Fisheries Science Modernization Act of 2026

To support the development and operational use of reliable and cost-effective eDNA tools, the Administrator, in coordination with the agencies participating in the National Aquatic Biomolecular Coordination Network, may carry out activities that—

(1) facilitate scientific advancement in eDNA methods, including development of species detection markers, improved field sampling tools, maintenance and expansion of genetic reference libraries, and analytical workflows aligned with the national standards developed by the National Aquatic Biomolecular Coordination Network under section 201(d);

(2) encourage methodological innovation leveraging National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ocean engineering capabilities, including exploration, development, and testing of autonomous, automated, or artificial intelligence-enabled eDNA sampling technologies where those technologies may increase the efficiency of surveys or reduce costs;

(3) support technological innovation in the detection of DNA and RNA from environmental samples, including the tools, informatics pipelines, and modeling that will be used for such innovation;

(4) promote bidirectional technology transfer among Federal agencies, academic researchers, Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, Native Pacific Islander organizations in Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and private-sector firms involved in sequencing, sampling equipment, bioinformatics, and the provision of eDNA services;

(5) develop and publish performance expectations, including minimum reliability, repeatability, and quality assurance and quality control requirements, to guide Federal procurement of eDNA tools and services and support market entry by United States innovators;

(6) ensure that research and innovation efforts support and reflect the national standards and best practices developed under section 201(d) for sampling, laboratory workflows, metadata, and bioinformatics; and

(7) provide periodic updates to Congress, incorporated into the annual reports required by section 201(f), summarizing research progress, private-sector engagement, and remaining scientific or operational gaps.