U.S. Congressman John H. Rutherford (FL-05) has introduced the Fisheries and Data Modernization and Accuracy Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill aimed at improving the management of recreational fisheries by updating data collection methods, increasing transparency, and supporting state-led data programs.
Rutherford, who has represented Florida’s 5th district in Congress since 2017 after replacing Ander Crenshaw, was joined by Representatives Darren Soto (FL-09), Mike Ezell (MS-04), Jared Moskowitz (FL-23), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Troy Carter (LA-2), Buddy Carter (GA-01), Russell Fry (SC-07), Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), and Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) in introducing the legislation.
“For too long, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has relied on outdated data collection methods through the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), which has significantly overestimated recreational fishing activity,” said Rutherford. “In a 2023 study, NOAA acknowledged that MRIP has overestimated recreational fishing effort by 30 to 40 percent. These inflated numbers resulted in unnecessarily short seasons, abrupt fishery closures, and economic harm to coastal communities, even when stocks are healthy. We have seen firsthand how damaging short red snapper seasons have been for our coastal communities. That’s why I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Fisheries and Data Modernization and Accuracy Act to modernize data collection and accuracy of our fisheries so we can make better, more informed decisions about Florida’s recreational fishing seasons going forward. I’m committed to Making Fishing Great Again!”
Other members of Congress also expressed support for the bill. “Florida’s fisheries are vital to our economy, our culture, and our way of life,” said Soto. “We’re ensuring that fishermen, scientists, and coastal communities have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information possible to keep our fisheries strong and sustainable for future generations.”
Ezell added: “I’m proud to help lead the Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act because our coastal communities deserve fisheries data they can trust. This bill puts better tools in the hands of our states, increases transparency, and strengthens the science we rely on to manage our resources. When we improve the data, we improve the future of recreational fishing across the Gulf and the entire country.”
Moskowitz commented: “Florida’s anglers and coastal communities deserve fisheries management that reflects what they actually see on the water. The Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act modernizes MRIP, elevates high-quality state data, and strengthens stock assessments. Together, these reforms reduce uncertainty, support fair seasons, and protect the coastal economy our families and local businesses rely on.”
Webster stated: “Floridians expect fisheries to be managed responsibly, with decisions guided by reliable and up-to-date data. Yet for too long, flawed data has resulted in shortened seasons and increased uncertainty for anglers and coastal communities. This bill is a commonsense approach to improve the quality of data to ensure management of fisheries reflects the real health of stocks and gives states a stronger voice in the management of recreational fisheries.”
Troy Carter noted: “For too long, federal fisheries management has been held back by outdated and inaccurate figures that simply don’t reflect what’s happening on the water. When federal data shows that recreational fishing effort has been overestimated by as much as 40 percent, it’s clear that the status quo is hurting both fishermen and coastal communities in Louisiana that depend on sustainable fisheries. The Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act finally brings our science and management tools into the 21st century. By empowering states to run their own high-quality data programs, expanding independent stock assessments, and increasing transparency across the board, this bill ensures we base decisions on reliable science—not guesswork. Better data means healthier fisheries, longer fishing seasons, and a stronger coastal economy. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting these long-overdue reforms.”
The American Sportfishing Association also endorsed Rutherford’s efforts: “When fishery management decisions are based on highly uncertain data, the effects for fish stocks, anglers, businesses, communities and the economy can be unnecessarily severe,” said AmericanSportfishingAssociation. “ASA commends Congressman Rutherford for introducing the Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act which is major step toward improving recreational fisheries data and improving confidence in scientific information used for fisheries management.”
The proposed legislation would create a standing committee through the National Academies focused on advising recreational fisheries science while improving transparency within NOAA processes. It would establish grants for states developing their own fishery-independent research programs—especially those targeting high-risk species—and require NOAA to update stock assessment plans every five years for priority stocks.
Additionally, NOAA would be directed to contract with independent organizations such as universities for abundance surveys; scientific committees involved would be required to allow public participation.
The bill is supported by several organizations including American Sportfishing Association (ASA), Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), Center for Sportfishing Policy (CSP), as well as Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Rutherford was born in Omaha in 1952 but currently lives in Jacksonville; he graduated from Florida State University with a BS degree in 1974.
