,i #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #dafj ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,august #b1 #bjai,mr4 ,soto 7for himself1 ,miss ,gonzlez-,coln of ,puerto ,rico1 ,mr4 ,crist1 ,mr4 ,mast1 ,mrs4 ,murphy1 ,mrs4 ,radewagen1 and ,ms4 ,gabbard7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,natural ,resources ,a ,,bill ,to reauthorize the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj and to establish the ,united ,states ,coral ,reef ,task ,force1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,restoring ,resilient ,reefs ,act of #bjai4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,,title ,i--,reauthorization of ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj ,sec4 #aja4 ,reauthorization of ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj4 ,,title ,,ii--,united ,states ,coral ,reef ,task ,force ,sec4 #bja4 ,establishment4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,duties4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,membership4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,responsibilities of ,federal agency members4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,working groups4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,definitions4 ,,title ,,iii--,department of the ,interior coral reef authorities ,sec4 #cja4 ,coral reef conservation and restoration assistance4 ,i ,reauthorization of ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj #aja4 ,reauthorization of ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj ,the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fdja et seq47 is amended by striking sections #bjb through #baj and inserting the following3 #bjb4 ,purposes ,the purposes of this title are-- 7#a7 to preserve1 sustain1 and restore the condition of ,united ,states coral reef ecosystems challenged by natural and human-accelerated changes1 including increasing ocean temperatures1 ocean acidification1 coral bleaching1 coral diseases1 and invasive species2 7#b7 to promote the science-based management and sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems to benefit local communities and the ,nation1 including through improved integration and cooperation among ,federal1 ,state1 and locally managed jurisdictions with coral reef equities2 7#c7 to develop sound scientific information on the condition of coral reef ecosystems1 continuing and emerging threats to such ecosystems1 and the efficacy of innovative tools1 technologies1 and strategies to restore such ecosystems2 7#d7 to assist in the preservation of coral reefs by supporting consensus-driven ,state and community-based coral reef management1 including conservation and restoration projects that empower local communities1 small businesses1 and nongovernmental organizations2 7#e7 to provide financial resources1 technical assistance1 and scientific expertise to supplement and strengthen ,state and community-based management programs and conservation and restoration projects2 7#f7 to establish a formal mechanism for collecting and allocating monetary donations from the private sector to be used for coral reef conservation and restoration projects2 7#g7 to support the rapid and effective1 science-based response to emergencies that imminently threaten coral reefs1 such as coral disease outbreaks1 invasive species1 coral bleaching1 natural disasters1 vessel groundings or chemical spills1 and other exigent circumstances2 and 7#h7 to serve as a model for advancing similar international efforts to preserve1 sustain1 and restore coral reef ecosystems in the jurisdictions of ,united ,states allies and trading partners4 #bjc4 ,national coral reef resilience strategy 7a7 ,in general ,not later than one year after the date of the enactment of the ,restoring ,resilient ,reefs ,act of #bjai1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and publish in the ,federal ,register a national coral reef resilience strategy4 7b7 ,elements ,the strategy required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include-- 7#a7 a statement of goals and objectives and an implementation plan for supporting-- 7,a7 the coral reef conservation program under section #bba2 and 7,b7 future ,federal coral reef management and restoration activities under section #bje2 7#b7 national maps of-- 7,a7 the current range and extent of coral reef ecosystems2 7,b7 the historic range and extent of coral reef ecosystems2 and 7,c7 prime habitat for restoring reef ecosystem structure and functions to benefit coastal communities and living marine resources2 and 7#c7 a discussion of-- 7,a7 continuing and emerging threats to the resilience of ,united ,states coral reef ecosystems2 7,b7 national and regional gaps in coral reef ecosystem research1 monitoring1 and assessments2 7,c7 the status of efforts to improve management1 integration1 and cooperation among ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and locally managed jurisdictions with coral reef equities2 and 7,d7 efforts to manage and disseminate critical information1 such as publicly accessible research1 reports1 datasets1 and maps1 including through interjurisdictional data sharing4 7c7 ,revisions ,the ,administrator shall periodically1 but not less frequently than every #bj years1 review and revise the strategy required by subsection 7a7 as appropriate4 7d7 ,consultations ,in developing the strategy required by subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall consult with the ,secretary of the ,interior and the ,task ,force4 7e7 ,use of existing plan ,at the discretion of the ,administrator1 the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration's #bjah ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,program ,strategic ,plan may be considered to fulfill the requirements of this section until ,january #a1 #bjdj4 #bjd4 ,federal coral reef action plans 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,september #cj1 #bjba1 and every #e years thereafter1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and publish in the ,federal ,register a compilation of coral reef action plans for each individual management unit of a ,federal agency specified in section #bje7;c7 with jurisdiction over coral reef ecosystems and established for at least #e years-- 7#a7 developed and submitted to the ,administrator by the ,secretary of the ,interior and the ,assistant ,administrator of the ,national ,ocean ,service1 as applicable2 and 7#b7 that meet the requirements of subsection 7b74 7b7 ,requirements for ,federal coral reef action plans ,a coral reef action plan of a management unit described in subsection 7a7 meets the requirements of this subsection if the plan includes-- 7#a7 a statement of goals and objectives to be accomplished during the #e-year period following development of the plan and consistent with the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect as developed in accordance with section #bjc2 and 7#b7 a discussion of-- 7,a7 a review of such unit's efforts and success in managing and restoring coral reef ecosystems under the previous coral reef action plan in effect as developed under this section1 if applicable1 and how such review informs the newly effective action plan2 7,b7 short- and mid-term coral reef conservation and restoration objectives for such unit's coral reef ecosystems2 7,c7 an assessment of whether such unit has experienced more than a #aj percent loss of living coral cover during the #aj-year period preceding the date of the plan or retains less than #ej percent of its historic living coral cover as of that date2 7,d7 an updated adaptive management framework to inform research1 monitoring1 and assessment needs2 7,e7 any coral reef emergency plans certified under section #baf for coral reef ecosystems within such unit1 and a review of any circumstance that led to the activation of such plans within such unit1 including an evaluation of the emergency responses2 7,f7 tools and strategies to address pollution and water quality impacts to coral reef ecosystems arising wholly from within the administrative boundaries of such unit2 7,g7 the status of efforts to improve coral reef ecosystem management integration and cooperation among neighboring ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 or locally managed jurisdictions1 including identification of existing research and monitoring activities that can be leveraged for coral reef status and trends assessments within such unit2 7,h7 a list of all coral reefs or ecologically significant units of coral reefs identified by coral reef stewardship partnerships certified under section #baj7;e7 or subject to stewardship activities governed by coral reef stewardship plans certified under section #bab during the preceding #e-year period within such unit2 7,i7 coral reef-related public outreach and education efforts2 7,j7 an accounting of annual unit expenditures on coral reef management and restoration during the #e-year period preceding the date of the plan2 and 7,k7 estimated budgetary and other resource considerations necessary to carry out such plan4 7c7 ,adoption of stewardship and emergency plans ,in developing a coral reef action plan under this section1 a management unit described in subsection 7a7 may adopt any coral reef stewardship plans certified under section #bab and coral reef emergency plans certified under section #baf governing stewardship or emergency response activities within the administrative boundaries of such unit4 7d7 ,consultations ,in developing the action plans required by subsection 7a71 the ,secretary of the ,interior or the ,assistant ,administrator of the ,national ,ocean ,service may consult with the ,administrator and the ,task ,force4 #bje4 ,federal coral reef management and restoration activities 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may conduct activities described in subsection 7b7 to conserve and restore coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems that are consistent with-- 7#a7 all applicable laws governing resource management in ,federal and ,state waters1 including this title2 7#b7 the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect as developed under section #bjc2 and 7#c7 ,federal coral reef action plans in effect and developed under section #bjd4 7b7 ,activities described ,activities described in this subsection are activities to conserve and restore coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems in waters managed under the jurisdiction of a ,federal agency specified in subsection 7c71 including-- 7#a7 enhancing compliance with ,federal laws that prohibit or regulate-- 7,a7 the taking of coral products or species associated with coral reefs2 or 7,b7 the use and management of coral reef ecosystems2 7#b7 mapping of-- 7,a7 the current range and extent of coral reef ecosystems2 7,b7 the historical range and extent of coral reef ecosystems2 and 7,c7 prime habitat for restoring reef ecosystem structure and functions to benefit coastal communities and living marine resources2 7#c7 long-term ecological monitoring of coral reef ecosystems2 7#d7 implementing species-specific recovery plans for listed coral species consistent with the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq472 7#e7 restoring degraded coral reef ecosystems2 7#f7 promoting ecologically sound navigation and anchorages1 including mooring buoy systems to promote enhanced recreational access1 near coral reefs2 and 7#g7 monitoring and responding to severe bleaching or mortality events1 disease outbreaks1 invasive species outbreaks1 and significant maritime accidents1 including chemical spill cleanup and the removal of grounded vessels4 7c7 ,federal agencies specified ,a ,federal agency specified in this subsection is one of the following3 7#a7 ,the ,national ,ocean ,service of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration4 7#b7 ,the ,national ,park ,service4 7#c7 ,the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service4 7#d7 ,the ,office of ,insular ,affairs of the ,department of the ,interior4 7d7 ,coordination with the ,department of the ,interior ,the ,secretary shall coordinate with the ,secretary of the ,interior regarding the conduct of any activities to conserve and restore coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems in waters managed under the jurisdiction of a ,federal agency specified in paragraph 7#b71 7#c71 or 7#d7 of subsections 7c74 7e7 ,cooperative agreements 7#a7 ,in general ,at the discretion of the ,secretary1 the ,administrator may enter into cooperative agreements with ,states to fund coral reef conservation and restoration activities in waters managed under the jurisdiction of such ,states that are consistent with the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect as developed under section #bjc4 7#b7 ,limitation ,the ,administrator may not provide more than #ejj1jjj in total funding under paragraph 7#a7 to one ,state in a fiscal year4 #bjf4 ,state coral reef management and restoration strategies 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,september #cj1 #bjbb1 and every #bj years thereafter1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and publish in the ,federal ,register a compilation of ,state coral reef management and restoration strategies-- 7#a7 developed and voluntarily submitted to the ,administrator by covered ,states2 and 7#b7 that meet the requirements of subsection 7b74 7b7 ,requirements for ,state strategies ,a coral reef management and restoration strategy of a covered ,state meets the requirements of this subsection if the strategy includes-- 7#a7 a statement of goals and objectives to be accomplished during the #bj-year period following the development of the strategy2 and 7#b7 a discussion of-- 7,a7 updated ,state mapping of-- 7i7 the current range and extent of coral reef ecosystems2 7ii7 the historical range and extent of coral reef ecosystems2 and 7iii7 prime habitat for restoring reef ecosystem functions to benefit coastal communities and living marine resources2 7,b7 continuing and emerging threats to the resilience of coral reef ecosystems within such ,state2 7,c7 statewide gaps in research1 monitoring1 and assessment2 7,d7 long-term ,state conservation and restoration goals1 including the status of efforts to improve management integration and cooperation among ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and locally managed jurisdictions with coral reef equities2 7,e7 the role of coral reef stewardship partnerships certified under section #baj7;e7 within such ,state1 and the role of such partnerships in the coral reef management and restoration strategy of such ,state2 and 7,f7 efforts to manage and disseminate critical information such as publicly accessible research1 reports1 datasets1 and maps1 including through interjurisdictional data sharing4 7c7 ,technical assistance ,upon request by a covered ,state1 the ,administrator shall make reasonable efforts to provide technical assistance in the development of the coral reef management and restoration strategy of such ,state under this subsection4 #bjg4 ,state coral reef action plans 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,september #cj1 #bjbc1 and every #e years thereafter1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and publish in the ,federal ,register a compilation of ,state coral reef action plans-- 7#a7 developed and voluntarily submitted to the ,administrator by covered ,states2 and 7#b7 that meet the requirements of subsection 7b74 7b7 ,requirements for ,state plans ,a ,state coral reef action plan meets the requirements of this subsection if the plan includes-- 7#a7 a statement of goals and objectives to be accomplished during the #e-year period following development of the plan and consistent with such covered ,state's coral reef management and restoration strategy in effect as developed in accordance with section #bjf1 if any2 and 7#b7 a discussion of-- 7,a7 a review of the most recent ,state coral reef action plan assessment developed under section #bjh1 as applicable1 and how such assessment informs the newly submitted action plan2 7,b7 short- and mid-term ,state coral reef conservation and restoration objectives2 7,c7 an assessment of whether such ,state has experienced more than a #aj percent loss of living coral cover during the #aj-year period preceding the date of the plan or retains less than #ej percent of its historical living coral cover as of that date2 7,d7 an updated adaptive management framework to inform research1 monitoring1 and assessment needs2 7,e7 any coral reef emergency plans certified under section #baf in effect for coral reef ecosystems within such ,state1 and a review of any circumstance that led to the activation of such plans within such ,state1 including an evaluation of the emergency responses2 7,f7 tools and strategies to address pollution and water quality impacts to coral reef ecosystems within such ,state2 7,g7 the status of efforts to improve coral reef ecosystem management integration and cooperation among ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 or locally managed jurisdictions1 including identification of existing research and monitoring activities that can be leveraged for coral reef status and trends assessments within such ,state2 7,h7 a list of all coral reefs or ecologically significant units of coral reefs identified by coral reef stewardship partnerships certified under section #baj7;e7 or subject to stewardship activities governed by coral reef stewardship plans certified under section #bab during the preceding #e-year period within such ,state2 7,i7 coral reef-related public outreach and education efforts2 7,j7 an accounting of such ,state's annual expenditures on coral reef management and restoration during the #e-year period preceding the date of the plan2 and 7,k7 estimated budgetary and other resource considerations necessary to carry out such plan4 7c7 ,adoption of stewardship and emergency plans ,in developing a coral reef action plan under this section1 a covered ,state may adopt any coral reef stewardship plans certified under section #bab and coral reef emergency plans certified under section #baf governing stewardship or emergency response activities within the administrative boundaries of the ,state4 7d7 ,technical assistance ,upon request by a covered ,state1 the ,administrator shall make reasonable efforts to provide technical assistance in the development of the ,state's coral reef action plan under this section4 #bjh4 ,state coral reef action plan assessments 7a7 ,in general ,not later than ,september #cj1 #bjbg1 and every #e years thereafter1 the ,administrator shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees and publish in the ,federal ,register an assessment1 for each covered ,state with an action plan developed under section #bjg and in effect1 of-- 7#a7 the capacity of such covered ,state to manage coral reef ecosystems in the ,state2 7#b7 a review of such covered ,state's efforts and success in managing and restoring coral reef ecosystems under the previous coral reef action plan developed under section #bjg and in effect1 as applicable2 and 7#c7 a review of any circumstance that led to the activation of a coral reef emergency plan certified under section #baf and in effect within such covered ,state1 including an evaluation of the emergency responses4 7b7 ,consultations ,in conducting an assessment under subsection 7a7 with respect to a covered ,state1 the ,administrator may consult with the covered ,state1 the ,task ,force1 coral reef stewardship partnerships certified under section #baj7;e7 operating within the covered ,state1 and impacted ,indian ,tribes and ,tribal organizations4 7c7 ,use in development of ,state coral reef action plans ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,administrator should conduct assessments under subsection 7a7 with the goal of informing and supporting the development of subsequent ,state coral reef action plans developed under section #bjg4 #bji4 ,state block grants 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall provide block grants of financial assistance to covered ,states in response to annual proposals for funds to support ,state activities that would further the implementation of ,state coral reef management and restoration strategies developed under section #bjf1 ,state coral reef action plans developed under section #bjg1 and coral reef stewardship plans certified under section #bab4 7b7 ,eligibility ,a covered ,state is eligible to receive a grant under this subsection if the ,state has in effect-- 7#a7 a ,state coral reef management and restoration strategy in effect published by the ,administrator in the ,federal ,register under section #bjf and a ,state coral reef action plan in effect published by the ,administrator in the ,federal ,register under section #bjg2 or 7#b7 at least one coral reef stewardship plan certified under section #bab in effect within its administrative boundaries4 7c7 ,funding requirements 7#a7 ,limitation ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b7 or subsection 7d71 the amount of ,federal funds provided to a covered ,state as a block grant under this section may not exceed the total amount of the annual expenditures of the ,state on the implementation of its ,state coral reef management and restoration strategy under section #bjf1 its ,state coral reef action plan under section #bjg1 and its responsibilities to coral reef stewardship plans certified under section #bab4 7#b7 ,exclusions ,any ,federal funds provided to a natural resource management authority of a ,state or other ,state government authority under this section or section #bje1 #bac1 #bah1 #bai1 or #bba shall not be considered ,state expenditures for the purposes of calculating the limitation under paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,considerations ,notwithstanding paragraph 7#a71 in determining the amount of ,federal funds a covered ,state receives as a block grant under this section1 the ,administrator may consider the following factors3 7,a7 ,the quality of such ,state's funding proposal under subsection 7a74 7,b7 ,the findings from such ,state's most recent action plan assessment under section #bjh1 if applicable4 7,c7 ,estimates of direct and indirect economic activity supported by coral reef ecosystems within such ,state4 7d7 ,waivers of certain requirements ,the ,administrator may waive the eligibility requirements under subsection 7b71 in full or in part1 through fiscal year #bjbc4 #baj4 ,coral reef stewardship partnerships 7a7 ,coral reef stewardship partnerships ,the ,administrator shall establish standards for the formation of partnerships among government and community members for the stewardship of coral reefs 7in this title referred to as coral reef stewardship partnerships7 in accordance with this section4 7b7 ,identification of reefs ,each coral reef stewardship partnership shall identify with particularity the coral reef or ecologically significant unit of a coral reef that will be the subject of its stewardship activities4 7c7 ,membership for ,federal reefs ,a coral reef stewardship partnership that has identified1 as the subject of its stewardship activities1 a coral reef or ecologically significant unit of a coral reef that is fully or partially under the management jurisdiction of any ,federal agency specified in section #bje7;c71 shall1 at a minimum1 include the following3 7#a7 ,that ,federal agency1 a representative of which shall serve as chair of the coral reef stewardship partnership4 7#b7 ,a ,state1 county1 or ,tribal organization's resource management agency4 7#c7 ,a coral reef research center described in section #bbc7;c77#b7 or other institution of higher education4 7#d7 ,a nongovernmental organization4 7#e7 ,other members as appropriate1 such as interested stakeholder groups4 7d7 ,membership for non-,federal reefs 7#a7 ,in general ,a coral reef stewardship partnership that has identified1 as the subject of its stewardship activities1 a coral reef or ecologically significant unit of a coral reef that is not under the management jurisdiction of any ,federal agency specified in section #bje7;c7 shall1 at a minimum1 include the following3 7,a7 ,a ,state1 county1 or ,tribal organization's resource management agency1 a representative of which shall serve as the chair of the coral reef stewardship partnership4 7,b7 ,a coral reef research center described in section #bbc7;c77#b7 or another institution of higher education4 7,c7 ,a nongovernmental organization4 7,d7 ,other members as appropriate1 such as interested stakeholder groups4 7#b7 ,additional members ,a coral reef stewardship partnership described in paragraph 7#a7 may also include one or more ,federal agencies that have a management interest in the identified reef that is subject to the partnership's stewardship activities4 7e7 ,certification ,a group seeking recognition as a coral reef stewardship partnership under this section may petition the ,administrator for certification as a coral reef stewardship partnership1 and the ,administrator shall accept or reject the petition for certification not later than #cj days after receiving the petition4 7f7 ,multiple groups 7#a7 ,in general ,each coral reef1 or ecologically significant unit of a coral reef1 may be the subject of the stewardship activities of only one coral reef stewardship partnership4 7#b7 ,procedures required ,the ,administrator shall develop procedures to govern the disposition of petitions from multiple groups seeking to identify the same coral reef or ecologically significant unit of a coral reef as the subject of the stewardship activities of a coral reef stewardship partnership4 7g7 ,nonapplicability of ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall not apply to coral reef stewardship partnerships4 #baa4 ,coral reef stewardship plans 7a7 ,reef stewardship plans ,a coral reef stewardship partnership certified under section #baj7;e7 may develop plans for the stewardship of the coral reef or ecologically significant unit of a coral reef that is the subject of the stewardship activities of the partnership 7in this title referred to as coral reef stewardship plans74 7b7 ,plan requirements ,a coral reef stewardship plan shall include the following elements3 7#a7 ,tools and strategies to address pollution and water quality impacts to the identified coral reef ecosystems4 7#b7 ,an updated adaptive management framework to inform research1 monitoring1 and assessment needs4 7#c7 ,short- and mid-term coral reef stewardship objectives4 7#d7 ,coral reef-related public outreach and education efforts4 7#e7 ,establishment of roles and responsibilities for implementing the plan4 7#f7 ,evidence of engagement with interested stakeholder groups in the development of the plan4 7#g7 ,any other information the ,administrator considers to be necessary for evaluating the plan4 7c7 ,best stewardship practices ,the ,administrator shall convene representatives of coral reef stewardship partnerships not less than once a year to share experiences and identify best practices for developing and implementing coral reef stewardship plans4 #bab4 ,stewardship plan certifications 7a7 ,submission to administrator for certification ,a coral reef stewardship partnership certified under section #baj7;e7 may submit a coral reef stewardship plan developed under section #baa to the ,administrator for certification4 7b7 ,evaluation 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 evaluate a plan submitted under subsection 7a7 to determine whether the plan complies with the requirements of section #baa7;b72 and 7,b7 grant or deny the petition for certification not later than #abj days 7except as provided by paragraph 7#b77 after receiving the petition4 7#b7 ,extension ,the ,administrator may extend the date provided for under paragraph 7#a77;,b7 by not more than #fj days4 7c7 ,appeal ,if the ,administrator denies a petition for certification submitted under subsection 7a7 by a coral reef stewardship partnership1 the partnership may1 not later than #cj days after receiving notice of the denial1 appeal the denial to the ,secretary4 ,not later than #fj days after receiving an appeal under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall grant or deny the appeal4 7d7 ,recertification ,the certification of a coral reef stewardship plan under this section shall expire on the date that is #e years after the certification was granted4 ,a coral reef stewardship partnership may submit an updated version of such a plan for recertification prior to the expiration of the certification of the plan under this section4 #bac4 ,coral ,reef ,stewardship ,fund 7a7 ,authority ,to enter into agreements ,the ,administrator may enter into an agreement with the ,national ,fish and ,wildlife ,foundation 7in this section referred to as the ,foundation71 authorizing the ,foundation to receive1 hold1 and administer funds received pursuant to this section4 7b7 ,fund ,the ,foundation shall invest1 reinvest1 and otherwise administer the funds received pursuant to this section and maintain such funds and any interest or revenues earned in a separate interest bearing account1 to be known as the ,coral ,reef ,stewardship ,fund 7in this section referred to as the ,fund71 established by the ,foundation solely to support coral reef stewardship partnership activities that-- 7#a7 further the purposes of this title2 and 7#b7 are consistent with-- 7,a7 the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect as developed under section #bjc2 7,b7 the ,state coral reef management and restoration strategy in effect1 if any1 as developed under section #bjf by the covered ,state in which such activities will be carried out2 7,c7 the ,state coral reef action plan in effect1 if any1 as developed under section #bjg by the covered ,state in which such activities will be carried out2 7,d7 ,federal coral reef action plans in effect1 if any1 as developed under section #bjd by a ,federal agency with management jurisdiction of a coral reef ecosystem to be impacted by such activities1 if applicable2 and 7,e7 the coral reef stewardship plan in effect as certified under section #bab governing such stewardship activities4 7c7 ,authorization ,to solicit donations 7#a7 ,in general ,pursuant to an agreement entered into under subsection 7a71 the ,foundation may accept1 receive1 solicit1 hold1 administer1 and use any gift 7including1 notwithstanding section #acdb of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 donations of services7 to further the purposes of this title4 7#b7 ,deposits in ,fund ,notwithstanding section #ccjb of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 any funds received as a gift shall be deposited and maintained in the ,fund4 7#c7 ,notification required ,not later than #cj days after funds are deposited in the ,fund under paragraph 7#b71 the ,foundation shall notify the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives of the source and amount of such funds4 7d7 ,review of performance ,the ,administrator shall conduct a continuing review of the grant program administered by the ,foundation under this section4 ,each review shall include a written assessment concerning the extent to which the ,foundation has implemented the goals and requirements of-- 7#a7 this section2 and 7#b7 the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect as developed under section #bjc4 7e7 ,administration ,under an agreement entered into pursuant to subsection 7a71 the ,administrator may transfer funds appropriated to carry out this title to the ,foundation4 ,amounts received by the ,foundation under this subsection may be used for matching1 in whole or in part1 contributions 7whether in money1 services1 or property7 made to the ,foundation by private persons1 ,state or local government agencies1 or ,tribal organizations4 #bad4 ,coral reefs as maintained or engineered infrastructure 7a7 ,coral reefs that are the subject of certified coral reef plans ,any coral reef or ecologically significant unit of a coral reef that is the subject of stewardship activities of a coral reef stewardship partnership plan in effect as certified under section #bab or a coral reef emergency plan in effect as certified under section #baf shall be eligible for public assistance under the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eaba et seq474 7b7 ,other coral reefs ,any coral reef or ecologically significant unit of a coral reef not described in subsection 7a7 may be considered eligible for public assistance under the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act4 #bae4 ,coral reef emergency plans 7a7 ,in general ,individual management units of ,federal agencies specified in section #bje7;c7 with jurisdiction over coral reef ecosystems1 covered ,states1 and coral reef stewardship partnerships certified under section #baj7;e7 may develop plans 7in this title referred to as coral reef emergency plans7 for the rapid and effective response to circumstances that pose an urgent and immediate threat to the coral reef ecosystems subject to the stewardship activities of such management unit1 covered ,state1 or coral reef stewardship partnership4 7b7 ,coral reef emergencies ,the ,administrator shall develop a list and criteria for circumstances that pose an urgent and immediate threat to coral reefs 7in this title referred to as coral reef emergencies71 including-- 7#a7 new and ongoing outbreaks of disease2 7#b7 new and ongoing outbreaks of invasive species2 7#c7 new and ongoing coral bleaching events2 7#d7 natural disasters2 7#e7 man-made disasters1 including vessel groundings1 chemical spills1 or coastal construction accidents2 and 7#f7 other exigent circumstances4 7c7 ,best response practices ,the ,administrator shall develop guidance on best practices to respond to coral reef emergencies4 ,such best practices shall be-- 7#a7 based on the best available science and integrated with evolving innovative technologies2 and 7#b7 updated not less frequently than once every #e years4 7d7 ,plan requirements ,a coral reef emergency plan shall include the following elements3 7#a7 ,a description of particular threats1 and the proposed responses1 consistent with the best practices developed under subsection 7c74 7#b7 ,a delineation of roles and responsibilities for executing such plan4 7#c7 ,evidence of engagement with interested stakeholder groups1 as applicable1 in the development of such plan4 7#d7 ,any other information the ,administrator considers to be necessary for evaluating such plan4 #baf4 ,emergency plan certifications 7a7 ,submission to administrator for certification ,federal agencies specified in subsection #bje7;c71 covered ,states1 and coral reef stewardship partnerships certified under section #baj7;e7 may submit coral reef emergency plans developed under section #bae to the ,administrator for certification4 7b7 ,evaluation 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 evaluate a plan submitted under subsection 7a7 to determine whether the plan complies with the requirements of section #bae7;d72 and 7,b7 grant or deny the petition for certification not later than #abj days 7except as provided by paragraph 7#b77 after receiving the petition4 7#b7 ,extension ,the ,administrator may extend the date provided for under paragraph 7#a77;,b7 by not more than #fj days4 7c7 ,appeal ,if the ,administrator denies a petition for certification submitted under subsection 7a71 the petitioning entity may1 not later than #cj days after receiving notice of the denial1 appeal the denial to the ,secretary4 ,not later than #fj days after receiving an appeal under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall grant or deny the appeal4 7d7 ,recertification ,the certification of a coral reef emergency plan under this section shall expire on the date that is #e years after the certification was granted4 ,the petitioning entity may submit an updated version of such a plan for recertification prior to the expiration of the certification of the plan under this section4 #bag4 ,environmental review 7a7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this ,act may be construed to supersede or modify the requirements of the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq474 7b7 ,environmental assessments ,to the extent permissible under the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi1 the ,administrator may conduct an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement under that ,act with respect to coral reef emergency plans developed under section #bae or certified under section #baf4 7c7 ,guidance and outreach ,the ,administrator shall issue guidance and conduct outreach with respect to the implementation of this section4 #bah4 ,coral ,reef ,emergency ,fund 7a7 ,authority ,to enter into agreements ,the ,administrator may enter into an agreement with the ,national ,fish and ,wildlife ,foundation 7in this section referred to as the ,foundation71 authorizing the ,foundation to receive1 hold1 and administer funds received pursuant to this section4 7b7 ,fund ,the ,foundation shall invest1 reinvest1 and otherwise administer funds received pursuant to this section and maintain such funds and any interest or revenues earned in a separate interest-bearing account1 to be known as the ,coral ,reef ,emergency ,fund 7in this section referred as the ,fund71 established by the ,foundation solely to support rapid and effective responses to coral reef emergencies by ,federal agencies specified in subsection #bje7;c71 covered ,states1 and coral reef stewardship partnerships certified under section #baj7;e71 and as otherwise consistent with this title4 7c7 ,authorization ,to solicit donations 7#a7 ,in general ,pursuant to an agreement entered into under subsection 7a71 the ,foundation may accept1 receive1 solicit1 hold1 administer1 and use any gift 7including1 notwithstanding section #acdb of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 donations of services7 to further the purposes of this title4 7#b7 ,deposits in ,fund ,notwithstanding section #ccjb of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 any funds received as a gift shall be deposited and maintained in the ,fund4 7#c7 ,notification required ,not later than #cj days after funds are deposited in the ,fund under paragraph 7#b71 the ,foundation shall notify the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives of the source and amount of such funds4 7d7 ,review of performance ,the ,administrator shall conduct a continuing review of the grant program administered by the ,foundation under this section4 ,each review shall include a written assessment concerning the extent to which the ,foundation has implemented the goals and requirements of this section4 7e7 ,administration ,under an agreement entered into pursuant to subsection 7a71 the ,administrator may transfer funds appropriated to carry out this title to the ,foundation4 ,amounts received by an organization under this subsection may be used for matching1 in whole or in part1 contributions 7whether in money1 services1 or property7 made to the organization by private persons1 ,state or local government agencies1 or ,tribal organizations4 #bai4 ,emergency assistance 7a7 ,coral reef emergency declarations 7#a7 ,sua sponte declaration ,the ,secretary may determine and declare a coral reef emergency4 7#b7 ,petitions ,if a ,state or a coral reef stewardship partnership certified under section #baj7;e7 believes that a coral reef emergency has occurred1 and is impacting coral reefs or ecologically significant units of coral reefs subject to the coral reef stewardship activities of the ,state or partnership1 the ,state or partnership may petition the ,secretary for a declaration of a coral reef emergency4 7#c7 ,evaluation and action 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #cj days after receiving a petition under paragraph 7#b7 7except as provided in subparagraph 7,b771 the ,secretary shall-- 7i7 evaluate the petition to determine whether a coral reef emergency has occurred2 and 7ii7 declare a coral reef emergency or deny the petition4 7,b7 ,extension ,the ,administrator may extend the deadline provided for under subparagraph 7,a7 by not more than #ae days4 7#d7 ,appeal ,if the ,secretary denies a petition for an emergency declaration submitted under paragraph 7#b7 by a ,state or coral reef stewardship partnership1 the ,state or partnership may1 not later than #ae days after receiving notice of the denial1 appeal the denial to the ,secretary4 ,not later than #ae days after receiving an appeal under this paragraph1 the ,secretary shall grant or deny the appeal4 7#e7 ,revocation ,the ,secretary may revoke any declaration of a coral reef emergency in whole or in part after determining that circumstances no longer require an emergency response4 7#f7 ,recovery of emergency funding ,the ,administrator may seek compensation from negligent parties to recover emergency funds expended in excess of #ejj1jjj under this section as a result of an emergency declaration arising from direct impacts to coral reefs from man-made disasters or accidents4 7b7 ,grant authority 7#a7 ,in general ,upon the declaration of a coral reef emergency under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary shall provide grants to carry out proposals that meet the requirements of paragraph 7#b7 to implement coral reef emergency plans certified under section #baf4 7#b7 ,requirements ,a proposal for a grant under this subsection to implement a coral reef emergency plan shall include-- 7,a7 the name of the individual or entity submitting the proposal2 7,b7 a copy of the coral reef emergency plan2 7,c7 a description of the qualifications of the individuals and entities who will implement the plan2 7,d7 an estimate of the funds and time required to complete the implementation of the plan2 and 7,e7 any other information the ,secretary considers to be necessary for evaluating the eligibility of the proposal for a grant under this subsection4 7#c7 ,review ,not later than #cj days after receiving a proposal for a grant under this subsection1 the ,secretary shall review the proposal and determine if the proposal meets the criteria requirements of paragraph 7#b74 7#d7 ,concurrent review ,an individual or entity seek a grant under this subsection may submit a project proposal under paragraph 7#b7 to the ,secretary at any time following the submission of a petition for an emergency declaration under subsection 7a77#b7 that is applicable to coral reefs or ecologically significant units of coral reefs subject to the coral reef stewardship activities of the individual or entity4 #bbj4 ,vessel grounding inventory ,the ,administrator1 in coordination with the heads of other ,federal agencies1 may maintain an inventory of all vessel grounding incidents involving ,united ,states coral reefs1 including a description of-- 7#a7 the impacts of each such incident2 7#b7 vessel and ownership information relating to each such incident1 if available2 7#c7 the estimated cost of removal1 mitigation1 or restoration relating to each such incident2 7#d7 the response actions taken by the owner of the vessel1 the ,administrator1 the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard1 or other ,federal or ,state agency representatives2 7#e7 the status of the response actions1 including the dates of-- 7,a7 vessel removal2 7,b7 mitigation or restoration activities1 including whether an applicable coral reef emergency plan as certified under section #baf was implemented2 and 7,c7 any actions taken to prevent future grounding incidents2 and 7#f7 recommendations for additional navigational aids or other mechanisms for preventing future grounding incidents4 #bba4 ,coral reef conservation program 7a7 ,grants ,the ,administrator shall provide grants of financial assistance for projects for the conservation and restoration of coral reef ecosystems 7in this section referred to as coral reef projects7 for proposals approved by the ,administrator in accordance with this section4 7b7 ,eligibility 7#a7 ,in general ,an entity described in paragraph 7#b7 may submit to the ,administrator a proposal for a coral reef project4 7#b7 ,entities described ,an entity described in this paragraph is-- 7,a7 a natural resource management authority of a ,state or local government or ,tribal organization-- 7i7 with responsibility for coral reef management2 or 7ii7 the activities of which directly or indirectly affect coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems2 7,b7 a coral reef stewardship partnership certified under section #baj7;e7 seeking to implement a coral reef stewardship plan certified under section #bab2 7,c7 a coral reef research center designated under section #bbc7;c77#b72 or 7,d7 another educational or nongovernmental research institution with demonstrated expertise in the conservation or restoration of coral reefs in practice or through significant contributions to the body of existing scientific research on coral reefs4 7c7 ,project proposals ,each proposal for a grant under this section for a coral reef project shall include the following3 7#a7 ,the name of the individual or entity responsible for conducting the project4 7#b7 ,a description of the qualifications of the individual or entity4 7#c7 ,a succinct statement of the purposes of the project4 7#d7 ,an estimate of the funds and time required to complete the project4 7#e7 ,evidence of support for the project by appropriate representatives of ,states or other government jurisdictions in which the project will be conducted4 7#f7 ,information regarding the source and amount of matching funding available to the applicant4 7#g7 ,a description of how the project meets one or more of the criteria under subsection 7e77#b74 7#h7 ,in the case of a proposal submitted by a coral reef stewardship partnership certified under section #baj7;e71 a description of how the project aligns with the coral reef stewardship plan in effect as certified under section #bab4 7#i7 ,any other information the ,administrator considers to be necessary for evaluating the eligibility of the project for a grant under this subsection4 7d7 ,project review and approval 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall review each coral reef project proposal submitted under this section to determine if the project meets the criteria set forth in subsection 7e74 7#b7 ,prioritization of restoration projects ,the ,administrator shall prioritize the awarding of grants for applicable projects that meet the criteria for approval under subparagraphs 7,f71 7,g71 7,h71 7,i71 7,j71 and 7,k7 of subsection 7e77#b7 that are proposed to be conducted within the administrative boundaries of-- 7,a7 an individual management unit of a ,federal agency specified in section #bje7;c72 or 7,b7 a covered ,state that-- 7i7 has experienced more than a #aj percent loss of living coral cover during the #aj-year period preceding the date of the plan as determined by the applicable ,federal coral reef action plan in effect as developed under section #bjd2 or 7ii7 retains less than #ej percent of its historical living coral cover as of that date1 as determined by the ,state coral reef action plan in effect as developed under section #bjh4 7#c7 ,review2 approval or disapproval ,not later than #ahj days after receiving a proposal for a coral reef project under this section1 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 request and consider written comments on the proposal from each ,federal agency1 ,state government1 ,tribal organization1 or other government jurisdiction1 including the relevant regional fishery management councils established under the ,magnuson-,stevens ,fishery ,conservation and ,management ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #ahja et seq471 or any ,national ,marine ,sanctuary1 with jurisdiction or management authority over coral reef ecosystems in the area where the project is to be conducted1 including the extent to which the project is consistent with locally established priorities1 unless such entities were directly involved in the development of the project proposal2 7,b7 provide for the merit-based peer review of the proposal and require standardized documentation of that peer review2 7,c7 after considering any written comments and recommendations based on the reviews under subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b71 approve or disapprove the proposal2 and 7,d7 provide written notification of that approval or disapproval1 with summaries of all written comments1 recommendations1 and peer-reviews1 to the entity that submitted the proposal1 and each of those ,states1 ,tribal organizations1 and other government jurisdictions that provided comments under subparagraph 7,a74 7e7 ,criteria for approval ,the ,administrator may not approve a proposal for a coral reef project under this section unless the project-- 7#a7 is consistent with-- 7,a7 the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect as developed under section #bjc2 7,b7 the ,state coral reef management and restoration strategy in effect1 if any1 as developed under section #bjf by the covered ,state in which the project will be carried out2 7,c7 the ,state coral reef action plan in effect1 if any1 as developed under section #bjg by such ,state2 7,d7 ,federal coral reef action plans in effect1 if any1 as developed under section #bjd by a ,federal agency with management jurisdiction of a coral reef ecosystem to be impacted by such project1 if applicable2 and 7,e7 coral reef stewardship plans in effect1 if any1 as certified under section #bab governing the stewardship activities at a coral reef or ecologically significant unit of a coral reef to be impacted by such project1 if applicable2 and 7#b7 will enhance the conservation and restoration of coral reefs by-- 7,a7 addressing conflicts arising from the use of environments near coral reefs or from the use of corals1 species associated with coral reefs1 and coral products1 including supporting consensus-driven1 community-based planning and management initiatives for the protection of coral reef ecosystems2 7,b7 improving compliance with laws that prohibit or regulate the taking of coral products or species associated with coral reefs or regulate the use and management of coral reef ecosystems2 7,c7 designing and implementing networks of real-time water quality monitoring along coral reefs1 including data collection related to turbidity1 nutrient availability1 harmful algal blooms1 and plankton assemblages1 with an emphasis on coral reefs impacted by agriculture and urban development2 7,d7 promoting ecologically sound navigation and anchorages1 including mooring buoy systems to promote enhanced recreational access1 near coral reefs2 7,e7 furthering the goals and objectives of coral reef stewardship plans certified under section #bab and coral reef emergency plans certified under section #baf2 7,f7 mapping the location and distribution of coral reefs and potential coral reef habitat2 7,g7 implementing research to ensure the population viability of listed coral species in ,united ,states waters as detailed in the population-based recovery criteria included in species-specific recovery plans consistent with the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq472 7,h7 developing and implementing cost-effective methods to restore degraded coral reef ecosystems or to create native coral reef ecosystems in suitable waters1 including by improving habitat or promoting success of keystone species1 with an emphasis on novel restoration strategies and techniques to advance coral reef recovery and growth near population centers threatened by rising sea levels and storm surge2 7,i7 translating and applying coral genetics research to coral reef ecosystem restoration1 including research related to traits that promote resilience to increasing ocean temperatures1 ocean acidification1 coral bleaching1 coral diseases1 and invasive species2 7,j7 developing and maintaining in situ native coral propagation sites2 or 7,k7 developing and maintaining ex situ coral propagation nurseries and land-based coral gene banks to-- 7i7 conserve or augment genetic diversity of native coral populations2 7ii7 support captive breeding of rare coral species2 or 7iii7 enhance resilience of native coral populations to increasing ocean temperatures1 ocean acidification1 coral bleaching1 and coral diseases through selective breeding1 conditioning1 or other approaches that target genes1 gene expression1 phenotypic traits1 or phenotypic plasticity4 7f7 ,funding requirements 7#a7 ,fifty percent match 7,a7 ,in general ,except as provided by subparagraph 7,c71 ,federal funds for any coral reef project under this section may not exceed #ej percent of the total cost of the project4 ,for purposes of this paragraph1 the non-,federal share of project costs may be provided by in-kind contributions and other noncash support4 7,b7 ,waiver ,the ,administrator may waive all or part of the matching requirement under subparagraph 7,a7 with respect to a coral reef project if the ,administrator determines that-- 7i7 no reasonable means are available through which the entity that submitted the proposal for the project can meet the matching requirement2 and 7ii7 the probable benefit of the project outweighs the public interest in the matching requirement4 7,c7 ,exclusion ,funds provided under section #bji may not be used to satisfy the matching requirement under subparagraph 7,a74 7#b7 ,distribution of funds ,to the extent practicable based upon proposals for coral reef projects submitted to the ,administrator1 the ,administrator shall ensure that funding for grants awarded under this section during a fiscal year is distributed as follows3 7,a7 ,not less than #dj percent of funds available shall be awarded for projects in the ,pacific ,ocean within the maritime areas and zones subject to the jurisdiction or control of the ,united ,states4 7,b7 ,not less than #dj percent of the funds available shall be awarded for projects in the ,atlantic ,ocean1 the ,gulf of ,mexico1 or the ,caribbean ,sea within the maritime areas and zones subject to the jurisdiction or control of the ,united ,states4 7,c7 ,not more than #fg percent of funds distributed in each region in accordance with subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 shall be made exclusively available to projects that are-- 7i7 submitted by a coral reef stewardship partnership certified under section #baj7;e72 and 7ii7 consistent with the coral reef stewardship plan developed by such partnership as certified under section #bab4 7,d7 ,of the funds distributed to support projects in accordance with subparagraph 7,c71 not less than #bj percent and not more than #cc percent shall be awarded for projects impacting coral reef ecosystems within the administrative boundaries of individual management units of the ,federal agencies specified in section #bje7;c74 7g7 ,project reporting ,each entity receiving a grant under this section shall submit to the ,administrator such reports at such times and containing such information for evaluating project performance as the ,administrator may require4 7h7 ,task force ,the ,administrator may consult with the ,secretary of the ,interior and the ,task ,force to obtain guidance in establishing priorities for coral reef projects under this section4 #bbb4 ,annual reports on administration 7a7 ,in general ,not less frequently than annually1 the ,administrator shall submit to the committees specified in subsection 7b7 a report on the administration of this title1 including-- 7#a7 a description of all activities undertaken in the previous fiscal year to implement the most recent national coral reef resilience strategy under section #bjc7;a72 7#b7 a statement of all funds obligated under the authorities of this title2 and 7#c7 a summary1 disaggregated by ,state1 of ,federal and non-,federal contributions toward the costs of each project or activity funded under section #bje1 #bji1 #bac1 #bah1 #bai1 #bba1 or #bbc4 7b7 ,committees specified ,the committees specified in this subsection are-- 7#a7 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,senate2 and 7#b7 the ,committee on ,natural ,resources and the ,committee on ,appropriations of the ,house of ,representatives4 #bbc4 ,authority to enter into agreements 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may enter into and perform such contracts1 leases1 grants1 or cooperative agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this title4 7b7 ,funding 7#a7 ,in general ,under an agreement entered into under subsection 7a71 the ,secretary may reimburse or provide funds authorized to be appropriated by section #bbd to1 and may receive funds or reimbursements from1 individuals and entities described in paragraph 7#b7 to carry out activities authorized by this title4 7#b7 ,individuals and entities described ,individuals and entities described in this paragraph are the following3 7,a7 ,federal agencies1 instrumentalities1 and laboratories4 7,b7 ,state and local governments4 7,c7 ,indian ,tribes and ,tribal organizations4 7,d7 ,international organizations4 7,e7 ,foreign governments not subject to economic sanctions imposed by the ,united ,states4 7,f7 ,institutions of higher education1 research centers1 and other educational institutions4 7,g7 ,nonprofit organizations4 7,h7 ,commercial organizations4 7,i7 ,other public or private individuals or entities4 7c7 ,cooperative institutes 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,secretary shall establish #b cooperative institutes for the purpose of advancing and sustaining essential capabilities in coral reef research1 to be known as the ,atlantic ,coral ,reef ,cooperative ,institute and the ,pacific ,coral ,reef ,cooperative ,institute4 7#b7 ,membership ,the institutes established under paragraph 7#a7 shall each include at least one coral reef research center designated by the ,administrator that-- 7,a7 is operated by an institution of higher education or nonprofit marine research organization2 7,b7 has established management-driven national or regional coral reef research or restoration programs2 7,c7 is located in a covered ,state that contains a coral reef ecosystem2 7,d7 has demonstrated abilities to coordinate closely with appropriate ,federal and ,state agencies1 as well as other academic and nonprofit organizations2 and 7,e7 maintains significant local community engagement and outreach programs related to coral reef ecosystems4 7#c7 ,functions ,the institutes established under paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 support ecological research and monitoring to study the effects of conservation and restoration activities funded by this title on promoting more effective coral reef management and restoration2 and 7,b7 through agreements with centers referred to in paragraph 7#b7-- 7i7 collaborate directly with governmental resource management agencies1 coral reef stewardship partnerships certified under section #baj7;e71 nonprofit organizations1 institutions of higher education1 and other research organizations2 7ii7 assist in the development and implementation of ,state coral reef management and restoration strategies developed under section #bjf1 ,state coral reef action plans developed under section #bjg1 ,state coral reef action plan assessments developed under section #bjh1 coral reef stewardship plans developed under section #baa or certified under section #bab1 and coral reef emergency plans developed under section #bae or certified under section #baf2 7iii7 build capacity within governmental resource management agencies to establish research priorities and translate and apply research findings to management and restoration practices2 and 7iv7 conduct public education and awareness programs for policymakers1 resource managers1 and the general public on-- 7,i7 coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems2 7,,ii7 best practices for coral reef ecosystem management and restoration2 7,,iii7 the value of coral reefs2 and 7,,iv7 the threats to the sustainability of coral reef ecosystems4 7d7 ,multiyear cooperative agreements ,the ,administrator may enter into multiyear cooperative agreements with the heads of other ,federal agencies1 ,states1 ,indian ,tribes or ,tribal organizations1 local governments1 the coral reef cooperative institutes established under subsection 7c71 and other institutions of higher education1 nonprofit research organizations1 and nongovernmental organizations to carry out activities authorized under sections #bjc1 #bjd1 #bje1 #bjf1 #bjg1 #bjh1 #bac1 #bah1 #bai1 #bbj1 and #bba4 7e7 ,use of resources of other agencies ,the ,administrator may use1 with consent and with or without reimbursement1 the land1 services1 equipment1 personnel1 and facilities of any agency or instrumentality of-- 7#a7 the ,united ,states2 7#b7 any ,state or local government2 7#c7 any ,indian ,tribe2 or 7#d7 any foreign government not subject to economic sanctions imposed by the ,united ,states4 #bbd4 ,authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,in general ,there are authorized to be appropriated to the ,secretary to carry out this title the following amounts1 which shall remain available until expended3 7#a7 #bi1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj4 7#b7 #cj1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba4 7#c7 #cb1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb4 7#d7 #cc1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc4 7#e7 #ce1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbd4 7b7 ,administration ,of the amounts appropriated pursuant to the authorization of appropriations under subsection 7a71 not more than the lesser of #a1ejj1jjj or #aj percent may be used for program administration or for overhead costs incurred by the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration or the ,department of ,commerce and assessed as an administrative charge4 7c7 ,coral reef management and restoration activities ,from the amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection 7a71 there shall be made available to the ,secretary not less than the following amounts for authorized activities under sections #bje and #bji3 7#a7 #ba1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbj1 of which not less than #f1jjj1jjj shall be made available to the ,secretary for the provision ,state block grants under section #bji4 7#b7 #bb1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba1 of which not less than #f1gej1jjj shall be made available to the ,secretary for the provision ,state block grants under section #bji4 7#c7 #bd1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb1 of which not less than #g1ejj1jjj shall be made available to the ,secretary for the provision ,state block grants under section #bji4 7#d7 #be1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc1 of which not less than #h1bej1jjj shall be made available to the ,secretary for the provision ,state block grants under section #bji4 7#e7 #bg1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbd1 of which not less than #i1jjj1jjj shall be made available to the ,secretary for the provision ,state block grants under section #bji4 7d7 ,federally directed research and coral reef conservation program grants ,from the amounts authorized to be appropriated under subsection 7a71 there shall be made available to the ,secretary not less than #h1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbj through #bjbd to support purposes consistent with this title1 of which-- 7#a7 not less than #c1ejj1jjj shall be made available for each such fiscal year for authorized activities under section #bba2 and 7#b7 not less than #d1ejj1jjj shall be made available for each such fiscal year through cooperative agreements with the cooperative institutes established under section #bbc7;c74 #bbe4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration4 7#b7 ,appropriate congressional committees ,the term appropriate congressional committees means the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#c7 ,conservation ,the term conservation means the use of methods and procedures necessary to preserve or sustain native corals and associated species as diverse1 viable1 and self-perpetuating coral reef ecosystems with minimal impacts from invasive species1 including-- 7,a7 all activities associated with resource management1 such as monitoring1 assessment1 protection1 restoration1 sustainable use1 management of habitat1 and maintenance or augmentation of genetic diversity2 7,b7 mapping2 7,c7 scientific expertise and technical assistance in the development and implementation of management strategies for marine protected areas and marine resources consistent with the ,national ,marine ,sanctuaries ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #adca et seq47 and the ,magnuson-,stevens ,fishery ,conservation and ,management ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #ahja et seq472 7,d7 law enforcement2 7,e7 conflict resolution initiatives2 7,f7 community outreach and education2 and 7,g7 promotion of safe and ecologically sound navigation and anchoring4 7#d7 ,coral ,the term coral means species of the phylum ,cnidaria1 including-- 7,a7 all species of the orders ,antipatharia 7black corals71 ,scleractinia 7stony corals71 ,gorgonacea 7horny corals71 ,stolonifera 7organpipe corals and others71 ,alcyanacea 7soft corals71 and ,coenothecalia 7blue coral71 of the class ,anthozoa2 and 7,b7 all species of the order ,hydrocorallina 7fire corals and hydrocorals7 of the class ,hydrozoa4 7#e7 ,coral reef ,the term coral reef means a limestone relief feature1 in the form of a reef or shoal1 composed in whole or in part by living coral1 skeletal remains of coral1 crustose coralline algae1 and other associated sessile marine plants and animals4 7#f7 ,coral reef ecosystem ,the term coral reef ecosystem means-- 7,a7 corals and the associated community of other species of reef organisms 7including reef plants and animals7 associated with coral reef habitat2 and 7,b7 the biotic and abiotic factors and processes that control coral growth1 reproduction1 and abundance and diversity in such habitat4 7#g7 ,coral products ,the term coral products means any living or dead specimens1 parts1 or derivatives1 or any product containing specimens1 parts1 or derivatives1 of any species referred to in paragraph 7#d74 7#h7 ,covered ,state ,the term covered ,state means ,florida1 ,hawaii1 the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 ,american ,samoa1 or the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands4 7#i7 ,indian tribe2 tribal organization ,the terms ,indian ,tribe and ,tribal organization have the meanings given the terms ,indian tribe and tribal organization1 respectively1 in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7#aj7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education has the meaning given that term in section #aja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja74 7#aa7 ,interested stakeholder groups ,the term interested stakeholder groups includes community members such as businesses1 commercial and recreational fishermen1 other recreationalists1 ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and local government units with related jurisdiction1 institutions of higher education1 and nongovernmental organizations4 7#ab7 ,nonprofit organization ,the term nonprofit organization means an organization that is described in section #eja7;c7 of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf and exempt from tax under section #eja7;a7 of such ,code4 7#ac7 ,restoration ,the term restoration means the use of methods and procedures necessary to enhance1 rehabilitate1 recreate1 or create a functioning coral reef or coral reef ecosystem1 in whole or in part1 within suitable waters of the historical geographic range of such ecosystems1 to provide ecological1 economic1 cultural1 or coastal resiliency services associated with healthy coral reefs and benefit native populations of coral reef organisms4 7#ad7 ,resilience ,the term resilience means the capacity for native corals1 coral reefs1 or coral reef ecosystems to recover from natural and human disturbance as determined by clearly identifiable1 measurable1 and science-based standards4 7#ae7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,commerce4 7#af7 ,state ,the term ,state means-- 7,a7 any ,state of the ,united ,states that contains a coral reef ecosystem within its seaward boundaries2 7,b7 ,american ,samoa1 ,guam1 the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 ,puerto ,rico1 or the ,virgin ,islands2 or 7,c7 any other territory or possession of the ,united ,states or separate sovereign in free association with the ,united ,states that contains a coral reef ecosystem within its seaward boundaries4 7#ag7 ,stewardship ,the term stewardship1 with respect to a coral reef1 includes conservation and restoration4 7#ah7 ,task force ,the term ,task ,force means the ,united ,states ,coral ,reef ,task ,force established under section #bja of the ,restoring ,resilient ,reefs ,act of #bjai4 4 ,,ii ,united ,states ,coral ,reef ,task ,force #bja4 ,establishment ,there is established a task force to lead1 coordinate1 and strengthen ,federal ,government actions to better preserve1 conserve1 and restore coral reef ecosystems1 to be known as the ,united ,states ,coral ,reef ,task ,force 7in this title referred to as the ,task ,force74 #bjb4 ,duties ,the duties of the ,task ,force shall be-- 7#a7 to coordinate1 in cooperation with ,state1 ,tribal1 and local government partners1 academic partners1 and nongovernmental partners if appropriate1 activities regarding the mapping1 monitoring1 research1 conservation1 mitigation1 restoration of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems2 7#b7 to monitor and advise regarding implementation of the policy and ,federal agency responsibilities set forth in-- 7,a7 ,executive ,order #acjhi 7#fc ,fed4 ,reg4 #cbgja2 relating to coral reef protection72 and 7,b7 the national coral reef resilience strategy developed under section #bjc7;a7 of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj1 as amended by section #aja2 7#c7 to work with the ,secretary of ,state and the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development1 and in coordination with the other members of the ,task ,force-- 7,a7 to assess the ,united ,states role in international trade and protection of coral species2 and 7,b7 to encourage implementation of appropriate strategies and actions to promote conservation and sustainable use of coral reef resources worldwide2 7#d7 to provide technical assistance for the development and implementation1 as appropriate1 of-- 7,a7 the national coral reef resilience strategy under section #bjc of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj1 as amended by section #aja2 7,b7 ,state coral reef management and restoration strategies under section #bjf of that ,act2 7,c7 ,state coral reef action plans under section #bjg of that ,act2 and 7,d7 ,state coral reef action plan assessments under section #bjh of that ,act2 and 7#e7 to produce a report each year1 for submission to the appropriate congressional committees and publication in the ,federal ,register1 highlighting the status of one ,state member's coral reef equities on a rotating basis1 including-- 7,a7 a summary of recent coral reef management and restoration activities undertaken in the ,state2 and 7,b7 updated estimates of the direct and indirect economic activity supported by1 and other benefits associated with1 those coral reef equities4 #bjc4 ,membership 7a7 ,voting membership ,the ,task ,force shall have the following voting members3 7#a7 ,the ,secretary of ,commerce1 acting through the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration1 and the ,secretary of the ,interior1 who shall be co-chairs of the ,task ,force4 7#b7 ,the ,administrator of the ,united ,states ,agency for ,international ,development4 7#c7 ,the ,secretary of ,agriculture4 7#d7 ,the ,secretary of ,defense4 7#e7 ,the ,secretary of the ,army1 acting through the ,chief of ,engineers4 7#f7 ,the ,secretary of ,homeland ,security1 acting through the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7#g7 ,the ,commandant of the ,coast ,guard4 7#h7 ,the ,attorney ,general4 7#i7 ,the ,secretary of ,state4 7#aj7 ,the ,secretary of ,transportation4 7#aa7 ,the ,administrator of the ,environmental ,protection ,agency4 7#ab7 ,the ,administrator of the ,national ,aeronautics and ,space ,administration4 7#ac7 ,the ,director of the ,national ,science ,foundation4 7#ad7 ,the ,governor1 or a representative of the ,governor1 of each covered ,state4 7b7 ,nonvoting members ,the ,task ,force shall have the following nonvoting members3 7#a7 ,the member of the ,south ,atlantic ,fishery ,management ,council who is designated by the ,governor of ,florida under section #cjb7;b77#a7 of the ,magnuson-,stevens ,fishery ,conservation and ,management ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aheb7;b77#a774 7#b7 ,the member of the ,gulf of ,mexico ,fishery ,management ,council who is designated by the ,governor of ,florida under such section4 7#c7 ,the members of the ,western ,pacific ,fishery ,management ,council who are designated by the ,governors of ,hawaii1 ,american ,samoa1 ,guam1 and the ,northern ,mariana ,islands under such section4 7#d7 ,the members of the ,caribbean ,fishery ,management ,council who are designated by the ,governors of ,puerto ,rico and the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands under such section4 7#e7 ,a member appointed by the ,president representing each of the following3 7,a7 ,the ,freely ,associated ,states of the ,federated ,states of ,micronesia4 7,b7 ,the ,republic of the ,marshall ,islands4 7,c7 ,the ,republic of ,palau4 #bjd4 ,responsibilities of ,federal agency members 7a7 ,in general ,a member of the ,task ,force specified in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#ad7 of section #bjc7;a7 shall-- 7#a7 identify the actions of the agency that member represents that may affect coral reef ecosystems2 7#b7 utilize the programs and authorities of that agency to protect and enhance the conditions of such ecosystems1 including through the promotion of basic and applied scientific research2 7#c7 collaborate with the ,task ,force to appropriately reflect budgetary needs for coral reef conservation and restoration activities in all agency budget planning and justification documents and processes2 and 7#d7 engage in any other coordinated efforts approved by the ,task ,force4 7b7 ,co-,chairs ,in addition to their responsibilities under subsection 7a71 the co-chairs of the ,task ,force shall administer performance of the functions of the ,task ,force and facilitate the coordination of the members of the ,task ,force specified in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#ac7 of section #bjc7;a74 #bje4 ,working groups 7a7 ,in general ,the co-chairs of the ,task ,force may establish working groups as necessary to meet the goals and carry out the duties of the ,task ,force4 7b7 ,requests from members ,the members of the ,task ,force may request the co-chairs to establish a working group under subsection 7a74 7c7 ,participation by nongovernmental organizations ,the co-chairs may allow nongovernmental organizations1 including academic institutions1 conservation groups1 and commercial and recreational fishing associations1 to participate in a working group established under subsection 7a74 #bjf4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,appropriate congressional committees ,the term appropriate congressional committees means the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,natural ,resources of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#b7 ,conservation1 coral1 coral reef1 etc ,the terms conservation1 coral1 coral reef1 coral reef ecosystem1 covered ,state1 restoration1 resilience1 and ,state have the meaning given those terms in section #bbe of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj1 as amended by section #aja4 ,,iii ,department of the ,interior coral reef authorities #cja4 ,coral reef conservation and restoration assistance 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of the ,interior may provide scientific expertise and technical assistance and1 subject to the availability of appropriations1 financial assistance for the conservation and restoration of coral reefs consistent with all applicable laws governing resource management in ,federal and ,state waters1 including-- 7#a7 the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect and developed under section #bjc of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj1 as amended by section #aja2 and 7#b7 ,federal coral reef action plans in effect and developed under section #bjd of that ,act4 7b7 ,consultation with the ,department of ,commerce ,the ,secretary of the ,interior may consult with the ,secretary of ,commerce regarding the conduct of any activities to conserve and restore coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems in waters managed under the jurisdiction of the ,federal agencies specified in paragraphs 7#b71 7#c71 and 7#d7 of section #bje7;c7 of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj1 as amended by section #aja4 7c7 ,cooperative agreements ,the ,secretary of the ,interior may enter into cooperative agreements with ,states to fund coral reef conservation and restoration activities in waters managed under the jurisdiction of such ,states that are consistent with the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect and developed under section #bjc of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj1 as amended by section #aja1 and support and enhance the success of ,federal coral reef action plans in effect and developed under section #bjd of that ,act4 7d7 ,definitions ,in this section1 the terms conservation1 coral reef1 restoration1 and ,state have the meaning given those terms in section #bbe of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj1 as amended by section #aja4