Fisheries Science Modernization Act of 2026

(a) In general. The Administrator shall incorporate, in accordance with subsection (b), the routine collection of eDNA samples into ongoing fishery surveys to the extent—

(1) such additional data improves fisheries assessments or reduces costs; and

(2) does not disrupt core operations.

(b) Elements. The collection of eDNA samples carried out under subsection (a) shall—

(1) use standards or best practices developed by the National Aquatic Biomolecular Coordination Network under section 201(d);

(2) be integrated into existing surveys;

(3) support the development of long-term eDNA time series across regions and fisheries;

(4) include robust archival bio- and data-repositories, fisheries and ecosystem relevant reference voucher databases, and end-to-end data management systems; and

(5) enable the evaluation of potential survey efficiencies and expanded coverage of surveys at minimal additional cost.