Fisheries Science Modernization Act of 2026

(a) In general. The Administrator, acting through the National Marine Fisheries Service, shall carry out a multi-year pilot study—

(1) to evaluate the applicability of eDNA-based abundance estimation for a range of commercial fish stocks; and

(2) to validate the use of eDNA in Federal fishery stock assessments.

(b) Locations. The Administrator shall carry out the pilot study required by subsection (a) in not less than 3 federally managed fisheries representing diverse regions, diverse stock structures, or areas with limited survey coverage.

(c) Elements. In carrying out the pilot study required by subsection (a), the Administrator shall—

(1) conduct comparisons of eDNA sampling and data from existing fishery-independent survey approaches (such as trawl, acoustic, longline, and optical systems);

(2) incorporate eDNA sampling into ongoing surveys to evaluate the potential for cost reductions and reduced uncertainty associated with stock assessments;

(3) integrate emerging technologies, as feasible, including autonomous or artificial intelligence-enabled eDNA samplers or processing platforms to increase survey efficiencies;

(4) evaluate and document the performance of eDNA-based methods for each fishery in which the pilot study is conducted, including the conditions under which eDNA could be used for stock assessments and management decisions;

(5) engage with the partners described in subsection (d) throughout study design, sampling, or analysis, as appropriate; and

(6) ensure transparency by documenting sampling protocols, laboratory workflows, reporting practices, and quality-assurance and quality-control procedures used at each fishery.

(d) Partners. The partners described in this subsection are—

(1) the Regional Fishery Management Councils established under section 302(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1852(a));

(2) the Marine Fisheries Commissions, as defined under section 3(28) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1802(28));

(3) Indian Tribes, including Alaska Native Corporations, Native Hawaiian organizations, and Native Pacific Islander organizations in Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands;

(4) fishermen, including cooperative research partnerships;

(5) entities eligible to participate in the western Alaska community development quota program established under section 305(i)(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1855(i)(1));

(6) academic institutions and cooperative institutes;

(7) private-sector eDNA laboratories, service providers, and technology developers; and

(8) State agencies and Federal agencies outside of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

(e) Annual report. Not less frequently than annually until the pilot study required by subsection (a) concludes, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report describing—

(1) the activities, findings, and challenges of the pilot study; and

(2) next steps.

(f) Authorization of appropriations. There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary.