Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act of 2024

The Fisheries Data Modernization and Accuracy Act of 2024 aims to improve recreational fishing data collection and management by modernizing the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP). It establishes a standing committee with the National Academies to advise on data collection methods and requires consultation when MRIP data has high uncertainty (PSE > 30%) for seasonal fisheries. The bill creates a grant program for states to develop their own recreational fishing data collection programs that can replace or supplement federal MRIP data, allowing states to use their own data for federal management decisions. States will be able to collect and use their own data for stock assessments and catch monitoring, with the goal of reducing data uncertainty and improving management decisions. The bill also includes provisions for stock assessment plans and fishery-independent surveys by independent entities to enhance data quality.