The first section of this act specifies its short title, officially naming it the “Sustaining America’s Fisheries for the Future Act of 2024.”

The text provides a detailed table of contents for a legislative act, outlining various sections and titles that focus on modernizing fisheries management, improving climate resilience in fisheries, supporting fishing communities, ensuring transparency, enhancing fisheries science and data, promoting healthy ecosystems, and managing international fisheries. Each title within the act addresses specific topics such as climate-ready fisheries, fisheries conservation, data modernization, supporting fishing communities, and international fisheries management.

Any references to changes or removals in this Act are to be understood as referring to changes or removals in sections of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

The section provides definitions for specific terms used in the Act: "Administrator" refers to the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, "Council" is defined according to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and "Secretary" refers to the Secretary of Commerce.

The bill amends various sections of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to replace gender-specific language like "he" and "his" with gender-neutral terms such as "the Secretary," "such person," or specific titles like "the minority leader’s," ensuring the text is more inclusive and precise.

The section updates the table of contents for the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to include various sections under the broad titles related to fishery management, foreign fishing and international agreements, national fishery management programs, and fishery monitoring and research, outlining the United States' rights, authority, and procedures for managing fishery resources.

The section modifies the laws governing fishery management to address the impact of climate change on fish stocks and marine ecosystems. It highlights the need for environmental and ecosystem considerations in managing fisheries, establishes regional councils to involve various stakeholders, and emphasizes including diverse communities in adapting to climate-related changes in fisheries.

The section proposes changes to U.S. fisheries law to address climate change impacts by requiring assessments of fish stocks' vulnerabilities, developing plans to increase resilience, and coordinating management efforts. It mandates regular updates to Congress, guidelines for fisheries managers, and amendments to current legal provisions for these efforts to take effect in four years.

The section details actions required to increase the resilience of fish stocks to climate change. It mandates assessments and notifications from the Secretary to the Councils, the creation and implementation of management plans, and regular reports to Congress on vulnerabilities and conservation efforts for fish affected by climate change.

The proposed amendments to sections 302 and 404 of the U.S. Code aim to incorporate climate science in fishery management by including climate change's effects on fisheries and promoting ecosystem-based management. This includes adding new training program requirements for councils and updating research priorities to consider changes in fisheries' geographic range, distribution, and productivity.

The bill requires the Administrator to create a program within one year to develop new tools for managing fisheries in response to climate change, with input from fishery managers and scientists. The program must coordinate with relevant organizations, identify research priorities, and conduct outreach to various sectors to enhance understanding and use of these tools, and $5,000,000 is authorized annually from 2025 to 2029 for this initiative.

The text outlines changes to cross-jurisdictional fishery management. It specifies that if a fishery spans more than one council's area, the Secretary will assign one council to handle its management plan. Furthermore, it mandates international cooperation to manage fish stocks that move across national borders and requires a report to Congress detailing the relevant fisheries, research priorities, and a plan for international research collaboration.

The bill amends Section 305(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act to focus on developing new fisheries by requiring the Secretary to publish a list of fisheries, specifying their management details, and setting criteria for new fisheries. It mandates regular reviews and updates to this list, allows for limited interim experimental fishing, and prohibits fishing not listed unless exceptions are met. The Secretary can establish emergency regulations to prevent unlisted fishing activities.

The section requires the Secretary to conduct a study and report to Congress and relevant organizations about how inshore and shallow water mobile gear fishing affects habitats, non-target species, and the areas between state and federal waters within one year of the title's enactment.

The section defines "subsistence fishing" as fishing for traditional and personal uses like food, clothing, or barter, and specifies that "family" includes related people or household members and that "barter" involves limited non-money exchanges. A legal amendment also adds "subsistence" to a federal fishing law's list of recognized fishing types.

The Working Waterfronts Grant Program section establishes a program under the Coastal Zone Management Act to protect and improve coastal areas used for fishing, boating, and other water-related activities. It involves forming a task force to identify critical needs, allowing entities to create and submit plans to maintain these waterfronts, and providing grants to implement those plans, ensuring public access and addressing environmental concerns.

The section outlines the establishment of a task force by the Secretary, which includes experts and representatives from various federal agencies and indigenous groups, to address the needs of working waterfronts. It describes a grant program for eligible entities to develop or improve working waterfronts, highlighting the criteria for granting, application process, and required public access while defining key terms and roles associated with the initiative.

The text describes a program where the Secretary can provide grants to eligible coastal states to set up and manage loan funds for preserving working waterfronts. These funds are used to offer financial help for projects that preserve or improve waterfront areas, with special provisions for disadvantaged communities and Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations, and specific rules about the management and use of the funds.

The section requires the Secretary of Agriculture to work with the Administrator to create a plan for informing the fishing industry about agricultural marketing programs. It also mandates a study on setting up seafood education and marketing initiatives, with both a report on the outreach plan and the study's findings due to Congress within two years.

The proposed amendments focus on improving fishing communities' participation in limited access privilege programs by setting eligibility criteria and requiring a community sustainability plan to address economic and social needs. Additionally, an audit by the Department of Commerce's inspector general will assess the effectiveness of these programs and recommend improvements, with a report due to Congress within a year.

The section highlights the importance of fishing to employment and the economy, especially in coastal areas. It emphasizes the need for sustainable fishing practices to protect these communities from the negative impacts of overfishing.

The bill changes how representatives are appointed to the Pacific Fishery Management Council by removing the minimum number of appointees and allowing a person to stay in their position until someone new is appointed. Additionally, it updates related wording to align with this change.

The bill amends the rules for the North Pacific Fishery Management Council by adding two seats for representatives from Alaskan Indian tribes. These representatives must have knowledge of local fish and marine resources or demonstrate leadership in fish management, and the selection will rotate among tribal regions, taking into account various qualifications and regional dependencies.

The bill modifies Section 302(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act by increasing the number of members in certain fishery management councils and requiring the appointment of a liaison to better coordinate between the Mid-Atlantic and New England Councils, who must have expertise in fisheries that cover both regions.

The section modifies how councils hold votes and meetings. It requires councils to hold roll call votes on important matters and allows for remote participation. Meetings must be broadcasted online when possible, and recordings must be archived and made available to the public for at least five years.

The section outlines changes to the rules about appointments and responsibilities of council members responsible for managing fisheries. It requires balanced representation from various fishing and conservation communities, financial disclosure from appointees, prohibits lobbying using federal funds, mandates harassment prevention training, and extends the time for judicial review of regulations.

The amendment to Section 204(e) of the U.S. Code modifies how marine conservation plans are developed and funded in Pacific Insular Areas, emphasizing collaboration with local governors and the creation of a new advisory panel to help rank grant applications for these projects. The amendment also specifies changes in the distribution of funds, ensuring they support conservation and management objectives in both Pacific Insular Areas and the State of Hawaii, while excluding the Western Pacific Sustainable Fishery Fund Advisory Panel from certain federal advisory committee regulations.

Section 307 amends the existing law to require each Council to create a code of conduct and ethics for its members and employees, with approval from the Secretary. It also allows the Secretary and the Council to discipline or even fire the executive director and other employees if necessary, in line with the law.

The bill outlines policies and reporting requirements aimed at preventing and responding to sexual harassment and assault among National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration personnel. It includes measures for annual reporting, investigation guidelines, protection of anonymity for victims, and prohibits certain offenders from serving in the NOAA's commissioned officer corps.

In certain cases, the section allows for the disclosure of personally identifying information of survivors who report incidents, but only to specific people or organizations for reasons like health or safety threats, or legal requirements. The Secretary must try to notify the individuals involved and take actions to protect their privacy and safety when such information is shared.

The bill requires the Secretary of Commerce to create a system for restricted reporting within three years. This system allows employees, officers, and relevant personnel to confidentially report incidents of sexual harassment or assault without their personal information being shared or triggering an automatic investigation.

The Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, through the Director of Marine and Aviation Operations and working with the Coast Guard, must create a policy within 180 days after the 2023 Act's enactment to report names of personnel involved in serious incidents like sexual harassment or assault to the Coast Guard. It includes those working for the Administration needing a merchant mariner credential or crew on contracted vessels where the incident occurred.

The section provides definitions for key terms used in the text, including "Administration," which refers to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, "covered personnel," which includes individuals working with or for the Administration such as observers and council members, and "sexual assault," defined by an existing law.

The section outlines a requirement for the Secretary, via the Assistant Administrator for Fisheries, to deliver a nationwide plan to Congress within 180 days for modernizing fisheries data. This plan must include goals, a timeline, budget estimates, stakeholder engagement, and how it integrates with existing data strategies. The Secretary is also tasked with gathering information from data experts and providing annual progress reports to Congress.

Congress recommends using electronic technologies for fisheries monitoring and management to enhance data accuracy and reduce costs. The bill proposes amendments to require data collection through electronic means, establishes reviews of data procedures, initiates a prize for innovation in electronic fisheries technologies, and forms an advisory panel to guide technology use in fisheries.

The bill requires the Secretary to report annually on the National Marine Fisheries Service's efforts to prioritize and improve fish stock assessments. The report should include summaries of assessment methods, completed and uncompleted assessments, upcoming schedules, data needs, progress in technology for data collection, and actions taken to address environmental changes.

The section amends laws related to cooperative fishery research and management by clarifying how funds should be used for projects addressing critical needs, setting priorities for the types of projects that can receive funding, and establishing guidelines for cooperative management agreements. It also mandates reports on project outcomes and progress on recommendations to improve fishery management using diverse scientific information and sources.

The Northeast regional pilot research trawl survey and study aims to improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's trawl surveys by having fishing vessels collect data using specific methods over five years. After completing the study, a detailed report on the results is to be submitted to congressional committees.

The proposed section of the bill aims to improve the quality and consistency of data collected on recreational fishing through new guidelines and a comprehensive program. It requires the Secretary to develop data standards, collaborate with state and federal partners, and outline a strategic plan with specific goals for better data coordination, accuracy, and integration, while also prioritizing research on various aspects of recreational fishing data collection.

The bill establishes a comprehensive program for improving recreational fishing data, which includes coordinating with federal and state programs, developing a strategic plan every five years to enhance data accuracy and coordination, allowing public input, and focusing research on data standards, electronic data collection, and best fishing practices. The goal is to improve survey methods and understand fishing efforts better, ultimately leading to more accurate assessments and efficient management of fisheries.

The section requires the Administrator, along with various councils and experts, to create a backup plan for when it's difficult to monitor fisheries, like collecting data or doing surveys. They must also report this plan to Congress within a year of this section being enacted.

The section revises the 2006 Magnuson-Stevens Act by renaming the Fisheries Conservation and Management Fund to the Zeke Grader Fisheries Conservation and Management Fund, updating the allocation process, and adding new funding purposes, like climate change research. Any legal or official references to the previous name are now deemed to refer to the updated name.

The Secretary and the Secretary of the Interior must work together, through the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, to fund surveys, stock assessments, and research on fisheries and marine wildlife. This is necessary due to the development of offshore wind energy.

The section requires the Secretary to create a strategy within one year to set research priorities and explore funding opportunities for shark studies. This includes updating shark research, conducting population surveys, assessing shark stocks, and using new survey technologies to enhance the reports on shark populations.

Congress emphasizes the importance of protecting essential fish habitats to maintain healthy fisheries and marine ecosystems, especially as ocean conditions change due to climate change. They also note that the effects of both fishing gear and other activities should be considered consistently under existing fishery conservation laws.

The proposed amendments focus on protecting essential fish habitats and habitats of particular concern from the adverse effects of fishing and other activities. The bill requires federal agencies to consult with the Secretary of Commerce to minimize or mitigate these adverse effects and ensures transparency by making recommendations and responses publicly available.

The section of the bill focuses on reducing bycatch in fisheries by requiring conservation measures to minimize bycatch and its mortality, establishing a standardized bycatch reporting program, and promoting the adoption of bycatch reduction technologies. It mandates regular consultation with Councils and calls for coordination across jurisdictions, with the Secretary tasked to report on bycatch reduction technologies every three years.

The text outlines an amendment to improve the rebuilding of overfished fisheries and ending overfishing. It details the responsibilities of the Secretary to determine the status of fish stocks, publish findings, and coordinate with councils to implement or revise management and rebuilding plans when necessary, ensuring swift action is taken to prevent overfishing and rebuild fish populations within specified timelines.

The section of this bill aims to enhance the management of overfished fisheries by requiring scientific and statistical committees to provide detailed advice on various aspects of fishery management. This includes assessing fish stocks and suggesting criteria to prevent overfishing, improving management standards, and ensuring that conservation measures are in place to rebuild depleted fisheries. Additionally, it clarifies that changes will not alter existing laws related to fisheries management.

This section clarifies that nothing in the current Act, including a specific amendment, changes the existing rules of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. These rules apply equally to different types of fishing, such as commercial, charter, and recreational, even if they are mixed-use fisheries.

The section amends 16 U.S.C. 1854(c) to require that the Secretary must (instead of may) follow certain procedures for secretarial plans, including setting specific time limits for management plans or amendments, and mandates a written notification to the Council 30 days before any deadline if the Council has not met its requirements.

The amendments to Section 302(h) require councils to prioritize fisheries and habitats facing changes, approve criteria for identifying overfished stocks, develop habitat protection plans with measurable goals, and review these plans and essential fish habitats at least every seven years.

The section focuses on the conservation of forage fish, highlighting their critical role in marine ecosystems as a food source for larger predators. It requires the Secretary to define "forage fish", mandates setting catch limits that consider the dietary needs of other wildlife, and emphasizes the need for proper management and scientific evaluation to ensure sustainable fisheries.

In this section, the law is changed to include electronic monitoring as part of the enforcement and monitoring of the Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan. This change broadens how the Plan can be enforced and monitored.

The amendment to Section 304(g)(1) of the U.S. Code requires the establishment of a scientific and statistical committee, and it mandates that for certain fish stocks not managed under the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act, yearly catch limits must align with recommendations from this committee.

The bill modifies the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 by detailing the appointment process and responsibilities for U.S. Commissioners, specifying that the President appoints four Commissioners, one of whom is a federal employee acting as Chair, while the others are not federal employees and have specific areas of expertise. Commissioners serve three-year terms and can't serve more than two consecutive terms, with their duties including representing the U.S. at international meetings. Additionally, a regulation change prevents the reduction of allocation or quota.

The section updates the rules for appointing United States Commissioners to the Commission under the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention. It specifies that the President appoints five representatives, selected from people knowledgeable about fishing and conservation, who serve at the President's discretion, and can create their own rules of procedure.

The section amends the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 to outline the appointment and responsibilities of U.S. representatives on the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission. It specifies that the President will appoint four people, with certain qualifications and limitations, to manage tuna conservation in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean.

The modified section in the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act states that new rules about annual catch limits apply to most fish stocks, including those managed under international agreements, but they don't apply to fish species with a life cycle of around one year unless they're being overfished. It also ensures that other specific requirements of the Act remain unaffected.

The section authorizes the allocation of funds to the Secretary for carrying out the Act, specifying amounts of over $698 million for 2025 and increasing annually to about $765 million by 2029.