Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2018Public Law 115–405Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2018405115–405Statute CompilationUnited States House of RepresentativesOffice of the Legislative Counseltext/xmlENPursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.GPO Statute Compilations USLM converter, version 20210527.12021-10-15Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2018153361152018-12-31Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2018[(Public Law 115–405)][This law has not been amended][Currency: This publication is a compilation of the text of Public Law 115-405. It was last amended by the public law listed in the As Amended Through note above and below at the bottom of each page of the pdf version and reflects current law through the date of the enactment of the public law listed at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/comps/][Note: While this publication does not represent an official version of any Federal statute, substantial efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of its contents. The official version of Federal law is found in the United States Statutes at Large and in the United States Code. The legal effect to be given to the Statutes at Large and the United States Code is established by statute (1 U.S.C. 112, 204).]AN ACTTo expand recreational fishing opportunities through enhanced marine fishery conservation and management, 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. [16 U.S.C. 1801 note]SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS; REFERENCES. (a) Short Title.—This Act may be cited as the “Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2018”.(b) Table of Contents.—The table of contents of this Act is as follows:Sec. 1.Sec. 2.Sec. 3.TITLE I—Sec. 101.Sec. 102.Sec. 103.TITLE II—Sec. 201.Sec. 202.TITLE III—Sec. 301.(c) References to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.—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. 2. FINDINGS. Section 2(a) (16 U.S.C. 1801(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following:“(13) While both provide significant cultural and economic benefits to the Nation, recreational fishing and commercial fishing are different activities. Therefore, science-based conservation and management approaches should be adapted to the characteristics of each sector.”.SEC. 3. [16 U.S.C. 1801 note]DEFINITIONS. In this Act:(1) Appropriate committees of congress.—The term “appropriate committees of Congress” means—(A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and(B) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.(2) Council.—The term “Council” means any Regional Fishery Management Council established under section 302 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1852).(3) Limited access privilege program.—The term “limited access privilege program” means a program that meets the requirements of section 303A of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1853a).(4) Mixed-use fishery.—The term “mixed-use fishery” means a Federal fishery in which 2 or more of the following occur:(A) Recreational fishing.(B) Charter fishing.(C) Commercial fishing.
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">TITLE I—</num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT </heading>
<section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s101" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="101">SEC. 101. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">PROCESS FOR ALLOCATION REVIEW FOR SOUTH ATLANTIC AND GULF OF MEXICO MIXED-USE FISHERIES. </heading>
<subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s101/a" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Study of Allocations in Mixed-use Fisheries.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on mixed-use fisheries in each applicable Council’s jurisdiction, which shall include—</chapeau>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s101/a/1" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">recommendations on criteria that could be used by such Councils for allocating or reallocating fishing privileges in the preparation of a fishery management plan or plan amendment, including consideration of the ecological, conservation, economic, and social factors of each component of a mixed-use fishery;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s101/a/2" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">identification of the sources of information that could reasonably support the use of such criteria in allocation decisions;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s101/a/3" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">an assessment of the budgetary requirements for performing periodic allocation reviews for each applicable Council; and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s101/a/4" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="4">(4) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">developing recommendations of procedures for allocation reviews and potential adjustments in allocation.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s101/b" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Consultation With Stakeholders.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Comptroller General of the United States shall consult with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the applicable Councils, the Science and Statistical Committees of such Councils, the applicable State fisheries management commissions, the recreational fishing sector, the commercial fishing sector, the charter fishing sector, and other stakeholders, to the extent practicable, in conducting the study required under subsection (a).</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s101/c" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Definition of Applicable Council.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">In this section, the term “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">applicable Council</quotedText>” means—</chapeau>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s101/c/1" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council; or</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s101/c/2" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s102" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="102">SEC. 102. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">FISHERY MANAGEMENT MEASURES. </heading>
<subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s102/a" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Management.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 302(h) (16 U.S.C. 1852(h)) is amended—</chapeau>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s102/a/1" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in paragraph (7)(C), by striking “<quotedText style="-uslm-dtd:quote">; and</quotedText>” and inserting a semicolon;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s102/a/2" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by redesignating paragraph (8) as paragraph (9); and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s102/a/3" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by inserting after paragraph (7) the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block">
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="8">“(8) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">in addition to complying with the standards and requirements under paragraph (6), sections 301(a), 303(a)(15), and 304(e), and other applicable provisions of this Act, have the authority to use fishery management measures in a recreational fishery (or the recreational component of a mixed-use fishery) in developing a fishery management plan, plan amendment, or proposed regulations, such as extraction rates, fishing mortality targets, harvest control rules, or traditional or cultural practices of native communities in such fishery or fishery component; and”</content>
</paragraph></quotedContent>.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s102/b" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Report.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report that describes any actions pursuant to paragraph (8) of section 302(h) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1852(h)), as added by subsection (a).</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s102/c" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="c">(c) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t16/s1852">16 U.S.C. 1852 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Other Fisheries.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Nothing in paragraph (8) of section 302(h) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1852(h)), as added by subsection (a), shall be construed to affect management of any fishery not described in such paragraph (8).</content>
</subsection>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s103" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="103">SEC. 103. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">STUDY OF LIMITED ACCESS PRIVILEGE PROGRAMS FOR MIXED-USE FISHERIES. </heading>
<subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s103/a" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Study on Limited Access Privilege Programs.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Ocean Studies Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine shall—</chapeau>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s103/a/1" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">complete a study on the use of limited access privilege programs in mixed-use fisheries, including—</chapeau>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s103/a/1/A" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">an assessment of progress in meeting the goals of the program and this Act;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s103/a/1/B" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">an assessment of the social, economic, and ecological effects of the program, considering each sector of a mixed-use fishery and related businesses, coastal communities, and the environment;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s103/a/1/C" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">an assessment of any impacts to stakeholders in a mixed-use fishery caused by a limited access privilege program;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s103/a/1/D" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="D">(D) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">recommendations of policies to address any impacts identified under subparagraph (C);</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s103/a/1/E" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="E">(E) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">identification of and recommendation of the different factors and information that should be considered when designing, establishing, or maintaining a limited access privilege program in a mixed-use fishery to mitigate any impacts identified in subparagraph (C), to the extent practicable; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s103/a/1/F" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="F">(F) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">a review of best practices and challenges faced in the design and implementation of limited access privilege programs under the jurisdiction of each of the 8 Regional Fishery Management Councils; and</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s103/a/2" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report on the study under paragraph (1), including the recommendations under subparagraphs (D) and (E) of paragraph (1).</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tI/s103/b" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Exclusion.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Except as provided in subsection (a)(1)(F), the study described in this section shall not include the areas covered by the Pacific Fishery Management Council and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council.</content>
</subsection>
</section>
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="II">TITLE II—</num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">RECREATION FISHERY INFORMATION, RESEARCH, AND DEVELOPMENT </heading>
<section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tII/s201" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="201">SEC. 201. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">COOPERATIVE DATA COLLECTION. </heading>
<subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tII/s201/a" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="a">(a) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Improving Data Collection and Analysis.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 404 (16 U.S.C. 1881c) is amended by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block">
<subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="e">“(e) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Improving Data Collection and Analysis.—</heading>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">“(1) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2017, the Secretary shall develop, in consultation with the science and statistical committees of the Councils established under section 302(g) and the Marine Fisheries Commissions, 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 report on facilitating greater incorporation of data, analysis, stock assessments, and surveys from State agencies and nongovernmental sources described in paragraph (2), to the extent such information is consistent with section 301(a)(2), into fisheries management decisions.</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Content.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">In developing the report under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall—</chapeau>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">identify types of data and analysis, especially concerning recreational fishing, that can be used for purposes of this Act as the basis for establishing conservation and management measures as required by section 303(a)(1), including setting standards for the collection and use of that data and analysis in stock assessments and surveys and for other purposes;</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">provide specific recommendations for collecting data and performing analyses identified as necessary to reduce uncertainty in and improve the accuracy of future stock assessments, including whether such data and analysis could be provided by nongovernmental sources; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">“(C) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">consider the extent to which the acceptance and use of data and analyses identified in the report in fishery management decisions is practicable and compatible with the requirements of section 301(a)(2).”</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</subsection></quotedContent>.</content>
</subsection>
<subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tII/s201/b" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="b">(b) </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t16/s1881">16 U.S.C. 1881 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">NAS Report Recommendations.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Secretary of Commerce shall take into consideration and, to the extent feasible, implement the recommendations of the National Academy of
Sciences in the report entitled “Review of the Marine Recreational Information Program (2017)”, and shall submit, every 2 years following the date of enactment of this Act, a report to the appropriate committees of Congress detailing progress made implementing those recommendations. Recommendations considered shall include—</chapeau>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tII/s201/b/1" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">prioritizing the evaluation of electronic data collection, including smartphone applications, electronic diaries for prospective data collection, and an internet website option for panel members or for the public;</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tII/s201/b/2" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">evaluating whether the design of the Marine Recreational Information Program for the purposes of stock assessment and the determination of stock management reference points is compatible with the needs of in-season management of annual catch limits; and</content>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tII/s201/b/3" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="3">(3) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">if the Marine Recreational Information Program is incompatible with the needs of in-season management of annual catch limits, determining an alternative method for in-season management.</content>
</paragraph>
</subsection>
</section>
<section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tII/s202" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="202">SEC. 202. </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">RECREATIONAL DATA COLLECTION. </heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">Section 401 (16 U.S.C. 1881) is amended—</chapeau>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tII/s202/1" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">in subsection (g)—</chapeau>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tII/s202/1/A" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by redesignating paragraph (4) as paragraph (5); and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tII/s202/1/B" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by inserting after paragraph (3) the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block">
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="4">“(4) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Federal-state partnerships.—</heading>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Establishment.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Secretary shall establish a partnership with a State to develop best practices for implementing the State program established under paragraph (2).</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Guidance.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Secretary shall develop guidance, in cooperation with the States, that details best practices for administering State programs pursuant to paragraph (2), and provide such guidance to the States.</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="C">“(C) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Biennial report.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress and publish biennial reports that include—</chapeau>
<clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">the estimated accuracy of—</chapeau>
<subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">“(I) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the information provided under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (1) for each registry program established under that paragraph; and</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="II">“(II) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">the information from each State program that is used to assist in completing surveys or evaluating effects of conservation and management measures under paragraph (2);</content>
</subclause>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">priorities for improving recreational fishing data collection; and</content>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="iii">“(iii) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">an explanation of any use of information collected by such State programs and by the Secretary.</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="D">“(D) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">States grant program.—</heading>
<clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="i">“(i) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">In general.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Secretary may make grants to States to—</chapeau>
<subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="I">“(I) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">improve implementation of State programs consistent with this subsection; and</content>
</subclause>
<subclause style="-uslm-dtd:subclause" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="II">“(II) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">assist such programs in complying with requirements related to changes in recreational data collection under paragraph (3).</content>
</subclause>
</clause>
<clause style="-uslm-dtd:clause" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="ii">“(ii) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Use of funds.—</heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Any funds awarded through such grants shall be used to support data collection, quality assurance, and outreach to entities submitting such data. The Secretary shall prioritize such grants based on the ability of the grant to improve the quality and accuracy of such programs.”</content>
</clause>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph></quotedContent>; and</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tII/s202/2" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">(2) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">by adding at the end the following:<quotedContent style="-uslm-dtd:quoted-block">
<subsection style="-uslm-dtd:subsection" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="h">“(h) </num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">Action by Secretary.—</heading><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">The Secretary shall—</chapeau>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="1">“(1) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">within 90 days after the date of the enactment of the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2018, enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to evaluate, in the form of a report—</chapeau>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">how the design of the Marine Recreational Information Program, for the purposes of stock assessment and the determination of stock management reference points, can be improved to better meet the needs of in-season management of annual catch limits under section 303(a)(15); and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">what actions the Secretary, Councils, and States could take to improve the accuracy and timeliness of data collection and analysis to improve the Marine Recreational Information Program and facilitate in-season management; and</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
<paragraph style="-uslm-dtd:paragraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="2">“(2) </num><chapeau style="-uslm-dtd:text">within 6 months after receiving the report under paragraph (1), submit to Congress recommendations regarding—</chapeau>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="A">“(A) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">changes to be made to the Marine Recreational Information Program to make the program better meet the needs of in-season management of annual catch limits and other requirements under such section; and</content>
</subparagraph>
<subparagraph style="-uslm-dtd:subparagraph" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="B">“(B) </num><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">alternative management approaches that could be applied to recreational fisheries for which the Marine Recreational Information Program is not meeting the needs of in-season management of annual catch limits, consistent with other requirements of this Act, until such time as the changes in subparagraph (A) are implemented.”</content>
</subparagraph>
</paragraph>
</subsection></quotedContent>.</content>
</paragraph>
</section>
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="III">TITLE III—</num><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">RULE OF CONSTRUCTION </heading>
<section style="-uslm-dtd:section" identifier="/us/sComp/115/405/tIII/s301" styleType="OLC">
<num style="-uslm-dtd:enum" value="301">SEC. 301. </num><editorialNote style="-uslm-dtd:usc-reference" role="uscRef"><b>[</b><ref href="/us/usc/t16/s1801">16 U.S.C. 1801 note</ref><b>]</b> </editorialNote><heading style="-uslm-dtd:header">RULE OF CONSTRUCTION. </heading><content style="-uslm-dtd:text">Nothing in this Act shall be construed as modifying the requirements of sections 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), and 1854(e)), or the equal application of such requirements and other standards and requirements under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.) to commercial, charter, and recreational fisheries, including each component of mixed-use fisheries.</content>
</section>