative research and management projects 
to address critical needs identified by the Councils.
``(2) Submission of critical needs list.--Each Council 
shall annually submit a list of critical needs to the Secretary 
that identifies and prioritizes such needs.
``(3) Use of data.--The program established under 
subsection (a) shall promote and encourage efforts to use 
sources of data maintained by other Federal agencies, State 
agencies, local and traditional knowledge, or academia for use 
in such projects.'';
(3) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows:
``(c) Priorities.--In making funds available under subsection (b), 
the Secretary shall select projects that form part of a coherent 
program of cooperative research or management projects focused on 
addressing priority issues identified by the Councils, and shall give 
priority to the following types of projects:
``(1) Projects to collect data to improve, supplement, or 
enhance stock assessments, including the use of fishing vessels 
or acoustic or other marine technology.
``(2) Projects to improve fishery-dependent data 
collection, intake, use, and access including--
``(A) to assess the amount and type of bycatch or 
post-release mortality occurring in a fishery;
``(B) expanding the use of electronic technology 
and modernizing data management systems; and
``(C) improving monitoring coverage through the 
expanded use of electronic technology.
``(3) Conservation engineering or management projects 
designed to reduce bycatch, including avoidance of post-release 
mortality, reduction of bycatch in high seas fisheries, and 
transfer of such fishing technologies and methods to other 
nations, or other regional entities, including fishing 
communities, regional fishery associations, and fishing 
sectors.
``(4) Projects for the identification of habitat areas of 
particular concern and for habitat conservation.
``(5) Projects designed to collect and compile economic and 
social data for which electronic technologies can be added.
``(6) Projects to test and expand electronic technologies 
for monitoring, reporting, observer coverage, and other 
functions.
``(7) Projects that use electronic technologies to--
``(A) monitor changing ocean conditions;
``(B) improve methods;
``(C) support adaptive management; and
``(D) enhance climate resilience in fisheries.
``(8) Projects designed--
``(A) to identify the impacts of anticipated 
changing ocean conditions, including climate change, on 
stocks of fish, fisheries, and fishing communities; or
``(B) to develop conservation and management 
strategies to adapt to such impacts.
``(9) Cooperative management projects that make use of data 
collected under this section.
``(10) Projects to better understand--
``(A) interactions between sharks and humans;
``(B) what causes increases in such interactions;
``(C) the status of shark populations; and
``(D) how to best address such interactions to 
benefit both sharks and humans.'';
(4) by redesignating subsections (e) and (f) as subsections 
(f) and (g), respectively;
(5) by inserting after subsection (d) the following:
``(e) Cooperative Management Agreements.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
the enactment of the Sustaining America's Fisheries for the 
Future Act of 2025, the Secretary, in consultation with the 
Councils and with input from the public, shall issue guidance 
to facilitate a transparent, timely, uniform, and regionally 
based process for the development, oversight, and management of 
cooperative management agreements.
``(2) Process for approval.--The Secretary may use the 
process developed pursuant to subsection (d) to approve 
cooperative management agreements as if such agreements are 
cooperative fishing agreements.
``(3) Performance standards.--An agreement authorized by 
this subsection shall be subject to performance standards and 
accountability measures specified in a fishery management plan 
or otherwise established by the Secretary, in consultation with 
the Councils, and shall not allow catch in excess of annual 
catch limits or bycatch in excess of bycatch caps or limits.
``(4) Preexisting agreements.--This subsection shall not 
apply to a cooperative management agreement submitted to or 
proposed or approved by the Secretary before the date of the 
enactment of the Sustaining America's Fisheries for the Future 
Act of 2025.''; and
(6) by adding at the end the following:
``(h) Public Report of Data.--With respect to any cooperative 
research project funded or experimental fishing permit issued under 
this section, the appropriate Council shall publish a report regarding 
results and data generated by such project or under such permit.
``(i) Progress Report.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of the Sustaining America's Fisheries for the Future Act 
of 2025, the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries shall submit to 
Congress a report regarding--
``(1) the progress made by the National Marine Fisheries 
Service with respect to the implementation of the 
recommendations of the Cooperative Research and Cooperative 
Management Working Group report titled `NOAA Technical 
Memorandum NMFS-F/SPO-156' (August 2015); and
``(2) the development and implementation of any subsequent 
recommendations by such Working Group.''.
(b) Findings.--Section 2(a)(8) (16 U.S.C. 1801(a)(8)) is amended by 
inserting ``Fisheries management is most effective when it uses the 
best scientific information available, and incorporates such 
information from governmental and nongovernmental sources, including 
State and Federal agency staff, fishermen, fishing communities, 
universities, nonprofit organizations, local and traditional knowledge 
from Tribes, Indigenous communities, and subsistence fishermen, and 
research institutions. Scientific and statistical committees should 
consider such information when seeking the best scientific information 
available to form the basis of conservation and management.'' after 
``States.''.

SEC. 405. NORTHEAST REGIONAL PILOT RESEARCH TRAWL SURVEY AND STUDY.

(a) Industry-Based Pilot Study.--Not later than 1 year after the 
date of the enactment of this section, the Secretary shall, in 
coordination with the relevant Councils as determined by the Secretary 
and the Northeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program, develop a 
fishing industry-based Northeast regional pilot research trawl survey 
and study to enhance and improve the current National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration vessel trawl surveys.
(b) Components.--Under the pilot survey and study--
(1) the Secretary--
(A) may select fishing industry vessels to 
participate in the study by issuing a request for 
procurement;
(B) may use the Northeast Area Monitoring and 
Assessment Program Southern New England/Mid-Atlantic 
Nearshore Trawl Survey or another methodology selected 
in partnership with the National Marine Fisheries 
Service Northeast Fisheries Science Center and the 
Virginia Institute of Marine Science as a model for the 
pilot survey;
(C) shall outfit participating vessels with a peer-
reviewed net configuration; and
(D) shall ensure the pilot study uses a 
statistically valid sampling method and spatial 
coverage that allows for comparison with results from 
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
vessel trawl surveys; and
(2) the National Marine Fisheries Service Northeast 
Fisheries Science Center shall, in partnership with the 
relevant Councils and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, 
collect data for 5 years.
(c) Report.--Upon completion of the pilot survey and study, the 
Secretary and the relevant Councils shall submit to the Committee on 
Natural Resources of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a detailed report 
regarding the results of the pilot survey and study.

SEC. 406. RECREATIONAL DATA CONSISTENCY.

(a) In General.--Section 305 (16 U.S.C. 1855) is amended by adding 
at the end the following:
``(m) Recreational Data Improvement.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
the enactment of the Sustaining America's Fisheries for the 
Future Act of 2025, the Secretary shall establish guidelines 
for recreational catch data, which shall include the 
development of data standards to improve timeliness, accuracy, 
precision, and validation of data produced by recreational 
surveys in order to facilitate the use of such data in stock 
assessments, for use in management actions, and for other uses 
as applicable.
``(2) Recommendations considered.--In establishing 
guidelines under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall consider 
the relevant recommendations developed under section 404(e), 
subsections (g)(4)(C) and (h) of section 401, and section 
201(b) of the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act 
of 2018 (16 U.S.C. 1881 note).
``(3) Multiple data sources.--If recreational catch data 
for a stock of fish come from more than 1 survey program, such 
as Federal and non-Federal sources, including from States or 
Marine Fisheries Commissions, the Secretary shall implement 
measures, which may include the use of calibration methods, as 
needed for the timely integration of such data to ensure 
consistent methods and approaches are used for monitoring of 
catch against the relevant annual catch limits and for other 
fishery science and management purposes.''.
(b) Recreational Data Improvement Program.--Title IV (16 U.S.C. 
1881 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 409. RECREATIONAL DATA IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM.

``(a) In General.--The Secretary shall establish and carry out a 
comprehensive program to implement the guidelines established under 
section 305(m).
``(b) Coordination and Collaboration.--In carrying out the program 
established under subsection (a), the Secretary shall coordinate with 
programs established under subsection 401(g) and promote collaboration 
with State and Federal partners.
``(c) Strategic Plan.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 1 year after the date of 
the enactment of the Sustaining America's Fisheries for the 
Future Act of 2025, and not less frequently than once every 5 
years thereafter, the Secretary shall develop, publish in the 
Federal Register, and submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a strategic 
plan for recreational data improvements for the 5 years 
immediately following such publication.
``(2) Requirements.--Each plan published under paragraph 
(1) shall--
``(A) improve coordination between Federal programs 
that implement recreational fishing surveys and other 
data from non-Federal sources, including data from 
States or Marine Fisheries Commissions;
``(B) improve the timeliness, accuracy, precision, 
and validation of data produced by surveys;
``(C) describe processes to calibrate data sources 
with historical time series data prior to being used 
for management;
``(D) develop methods to integrate recreational 
data collected from more than 1 source for use in stock 
assessments;
``(E) create goals, objectives, and timeframes for 
achievement of subparagraphs (A) through (D);
``(F) consider the use and effectiveness of 
experimental fishing permits to carry out such 
research; and
``(G) describe the role of fishery participants in 
the program.
``(3) Coordination.--In developing each strategic plan 
under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall cooperate with the 
Councils and affected States, provide for coordination with the 
Councils, affected States, and other research and data 
collection entities, and allow for public input.
``(4) Proposed plan.--Prior to publishing each plan under 
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall publish a proposed plan in 
the Federal Register for the purpose of receiving public 
comment on the plan.
``(d) Areas of Research.--In carrying out the program established 
under subsection (a), the Secretary shall prioritize research and 
improvement in the following areas:
``(1) Development of data standards and validation 
processes for survey programs collecting data on recreational 
fishing catch and effort, including those produced by State 
agencies and considered integral or supplemental to Federal 
surveys.
``(2) Research to understand how surveys of recreational 
fishing can more effectively account for differences in fishing 
rate and effort, including among fishermen who use private or 
public access points, and fishermen who are State residents or 
nonresidents.
``(3) Methods and policies to improve the estimation of 
discards in recreational fisheries, including estimation of 
discarded fish both during and outside of fishing seasons.
``(4) To improve understanding of best practices for 
minimizing discard mortality as well as estimation of adoption 
rates of such practices by fishermen.
``(5) To assess changes in discard mortality estimates when 
best fishing practices are adequately and verifiably applied.
``(6) Research regarding how the use of electronic 
applications can be used to collect data in recreational 
fisheries, including spatial information, depth, discard rate 
and disposition, release method, and socioeconomic information, 
while meeting data and validation standards.
``(7) Research regarding how electronic technologies can 
most effectively be incorporated into survey designs.
``(8) Research regarding methods to integrate recreational 
catch data from more than 1 survey source for use in 
assessments.
``(9) The use of approaches to improve recreational data, 
including the use of tag and endorsement measures to fund such 
data improvement, stockwide regional effort surveys, and 
species-specific oversampling.''.

SEC. 407. EMERGENCY OPERATING PLANS.

(a) In General.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the 
enactment of this section, the Administrator, in consultation with the 
Councils, relevant Federal, State, and international agencies, 
scientific and technical experts, and interested stakeholders, shall 
develop a contingency plan for circumstances that would make fisheries 
monitoring, including human observation, surveys, and other data 
collection to support stock assessments, impractical.
(b) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment 
of this section, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report 
regarding the contingency plan developed under subsection (a).

SEC. 408. ZEKE GRADER FISHERIES CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT FUND.

(a) In General.--Section 208 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (16 U.S.C. 
1891b) is amended--
(1) in the section heading, by inserting ``zeke grader'' 
before ``fisheries conservation and management fund'';
(2) in subsection (a), by inserting ``Zeke Grader'' before 
``Fisheries Conservation and Management Fund'';
(3) in subsection (c), by striking ``Fishery Conservation 
and Management Fund'' each place such term appears and 
inserting ``Zeke Grader Fisheries Conservation and Management 
Fund'';
(4) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (6), by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(B) in paragraph (7), by striking the period at the 
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(8) conducting research and analysis to prepare and adapt 
fisheries and fishing communities to the effects of climate 
change.''; and
(5) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows:
``(d) Allocation.--
``(1) In general.--Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and 
(3), the Secretary shall, every 2 years, apportion amounts from 
the Fund among the regions of each Council according to 
recommendations of such Councils, based on regional priorities 
identified through the process of such Councils.
``(2) Minimum allocation.--In the case of amounts deposited 
in the Fund pursuant to subsection (c)(2), unless specified 
otherwise, the Secretary shall allocate not less than 5 percent 
of the Fund in each allocation period to each region described 
in paragraph (1).
``(3) Specifically apportioned funds.--The Secretary may 
apportion amounts from the Fund to a specific project or region 
described in paragraph (1) if such amounts were identified by 
the Council that designated such amounts for inclusion in the 
Fund under subsection (c)(1), or by the appropriation Act, 
State, public source, or nonprofit or organization from which 
they were received under subsection (c)(2), as being deposited 
for that specific project or region.''.
(b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document, 
paper, or other record of the United States to the ``Fisheries 
Conservation and Management Fund'' is deemed to be a reference to the 
``Zeke Grader Fisheries Conservation and Management Fund''.
(c) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents for the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 
(Public Law 109-479) is amended by striking the item relating to 
section 208 and inserting the following:

``Sec. 208. Zeke Grader Fisheries Conservation and Management Fund.''.

SEC. 409. OFFSHORE WIND COLLABORATION.

The Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the 
Director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, shall enter into a 
cooperative agreement to fund such survey mitigation programs, 
additional stock assessments, and fisheries and marine wildlife 
research as may be necessary as a result of actions by such Bureau 
related to the development of offshore wind energy.

SEC. 410. SHARK POPULATIONS ANALYSIS.

Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this 
section, the Secretary shall develop a strategy to identify research 
priorities and funding opportunities to update and improve shark 
research, shark population surveys, and shark stock assessments, and 
incorporate, as applicable, new and emerging survey technology 
techniques to integrate into the status of stock reports.

TITLE V--SUSTAINING FISHERIES THROUGH HEALTHY ECOSYSTEMS AND IMPROVED 
MANAGEMENT

SEC. 501. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

It is the sense of Congress that protection of essential fish 
habitat ensures healthy and resilient fisheries and marine ecosystems, 
particularly as oceans conditions shift due to climate change, and that 
impacts from both fishing gear and nonfishing activities should be 
considered through consistent application of essential fish habitat 
provisions under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.).

SEC. 502. ESSENTIAL FISH HABITAT CONSULTATION.

(a) Purpose.--Section 2(b)(7) (16 U.S.C. 1801(b)(7)) is amended by 
striking ``in the review of projects'' and inserting ``from adverse 
effects caused by fishing and from projects''.
(b) Habitat Area of Particular Concern.--Section 3 (16 U.S.C. 1802) 
is amended--
(1) by redesignating paragraph (1) as paragraph (1A);
(2) by inserting before paragraph (1A), as so redesignated, 
the following:
``(1) The term `adverse effect' means, with respect to 
essential fish habitat, any impact that reduces the quality or 
quantity of essential fish habitat.''; and
(3) by inserting after paragraph (19) the following:
``(19A) The term `habitat area of particular concern' means 
a specific type or area of habitat that is part of or within 
essential fish habitat that--
``(A) provides an important ecological function, 
including maintaining and restoring the biomass, 
demographic, spatial, or genetic characteristics of 
fish populations;
``(B) is sensitive to human-induced environmental 
degradation;
``(C) is or will be significantly stressed by human 
activities;
``(D) due to prevailing or anticipated future 
environmental conditions, is or may become important to 
the health of a managed species; or
``(E) is rare.''.
(c) Contents of Fishery Management Plans.--Section 303(a)(7) (16 
U.S.C. 1853(a)(7)) is amended to read as follows:
``(7)(A) describe and identify essential fish habitat for 
the fishery based on the guidelines established by the 
Secretary under section 305(b)(1)(A), minimize adverse effects 
on essential fish habitat caused by fishing, and identify other 
actions to encourage the conservation and enhancement of 
essential fish habitat; and
``(B) describe and identify habitat areas of particular 
concern based on the guidelines established by the Secretary 
under section 305(b)(1)(A), avoid adverse effects on such 
habitat caused by fishing, monitor efficacy of actions to avoid 
adverse effects, and identify other actions to encourage the 
conservation and enhancement of such habitat;''.
(d) Essential Fish Habitat.--Section 305(b) (16 U.S.C. 1855(b)) is 
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(D)--
(A) by inserting ``use existing programs 
administered by the Secretary and'' after ``shall''; 
and
(B) by inserting ``and such agencies shall take 
action'' after ``agencies'';
(2) by striking paragraphs (2) through (4); and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Requirements for federal agency actions with adverse 
effect.--Each Federal agency shall--
``(A) with respect to an action authorized, funded, 
or undertaken, or proposed to be authorized, funded, or 
undertaken, by such agency that may adversely affect 
essential fish habitat identified under this Act, 
notify and consult with the Secretary;
``(B) with respect to an action that may adversely 
affect essential fish habitat, ensure that any action 
authorized, funded, or undertaken by such agency avoids 
the adverse effect of such action on essential fish 
habitat or, to the extent that the adverse effect 
cannot be avoided, minimize and mitigate the adverse 
effect; and
``(C) with respect to an action that may adversely 
affect a habitat area of particular concern, in 
consultation with the Secretary--
``(i) monitor, or require monitoring for, 
such adverse effect for the period during which 
such adverse effect is likely to occur; or
``(ii) take action to minimize and mitigate 
such adverse effect of the action on the 
habitat area of particular concern and the 
species with respect to which the habitat area 
of particular concern is designated.
``(3) Information to council.--The Secretary shall inform 
each Council that has authority over an affected fishery of any 
consultation carried out under this subsection, including 
information regarding the proposed action and the potential 
adverse effects, and each such Council--
``(A) may comment on and make recommendations to 
the Secretary and any Federal or State agency 
concerning any activity authorized, funded, or 
undertaken, or proposed to be authorized, funded, or 
undertaken, by any Federal or State agency that, in the 
view of the Council, may affect the habitat, including 
essential fish habitat, of a fishery resource under the 
authority of such Council; and
``(B) shall comment on and make recommendations to 
the Secretary and any Federal or State agency 
concerning any such activity that, in the view of the 
Council, is likely to substantially affect the habitat, 
including essential fish habitat, of an anadromous 
fishery resource under the authority of such Council.
``(4) Information from other sources.--
``(A) Receipt of information.--If the Secretary 
determines based on information received from a 
Council, Federal or State agency, or other source that 
an action authorized, funded, or undertaken, or 
proposed to be authorized, funded, or undertaken, by a 
Federal or State agency will adversely affect essential 
fish habitat identified under this Act--
``(i) the Secretary shall recommend to such 
agency measures for such agency to take to 
avoid such adverse effects; and
``(ii) to the extent such adverse effects 
cannot be avoided, such agency shall minimize 
and mitigate such adverse effects.
``(B) Required response.--
``(i) In general.--The head of a Federal 
agency that receives a recommendation from the 
Secretary under subparagraph (A) regarding 
measures for such agency to take to avoid the 
adverse effects of an action described in that 
subparagraph on essential fish habitat 
identified under this Act shall, not later than 
30 days after the date on which such agency 
head receives such recommendation, submit to 
the Secretary and each Council that comments 
under paragraph (3) a detailed response in 
writing regarding such recommendation, 
including--
``(I) a description of each measure 
such agency proposes to take to avoid 
the adverse effects;
``(II) to the extent the adverse 
effects cannot be avoided, a 
description of each measure such agency 
proposes to take to minimize and 
mitigate the adverse effects of the 
action on such essential fish habitat; 
and
``(III) if such response is 
inconsistent with such recommendation 
an explanation regarding--
``(aa) how each measure 
described in subclause (I) will 
avoid such adverse effects; and
``(bb) to the extent such 
adverse effects cannot be 
avoided, a description of each 
measure such agency proposes to 
take to minimize and mitigate 
such adverse effects.
``(C) Publication.--The Secretary shall make 
available to the public--
``(i) each recommendation made under 
subparagraph (A) on the date on which such 
recommendation is made; and
``(ii) each response made by an agency 
under subparagraph (B) on the date on which 
such response is received by the Secretary.
``(D) Monitoring.--The Secretary shall monitor each 
measure taken by each Federal agency to meet the 
requirements of this subsection.
``(5) Regulations.--The Secretary shall issue regulations 
regarding the consultation process established under this 
subsection, including--
``(A) ensuring that each recommendation made by the 
Secretary under paragraph (4) results in the avoidance 
of adverse effects on essential fish habitat and, to 
the extent adverse effects cannot be avoided, the 
minimization and mitigation of any such adverse 
effects;
``(B) measures to streamline such consultation 
process with other environmental review processes; and
``(C) procedures to develop programmatic 
recommendations for measures that avoid, minimize, and 
mitigate adverse impacts of actions on essential fish 
habitat.
``(6) Required restrictions.--A Federal agency may not 
enter into a lease, easement, right-of-way, or sale of any area 
designated as essential fish habitat unless such agency 
attaches appropriate covenants or restrictions on the use of 
the area to require that parties avoid causing adverse effects 
to the relevant essential fish habitat.
``(7) Considerations for restoration projects.--In 
consulting with a Federal agency under this section for 
projects that seek to restore and improve the long-term 
resilience of habitat, particularly in estuarine environments 
heavily affected by sea level rise and other climate change 
factors, the Secretary shall account for the consequences of 
not pursuing such restoration and habitat resilience projects 
and the long-term positive impacts on fish populations of such 
activities.''.

SEC. 503. REDUCING BYCATCH.

(a) Minimizing Bycatch.--
(1) National standards for fishery conservation and 
management.--Section 301(a)(9) (16 U.S.C. 1851(a)(9)) is 
amended to read as follows:
``(9) Conservation and management measures shall--
``(A) minimize bycatch; and
``(B) to the extent bycatch cannot be avoided, 
minimize the mortality of such bycatch.''.
(2) Contents of fishery management plans.--Section 303 (16 
U.S.C. 1853) is amended--
(A) in subsection (a)--
(i) in paragraph (5), by inserting 
``quantification of bycatch,'' after 
``hauls,''; and
(ii) in paragraph (11), by striking ``to 
the extent practicable and''; and
(B) in subsection (b)--
(i) in paragraph (12), by striking ``and'' 
at the end; and
(ii) by inserting after paragraph (12) the 
following:
``(13) consider full retention requirements for species 
with high catch mortality rates, provided that an annual catch 
limit and accountability measures are in place for the species 
and constrain catch in the fishery; and''.
(3) Action by the secretary.--Section 304 (16 U.S.C. 1854) 
is amended--
(A) by redesignating the second subsection (i) as 
subsection (j); and
(B) by adding at the end the following:
``(k) Standardized Bycatch Reporting Program.--
``(1) Establishment.--Not later than 3 years after the date 
of the enactment of the Sustaining America's Fisheries for the 
Future Act of 2025, the Secretary shall establish a national 
standardized reporting program (referred to in this subsection 
as `the program')--
``(A) to assess the amount and type of bycatch 
occurring in each fishery and across fisheries;
``(B) to determine the contribution of bycatch to 
the total fishing-related mortality of each fishery; 
and
``(C) to evaluate the effects of bycatch on 
relevant fisheries and the ecosystem.
``(2) Methodology and standards.--The Secretary shall, in 
carrying out the program--
``(A) identify appropriate methodologies and 
standards to collect and produce statistically accurate 
and precise information regarding bycatch; and
``(B) require consistent data reporting, 
collection, and assessment for each fishery managed 
under a fishery management plan.
``(3) Multiple jurisdictions.--If a species is caught in 
areas under the jurisdiction of more than 1 Council or fishery 
management plan, the Secretary shall require consistent 
reporting mechanisms across each such jurisdiction to ensure 
that data with respect to such species can be aggregated and 
compared.
``(4) Coordination with states.--The Secretary shall 
coordinate with State fishery managers to carry out paragraph 
(3).''.
(b) Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program.--Section 316 (16 U.S.C. 
1865) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by inserting ``(in this section referred to as 
the `program')'' after ``bycatch reduction program''; 
and
(B) by striking paragraphs (3) and (4) and 
inserting the following:
``(3) provide information, outreach, technical assistance, 
and training to Councils, tribes, and fishery participants that 
will encourage adoption and use of technologies and methods 
developed under the program; and
``(4) provide for routine consultation with the Councils to 
maximize opportunities to incorporate results of the program in 
Council actions and provide incentives for adoption of 
technologies and methods developed under the program in fishery 
management plans, actions, and other measures developed by the 
Councils or the Secretary.''; and
(2) in subsection (d)--
(A) by striking ``transmit an annual report'' and 
inserting ``, not less frequently than once every 3 
years, transmit a report'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking the period at the 
end and inserting ``; and''; and
(D) by adding at the end the following:
``(4) includes a description of each bycatch reduction 
technology and method developed, tested, or supported by the 
program, and a summary of how each such technology and method 
have been implemented into fishery management, or an 
explanation for why each such technology and method has not 
been implemented.''.

SEC. 504. IMPROVING REBUILDING OUTCOMES.

Section 304(e) (16 U.S.C. 1854(e)) is amended to read as follows:
``(e) Rebuilding Overfished Fisheries and Ending Overfishing.--
``(1) Determination of status.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall determine, 
at any time based on the best scientific information 
available, for each stock of fish within the geographic 
area of authority of each Council (or the Secretary, 
for stocks of fish managed under section 302(a)(3)), 
whether each such stock of fish is--
``(i) subject to overfishing;
``(ii) overfished; or
``(iii) approaching a condition of being 
overfished.
``(B) Criteria for determination.--
``(i) Criteria provided by managing 
document.--In making a determination under 
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall, with 
respect to a stock of fish managed under a 
stock of fish management plan or international 
agreement, use the criteria specified in such 
plan or agreement.
``(ii) Approaching a condition of being 
overfished.--In making a determination under 
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall classify 
a stock of fish as approaching a condition of 
being overfished if, based on trends in fishing 
effort, fishery resource size, and other 
appropriate factors, the Secretary estimates 
that the stock of fish will become overfished 
within 2 years.
``(iii) Stocks of fish lacking criteria.--
For stocks of fish that lack criteria as 
required under section 303(a)(10), the 
Secretary shall determine whether the stock of 
fish is subject to overfishing or overfished 
using the best available scientific 
information.
``(2) Publication.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary shall publish each 
determination made under paragraph (1) in the Federal 
Register.
``(B) Notification of council.--If the Secretary 
determines that a stock of fish is subject to 
overfishing, overfished, or approaching a condition of 
being overfished under paragraph (1), the Secretary 
shall immediately notify the appropriate Council and 
request that action be taken--
``(i) to end overfishing with respect to 
the stock of fish immediately;
``(ii) for a stock of fish that is 
overfished, to end overfishing immediately and 
to implement conservation and management 
measures to rebuild the affected stock of fish; 
or
``(iii) for a stock of fish that is 
approaching a condition of being overfished, to 
end overfishing immediately and prevent the 
stock of fish from reaching a overfished 
condition.
``(C) Annual report.--The Secretary shall annually 
submit to Congress and each Council a report regarding 
the status of each stock of fish, including--
``(i) a list of each determination made 
with respect to a stock of fish under paragraph 
(1) during the preceding year;
``(ii) an identification of each stock of 
fish managed under this Act that is under a 
rebuilding plan or in need of a rebuilding plan 
(as specified by this section), including--
``(I) specifying the number of 
years the stock of fish has been in a 
rebuilding plan;
``(II) the anticipated length in 
years of the current rebuilding plan of 
the stock of fish;
``(III) the number of rebuilding 
plans that have been implemented for 
the stock of fish; and
``(IV) whether a lack of adequate 
progress toward ending overfishing and 
rebuilding has been found for the stock 
of fish; and
``(iii) the use, as appropriate, of the 
term `depleted' to further describe an 
overfished stock of fish that has been 
significantly impacted by environmental factors 
in addition to (or in the absence of) fishing 
pressure.
``(3) Required action by council.--
``(A) Determination that requires action.--Not 
later than 2 years after date on which the Secretary 
makes any of the following determinations, the 
appropriate Council (or the Secretary, for a fishery 
managed under section 302(a)(3)) shall take an action 
described in subparagraph (B):
``(i) A determination that a stock of fish 
is subject to overfishing, overfished, or 
approaching a condition of being overfished.
``(ii) A determination that a rebuilding 
plan has failed under paragraph (7)(C).
``(iii) A determination that a stock of 
fish has reached the end of the time period for 
a rebuilding plan under paragraph (8).
``(B) Actions.--The actions described in this 
subparagraph are--
``(i) with respect to a stock of fish that 
is subject to overfishing, to end overfishing 
immediately and prevent overfishing of the 
stock;
``(ii) with respect to a stock of fish that 
is overfished, to end overfishing immediately 
and to rebuild the stock of fish; or
``(iii) with respect to a stock of fish 
that is approaching a condition of being 
overfished, to end overfishing immediately and 
prevent the stock of fish from reaching such 
condition.
``(4) Rebuilding plan required.--For a stock of fish that 
is overfished, any management document prepared pursuant to 
paragraph (3) or (5) for such fishery shall--
``(A) specify a time period for rebuilding the 
stock of fish that shall--
``(i) be as short as possible, taking into 
account the status and biology of overfished 
stocks of fish, the needs of fishing 
communities, recommendations by international 
organizations in which the United States 
participates, and the interaction of the 
overfished stock of fish within the marine 
ecosystem; and
``(ii) not exceed the time the stock of 
fish would be rebuilt in the absence of any 
fishing mortality plus 1 mean generation;
``(B) allocate both overfishing restrictions and 
recovery benefits fairly and equitably among sectors of 
the fishery;
``(C) for a stock of fish managed under an 
international agreement, reflect traditional 
participation in the stock of fish, relative to other 
nations, by fishermen of the United States; and
``(D) contain objective and measurable criteria for 
evaluating rebuilding progress.
``(5) Secretarial plan.--If a Council does not meet the 
deadline described in paragraph (3)(A) to submit a management 
document the Secretary shall, not later than 9 months after the 
date on which such deadline expires, prepare such management 
document for the affected stock of fish under subsection (c).
``(6) Interim measures.--
``(A) In general.--During the development of a 
management document for a stock of fish required by 
this subsection, a Council may request that the 
Secretary implement interim measures to reduce 
overfishing under section 305(c) until such measures 
can be replaced by such management document.
``(B) Measures allowed.--Interim measures described 
in subparagraph (A), if otherwise in compliance with 
the provisions of this Act, may be implemented even if 
such measures are not sufficient to stop overfishing of 
a fishery.
``(7) Assessment of rebuilding plan.--
``(A) Secretarial review.--
``(i) In general.--The Secretary shall 
review each management document relating to a 
stock of fish required by this subsection not 
less often than once every 2 years to determine 
whether such management document has resulted 
in adequate progress toward rebuilding affected 
stocks of fish.
``(ii) Lack of adequate progress.--In 
carrying out a review under clause (i), the 
Secretary shall find a lack of adequate 
progress toward rebuilding an affected stock of 
fish if--
``(I) the status of the stock of 
fish is not improving sufficiently such 
that it becomes unlikely that the stock 
of fish will be rebuilt within the 
rebuilding time period;
``(II) the applicable fishing 
mortality rate or annual catch limits 
are exceeded, and the causes and 
rebuilding consequences of such 
exceedances have not been corrected;
``(III) new scientific information 
demonstrates that assumptions regarding 
the biology of the stock of fish that 
formed the basis for the rebuilding 
plan, such as the productivity of the 
stock of fish, were fundamentally 
inaccurate, and such inaccuracies 
render the current rebuilding plan 
unable to address the rebuilding needs 
of the stock of fish; or
``(IV) for such other reasons as 
the Secretary determines appropriate.
``(B) Finding of inadequate progress.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in 
subparagraph (C), if the Secretary finds after 
a review under subparagraph (A) that a 
management document has not resulted in 
adequate progress toward rebuilding affected 
stocks of fish, the Secretary shall--
``(I) in the case of a stock of 
fish to which section 302(a)(3) 
applies, immediately make revisions 
necessary to achieve adequate progress 
toward rebuilding the stock of fish by 
the deadline established under 
paragraph (4); or
``(II) for all other stocks of 
fish, immediately notify the 
appropriate Council, which shall make 
revisions necessary to achieve adequate 
progress toward rebuilding the stock of 
fish by not later than the deadline 
established under paragraph (4).
``(ii) Council inaction.--If a Council 
fails to complete the action required under 
subclause (II) by the date that is 9 months 
after the date of the Council receives a 
notification from the Secretary under that 
subclause, the Secretary shall, not later than 
18 months after the date of such notification, 
make such revisions as are needed to ensure 
adequate progress toward rebuilding the stock 
of fish by not later than the rebuilding 
deadline established under paragraph (4).
``(C) Failed rebuilding plan.--If the Secretary 
finds that revisions pursuant to subparagraph (B) 
cannot achieve adequate progress within the time period 
set under paragraph (4), the Secretary may find that 
the rebuilding plan for the stock of fish has failed.
``(D) Publication.--The Secretary shall publish the 
results of a review performed under this paragraph in 
the Federal Register, including a determination of 
adequate progress or inadequate progress, and the basis 
for such determination.
``(8) Subsequent rebuilding plan.--
``(A) In general.--If a rebuilding time period 
established under paragraph (4) expires and the 
relevant stock of fish has not been rebuilt, or the 
Secretary determines that an existing rebuilding plan 
for a stock of fish has failed under paragraph (7)(C), 
the Council (or Secretary in the case of a stock of 
fish to which section 302(a)(3) applies) shall prepare 
a new rebuilding plan pursuant to paragraphs (3) 
through (6), except that such plan shall have not less 
than a 75-percent chance of rebuilding the stock of 
fish by the end of the new rebuilding time period set 
under paragraph (4).
``(B) Management measures in effect.--Management 
measures intended to rebuild the stock of fish shall 
remain in effect during the preparation of a rebuilding 
plan under subparagraph (A).
``(9) Management document.--In this subsection, the term 
`management document' means a management plan, management plan 
amendment, or proposed regulations for a stock of fish.''.

SEC. 505. OVERFISHED FISHERIES AND PREVENTING OVERFISHING.

(a) Information Provided by Scientific and Statistical 
Committees.--Section 302(g)(1) (16 U.S.C. 1852(g)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``ecological,'' after 
``social,''; and
(2) by amending subparagraph (B) to read as follows:
``(B) Each scientific and statistical committee shall 
provide its Council with ongoing scientific advice for fishery 
management decisions, including--
``(i) recommendations--
``(I) for accounting for all sources of 
mortality in establishing management measures;
``(II) for the acceptable biological catch 
levels;
``(III) for preventing overfishing;
``(IV) for maximum sustainable yield; and
``(V) for achieving rebuilding targets and 
promoting resilience of stocks of fish to 
climate change;
``(ii) objective and measurable criteria to 
determine whether a stock of fish is overfished or 
experiencing overfishing; and
``(iii) reports regarding stock status and health, 
sources of mortality, bycatch, habitat status, social, 
ecological, and economic impacts of management 
measures, and sustainability of fishing practices, and 
prevailing and anticipated future impacts of climate 
change on stocks of fish, fishing communities, and 
fishery sectors.''.
(b) Minimum Required Precautionary Standard.--Section 303(a)(10) 
(16 U.S.C. 1853(a)(10)) is amended to read as follows:
``(10) specify objective and measurable criteria for 
identifying when the stock of fish to which the plan applies is 
overfished or subject to overfishing (with an analysis of how 
such criteria were determined and the relationship of such 
criteria to the reproductive potential of stocks of fish in 
that fishery), which may not be less precautionary than the 
recommendation of the scientific and statistical committees for 
such fishery as required by section 302(g)(1)(B), and, in the 
case of a fishery which the Council or the Secretary has 
determined is approaching a condition of being overfished or is 
overfished, contain conservation and management measures to 
prevent overfishing or end overfishing and rebuild the 
fishery;''.
(c) Technical Correction.--Section 301 of the Modernizing 
Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2018 (16 U.S.C. 1801 note) is 
amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 301. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

``Nothing in this Act, including the amendment made by section 
102(a)(3), may be construed to modify the requirements of section 
301(a), 302(h)(6), 303(a)(15), or 304(e) of the Magnuson-Stevens 
Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1851(a), 1852(h)(6), 
1853(a)(15), or 1854(e)), or the equal application of such requirements 
and other standards and requirements under that Act (18 U.S.C. 1801 et 
seq.) to commercial, charter, and recreational fisheries, including 
each component of mixed-use fisheries.''.

SEC. 506. PREPARATION AND REVIEW OF SECRETARIAL PLANS.

Section 304(c)(1) (16 U.S.C. 1854(c)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``may'' and inserting ``shall'';
(2) in subparagraph (A), by inserting ``not to exceed 2 
years, or 9 months in the case of a management plan or 
amendment subject to section 304(e)(7)(B)'' after ``time'';
(3) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``not later than 180 
days after the disapproval'' before the semicolon; and
(4) by adding at the end the following:
``Not later than 30 days before the date on which a time period 
established in subparagraph (B) or (C) ends, the Secretary shall 
provide written notification to the affected Council that if such 
Council does not fulfill the requirements described in such 
subparagraph, the Secretary shall issue a Secretarial plan.''.

SEC. 507. COUNCILS.

Section 302(h) (16 U.S.C. 1852(h)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (5), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (7)--
(A) by redesignating subparagraphs (B) and (C) as 
subparagraphs (C) and (D), respectively; and
(B) by inserting after subparagraph (A) the 
following:
``(B) prioritize fisheries and habitats 
experiencing or expected to experience shifts in 
geographic range, spatial distribution, or 
productivity;'';
(3) by redesignating paragraphs (8) and (9) as paragraphs 
(11) and (12), respectively; and
(4) by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:
``(8) approve, for each of its managed stocks of fish, 
objective and measurable criteria for identifying whether the 
stock of fish is overfished or experiencing overfishing, which 
may not be less precautionary than the recommendation of its 
scientific and statistical committee;
``(9) develop and implement a habitat protection plan to 
protect essential fish habitat in the region of the Council 
from adverse effects caused by fishing, including--
``(A) quantitative and measurable targets and goals 
to increase quality, quantity, and representativeness 
of essential fish habitat; and
``(B) conservation and management measures in a 
fishery management plan to implement the habitat 
protection plan;
``(10) at routine intervals not less frequently than every 
7 years and based on scientific evidence or other relevant 
information, review habitat protection plans developed under 
paragraph (9) by such Council and each designation of essential 
fish habitat and habitat areas of particular concern under 
section 303(a)(7) by such Council, and amend fishery management 
plans of such Council as necessary and appropriate;''.

SEC. 508. FORAGE FISH CONSERVATION.

(a) Findings.--Section 2(a) (16 U.S.C. 1801(a)) is amended by 
adding at the end the following:
``(17) Forage fish are generally small to intermediate-
sized species, occurring in schools or dense aggregations, and 
function as a main pathway for energy to flow from phyto- and 
zooplankton to higher trophic level predators, including tuna, 
Alaska pollock, and other wildlife, in marine ecosystems. While 
most species function as prey of others at some life stage, 
especially when small and young, forage fish maintain this 
important trophic role throughout their life. Further, 
fluctuations in their populations can result in significant 
changes in marine communities and ecosystems. Therefore, 
particular attention to management of forage fish species, and 
addressing their unique role in marine ecosystems, is critical 
to maintaining ecosystem function and sustainable fisheries.''.
(b) Definitions.--
(1) Secretary to define forage fish.--Section 305 (16 
U.S.C. 1855) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(n) Forage Fish.--Not later than 12 months after the date of the 
enactment of the Sustaining America's Fisheries for the Future Act of 
2025, the Secretary, with advice from the Councils, shall issue a 
definition of the term `forage fish' for the purposes of this Act, 
giving due consideration to definitions of `forage fish' included in 
approved fishery management plans. In defining such term, the Secretary 
shall consider factors including whether a species covered by such 
definition, throughout the lifecycle of such species--
``(1) is at a low trophic level;
``(2) is generally small- to intermediate-sized;
``(3) occurs in schools or other dense aggregations;
``(4) contributes significantly to the diets of other fish, 
marine mammals, or birds; and
``(5) serves as a conduit for energy transfer to species at 
a higher trophic level.''.
(2) Definitions.--Section 3 (16 U.S.C. 1802) is amended--
(A) by redesignating the second paragraph (33) as 
paragraph (53);
(B) by redesignating paragraphs (28) through (50) 
as paragraphs (30) through (52), respectively;
(C) by redesignating paragraphs (19) through (27) 
as paragraphs (20) through (28), respectively;
(D) by inserting after paragraph (18) the 
following:
``(19) The term `forage fish'--
``(A) has the meaning given the term by the 
Secretary under section 305(n); and
``(B) with respect to a species in a fishery 
managed pursuant to a fishery management plan or plan 
amendment that is approved by the Secretary, in 
coordination with the Councils, under section 304(a), 
means any species identified in such plan as a forage 
fish.''; and
(E) by inserting after paragraph (28), as so 
redesignated by paragraph (3) of this section, the 
following:
``(29) The term `low trophic level' means a position in the 
marine food web in which the fish generally consume 
plankton.''.
(c) Scientific Advice.--Section 302(g)(1)(B) (16 U.S.C. 
1852(g)(1)(B)) is amended to read as follows:
``(B) Each scientific and statistical committee 
shall provide its Council ongoing scientific advice for 
fishery management decisions, including recommendations 
for--
``(i) acceptable biological catch;
``(ii) preventing overfishing;
``(iii) maximum sustainable yield;
``(iv) achieving rebuilding targets;
``(v) maintaining a sufficient abundance, 
diversity, and localized distribution of forage 
fish populations to support their role in 
marine ecosystems; and
``(vi) reports on stock status and health, 
bycatch, habitat status, social and economic 
impacts of management measures, and 
sustainability of fishing practices.''.
(d) Council Functions.--
(1) Research priorities.--Section 302(h)(7) (16 U.S.C. 
1852(h)(7)) is amended, in the matter preceding subparagraph 
(A), by inserting ``forage fish populations and distribution,'' 
after ``habitats,''.
(2) Unmanaged forage fish.--Section 302(h) (16 U.S.C. 
1852(h)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (11), as so redesignated by 
section 507 of this Act, by striking ``and'' at the 
end;
(B) by redesignating paragraph (12), as so 
redesignated by section 507 of this Act, as paragraph 
(13); and
(C) by inserting after paragraph (11) the 
following:
``(12) develop a list of unmanaged forage fish occurring in 
the area under its authority and recommend within fishery 
management plans the prohibition of the development of any new 
directed forage fish fishery until the Council has--
``(A) considered the best scientific information 
available and evaluated the potential impacts of forage 
fish harvest on existing fisheries, fishing 
communities, and the marine ecosystem;
``(B) determined whether conservation and 
management of the forage fish fishery is needed;
``(C) if a determination is made that conservation 
and management is needed, prepared and submitted to the 
Secretary a fishery management plan or amendment 
consistent with section 303; and
``(D) received final, approved regulations from the 
Secretary pursuant to section 304(b)(3); and''.
(3) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraphs (1) 
and (2) shall take effect 2 years after the date of the 
enactment of this section.
(e) Contents of Fishery Management Plans.--
(1) Forage fish management.--Section 303(a) (16 U.S.C. 
1853(a)) is amended--
(A) in paragraph (16), as added by section 102 of 
this Act, by striking ``and'' at the end;
(B) in paragraph (17), as added by section 102 of 
this Act, by striking the period at the end and 
inserting ``; and''; and
(C) by adding at the end the following:
``(18) when setting annual catch limits for forage fish 
fisheries, assess and specify such limits by the diet needs of 
fish species and other marine wildlife, such as marine mammals 
and birds, for which forage fish is a significant part of their 
diet.''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendments made by paragraph (1) 
shall take effect 5 years after the date of the enactment of 
this section.
(f) Action by Secretary.--Section 304 (16 U.S.C. 1854) is amended 
by adding at the end the following:
``(l) Forage Fish Management Guidelines.--
``(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date 
of the enactment of the Sustaining America's Fisheries for the 
Future Act of 2025, the Secretary, in coordination with the 
Councils, shall establish by regulation guidelines to assist 
the Councils in implementing sections 3(19), 302(h)(9), and 
303(a)(16).
``(2) Workshops.--In developing the guidelines under 
paragraph (1), the Secretary shall conduct workshops with 
Councils and other scientific, fisheries, and conservation 
interests.''.
(g) River Herring and Shad.--
(1) Definitions.--In this subsection--
(A) River herring.--The term ``river herring'' 
means blueback herring (Alosa aestivalis) and alewife 
(Alosa pseudoharengus).
(B) Shad.--The term ``shad'' means American shad 
(Alosa sapidissima) and hickory shad (Alosa mediocris).
(2) Amendments of plans.--Not later than 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall--
(A) amend the fishery management plans for the 
Atlantic herring and Atlantic mackerel, squid, and 
butterfish fisheries for the New England and Mid-
Atlantic regions to add shad and river herring as 
managed stocks in such plans consistent with section 
302(h)(1) (16 U.S.C. 1852(h)(1));
(B) initiate additional fishery management plan 
amendments to be completed in not more than 1 year from 
the date of the addition of the species identified in 
paragraph (1) in order to develop and implement all 
required conservation and management measures for such 
stocks consistent with the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries 
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et 
seq.) and all other applicable law; and
(C) notwithstanding any other law, rule, or fishery 
management plan provision, including conservation and 
management measures under section 303(a)(11) (16 U.S.C. 
1853(a)(11)), reallocate existing resources to provide, 
for not less than 50 percent of all relevant fishing 
trips, not fewer than 1 at-sea observer or an onboard 
electronic or video means of producing equivalent at-
sea monitoring information, for any vessel using mid-
water trawl or paired mid-water trawl fishing gear in 
the Atlantic herring and Atlantic mackerel fisheries.
(h) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section may be construed 
as--
(1) extending or diminishing the jurisdiction or authority 
of any State within its boundaries; or
(2) affecting--
(A) section 306 (16 U.S.C. 1856); or
(B) the Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Cooperative 
Management Act (16 U.S.C. 5101 et seq.).

SEC. 509. FUNDING FOR MONITORING IMPLEMENTATION OF NORTHEAST 
MULTISPECIES FISHERY MANAGEMENT PLAN.

Section 311(f)(4) (16 U.S.C. 1861(f)(4)) is amended by striking 
``pursuant to this section to enforce that Plan'' and inserting ``to 
enforce and monitor (including electronic monitoring) implementation of 
such Plan''.

SEC. 510. HIGHLY MIGRATORY SPECIES.

Section 304(g)(1) (16 U.S.C. 1854(g)(1)) is amended--
(1) in subparagraph (B), by inserting ``a scientific and 
statistical committee and'' after ``establish''; and
(2) by amending subparagraph (C) to read as follows:
``(C) for stocks of fish not managed pursuant to the 
Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (16 U.S.C. 971 et seq.), 
develop annual catch limits that may not exceed the fishing 
level recommendations of the scientific and statistical 
committee;''.

TITLE VI--INTERNATIONAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

SEC. 601. CONSERVATION COMMISSIONER OF ATLANTIC TUNAS CONVENTION.

(a) Appointment and Procedure of Commissioners.--Section 3(a) of 
the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (16 U.S.C. 971a(a)) is 
amended to read as follows:
``(a) Appointment and Number; Rules of Procedure; Term.--
``(1) Appointment.--The President shall appoint 4 
Commissioners to serve as delegates of the United States to the 
Commission as follows:
``(A) 1 Commissioner shall be a Federal employee 
who shall serve as Chair.
``(B) 3 Commissioners shall not be Federal 
employees, of whom--
``(i) 1 shall have knowledge and experience 
regarding commercial fishing in the Atlantic 
Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, or Caribbean Sea;
``(ii) 1 shall have knowledge and 
experience regarding recreational fishing in 
the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, or 
Caribbean Sea; and
``(iii) 1 shall have knowledge and 
experience in marine conservation and shall 
represent the public interest in marine 
conservation and nonconsumptive uses of the 
Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Carribean 
Sea.
``(2) Term of appointment.--
``(A) Length of term.--The term of a Commissioner 
appointed under paragraph (1) shall be 3 years.
``(B) Consecutive terms.--No individual appointed 
under paragraph (1) shall serve more than 2 consecutive 
terms as Commissioner.
``(C) Pleasure of president.--Each Commissioner 
appointed under paragraph (1) shall serve at the 
pleasure of the President.
``(3) Representation of the united states.--
``(A) In general.--At meetings of the Commission, 
Council, any Panel, or any other function as provided 
for in the Convention, the United States shall be 
represented by the Commissioner described in paragraph 
(1)(A) and 2 Commissioners described in paragraph 
(1)(B).
``(B) Procedures for rotation.--The Secretary of 
State, in consultation with the Secretary, shall 
establish procedures under which the Commissioners 
appointed described in paragraph (1)(B) rotate in 
representing the United States to the Commission.
``(C) Right to participation.--Each Commissioner 
appointed under paragraph (1) may--
``(i) attend all meetings of the 
Commission, Council, any Panel, or any other 
function as provided for in the Convention; and
``(ii) participate fully in all United 
States preparatory activity for any activity 
relating to the Convention.''.
(b) Regulation May Not Decrease Allocation or Quota.--Section 
6(c)(3) of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 (16 U.S.C. 
971d(c)(3)) is amended by striking ``or decreasing''.

SEC. 602. CONSERVATION COMMISSIONER OF WESTERN AND CENTRAL PACIFIC 
FISHERIES CONVENTION.

Section 503(a) of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries 
Convention Implementation Act (16 U.S.C. 6902(a)) is amended to read as 
follows:
``(a) In General.--
``(1) Representation.--The United States shall be 
represented on the Commission by 5 United States Commissioners.
``(2) Appointment.--
``(A) In general.--The President shall appoint 
individuals to serve on the Commission.
``(B) Qualifications of commissioners.--In making 
appointments under this paragraph, the President shall 
select Commissioners from among individuals who are 
knowledgeable or experienced concerning highly 
migratory fish stocks and commercial fishing in the 
Western and Central Pacific Ocean--
``(i) 1 of whom shall be an officer or 
employee of the Department of Commerce;
``(ii) 1 of whom shall be the chairman or a 
member of the Western Pacific Fishery 
Management Council;
``(iii) 1 of whom shall be the chairman or 
a member of the Pacific Fishery Management 
Council; and
``(iv) 1 of whom shall be an individual 
with knowledge and experience in marine 
conservation who shall represent the public 
interest in marine conservation and non-
consumptive uses of the Western and Central 
Pacific Ocean.
``(3) Pleasure of president.--Each individual appointed by 
the President to serve on the Commission shall serve at the 
pleasure of the President.
``(4) Rules of procedure.--The Commissioners shall be 
entitled to adopt such rules of procedure as they find 
necessary and to select a chairman from among members who are 
officers or employees of the United States Government.''.

SEC. 603. CONSERVATION COMMISSIONER OF INTER-AMERICAN TROPICAL TUNA 
COMMISSION.

Section 3(a) of the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 (16 U.S.C. 952) is 
amended to read as follows:
``(a) Commissioners.--
``(1) Appointment.--The President shall appoint 4 
individuals to represent the United States on the Commission.
``(2) Removal.--The Commissioners appointed under paragraph 
(1) shall be subject to supervision and removal by the 
Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary.
``(3) Qualifications.--In making an appointment under 
paragraph (1), the President shall select Commissioners from 
among individuals who are knowledgeable or experienced 
concerning highly migratory fish stocks in the eastern tropical 
Pacific Ocean--
``(A) 1 of whom shall be an officer or employee of 
the Department of Commerce; and
``(B) 1 of whom shall be an individual with 
knowledge and experience in marine conservation, and 
who shall represent the public interest in marine 
conservation and nonconsumptive uses of the eastern 
tropical Pacific Ocean.
``(4) Limitation on appointments.--The President may not 
appoint more than 2 Commissioners under paragraph (1) who 
reside in a State other than a State the vessels of which 
maintain a substantial fishery in the area of the 
Convention.''.

SEC. 604. APPLICATION OF ANNUAL CATCH LIMIT AND ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES 
REQUIREMENT.

Section 104(b) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Reauthorization Act of 2006 (16 U.S.C. 1853 note) is amended 
to read as follows:
``(b) Effective Dates; Application to Certain Species.--The 
amendment made by subsection (a)(10)--
``(1) except as provided in paragraph (2), shall apply to 
any management plan for a stock of fish prepared by any Council 
or the Secretary, including a management plan governing a stock 
of fish managed under an international agreement in which the 
United States participates; and
``(2) shall not apply to a management plan for a stock of 
fish for a species that has a life cycle of approximately 1 
year unless the Secretary has determined such stock of fish is 
subject to overfishing with respect to such species; and
``(3) shall not limit or otherwise affect the requirements 
of section 301(a)(1) or 304(e) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act.''.

SEC. 605. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary the 
following amounts to carry out the provisions of this Act:
(1) For fiscal year 2026, $698,142,000.
(2) For fiscal year 2027, $714,200,000.
(3) For fiscal year 2028, $730,626,000.
(4) For fiscal year 2029, $747,431,000.
(5) For fiscal year 2030, $764,621,000.
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