#aafth ,,congress #b;d ,session ,s4 #bdbi ,,an ,,act ,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 #bjbj4 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,sec4 #ajb4 ,modification to section #bjd of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fdjc74,,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,,title ,,iv--,susan ,l4 ,williams ,national ,coral ,reef ,management ,fellowship,sec4 #dja4 ,short title4,sec4 #djb4 ,definitions4,sec4 #djc4 ,establishment of fellowship program4,sec4 #djd4 ,fellowship awards4,sec4 #dje4 ,matching requirement4 ,i ,reauthorization of ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj #aja4 ,reauthorization of ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj 7a7 ,purposes2 ,federal coral reef management and restoration activities ,the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fdja et seq47 is amended by striking sections #bjb and #bjc 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 water quality degradation1 invasive species1 and illegal1 unreported1 and unregulated fishing2 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 mitigate stressors and restore such ecosystems1 including evaluation criteria to determine the effectiveness of management interventions1 and accurate mapping for coral reef restoration2 7#d7 to assist in the preservation of coral reefs by supporting science-based1 consensus-driven ,state1 ,tribal1 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 assessment and response to emergencies that imminently threaten coral reefs1 such as coral disease outbreaks1 invasive species1 hurricanes1 marine heat waves1 coral bleaching1 and other 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 ,federal coral reef management and restoration activities 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator or the ,secretary of the ,interior 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 ,act2 7#b7 the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect under section #bjd;,a2 7#c7 coral reef action plans in effect under section #bje1 as applicable2 and 7#d7 coral reef emergency plans in effect under section #bji1 as applicable4 7b7 ,activities described ,activities described in this subsection are activities to conserve1 research1 monitor1 assess1 and restore coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems in waters managed under the jurisdiction of a ,federal agency specified in subsection 7c7 or in coordination with a ,state in waters managed under the jurisdiction of such ,state1 including-- 7#a7 developing1 including through the collection of requisite data1 high-quality and digitized maps reflecting-- 7,a7 current and historical live coral cover data2 7,b7 coral reef habitat quality data2 7,c7 priority areas for coral reef conservation to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function that benefit coastal communities and living marine resources2 7,d7 priority areas for coral reef restoration to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function to benefit coastal communities and living marine resources2 and 7,e7 areas of concern that may require enhanced monitoring of coral health and cover4 7#b7 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#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 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 vessels2 7#h7 conducting scientific research that contributes to the understanding1 sustainable use1 and long-term conservation of coral reefs2 7#i7 enhancing public awareness1 understanding1 and appreciation of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems2 7#aj7 preventing or minimizing the likelihood of vessel impacts or other physical damage to coral reefs through navigational aids and expansion of reef-safe anchorages2 and 7#aa7 centrally archiving1 managing1 and distributing data sets and coral reef ecosystem assessments and publishing such information on publicly available internet websites of-- 7,a7 the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,program of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration2 and 7,b7 the ,task ,force4 7c7 ,federal agencies specified ,a ,federal agency specified in this subsection is one of the following3 7#a7 ,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 ,affairs4 7d7 ,cooperative agreements 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to the availability of appropriations and at the discretion of the ,secretary of ,commerce1 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 under section #bjd;,a4 7#b7 ,limitation ,the ,administrator may not provide more than #ejj1jjj in total funding under paragraph 7#a7 to any one ,state in any fiscal year4 4 7b7 ,additional provisions ,the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fdja et seq47 is amended by striking sections #bje through #baj and inserting the following3 #bjd;,a4 ,national coral reef resilience strategy 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 develop a national coral reef resilience strategy2 and 7#b7 periodically1 but not less frequently than every #ae years1 review and revise the strategy4 7b7 ,elements ,the strategy required by subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,a discussion addressing-- 7,a7 continuing and emerging threats to the resilience of ,united ,states coral reef ecosystems2 7,b7 remaining gaps in coral reef ecosystem research1 monitoring1 and assessment2 7,c7 the status of management cooperation and integration among ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and locally managed jurisdictions with coral reef equities2 7,d7 the status of efforts to manage and disseminate critical information1 and enhance interjurisdictional data sharing1 related to research1 reports1 datasets1 and maps2 7,e7 areas of special focus1 which may include-- 7i7 improving natural coral recruitment2 7ii7 preventing avoidable losses of corals and their habitat2 7iii7 enhancing the resilience of coral populations2 7iv7 supporting a resilience-based management approach2 7v7 developing1 coordinating1 and implementing watershed management plans2 7vi7 building and sustaining watershed management capacity at the local level2 7vii7 providing data essential for coral reef fisheries management2 7viii7 building capacity for coral reef fisheries management2 7ix7 increasing understanding of coral reef ecosystem services2 7x7 educating the public on the importance of coral reefs1 threats and solutions2 and 7xi7 evaluating intervention efficacy2 7,f7 the status of conservation efforts1 including the use of marine protected areas to serve as replenishment zones developed consistent with local practices and traditions and in cooperation with1 and with respect for the scientific1 technical1 and management expertise and responsibilities of1 ,state fish and wildlife management agencies2 and 7,g7 science-based adaptive management and restoration efforts4 7#b7 ,a statement of national goals and objectives designed to guide-- 7,a7 future ,federal coral reef management and restoration activities authorized under section #bjc2 7,b7 conservation and restoration priorities for grants awarded under section #bac2 and 7,c7 research priorities for the cooperative institutes established under section #bae7;c74 7#c7 ,general templates for use by covered reef managers to guide the development of-- 7,a7 coral reef action plans under section #bje2 and 7,b7 coral reef emergency plans under section #bji4 7c7 ,consultations ,in developing all elements of the strategy required by subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 consult with the ,secretary of the ,interior1 the ,task ,force1 covered ,states1 and ,tribal organizations2 7#b7 engage stakeholders1 including coral reef stewardship partnerships1 coral reef institutes and research centers described in section #bae7;c71 and coral reef conservation grant awardees2 and 7#c7 solicit public review and comment regarding scoping and the draft strategy4 7d7 ,submission to congress2 publication ,the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 submit the strategy required by subsection 7a7 and any revisions to the strategy to the appropriate congressional committees2 and 7#b7 publish the strategy and any such revisions on publicly available internet websites of-- 7,a7 the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,program of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration2 and 7,b7 the ,task ,force4 7e7 ,transition rule ,on and after the date of the enactment of the ,restoring ,resilient ,reefs ,act of #bjbj1 the #bjah ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,program ,strategic ,plan of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration shall be considered to be the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect under this section until the earlier of-- 7#a7 ,september #cj1 #bjcc2 or 7#b7 the date on which the ,administrator develops a national coral reef resilience strategy under this section4 #bje4 ,coral reef action plans 7a7 ,coral reef action plans ,except as provided in subsection 7h71 not later than #c years after the date of the enactment of the ,restoring ,resilient ,reefs ,act of #bjbj1 and not later than #b years after the publication of a revised national coral reef resilience strategy under section #bjd;,a1 each covered reef manager shall prepare and submit to the ,task ,force a coral reef action plan to guide management and restoration activities to be undertaken within the responsibilities and jurisdiction of the manager4 7b7 ,requirements ,a covered reef manager preparing a coral reef action plan under subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 ensure that the plan is consistent with all elements of the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect2 and 7#b7 revise the plan not less frequently than once every #e years4 7c7 ,plan elements ,a coral reef action plan under subsection 7a7 shall include a discussion of the following elements3 7#a7 ,short- and mid-term coral reef conservation and restoration objectives within the applicable jurisdiction4 7#b7 ,an updated adaptive management framework to inform research1 monitoring1 and assessment needs4 7#c7 ,the status of any coral reef emergency plans in effect under section #bji covering coral reef ecosystems within the applicable jurisdiction4 7#d7 ,tools1 strategies1 and partnerships necessary to identify1 monitor1 and redress pollution and water quality impacts to coral reef ecosystems within the applicable jurisdiction4 7#e7 ,the status of efforts to improve coral reef ecosystem management cooperation and integration among neighboring ,federal1 ,state1 ,tribal1 or locally managed jurisdictions1 including the identification of existing research and monitoring activities that can be leveraged for coral reef status and trends assessments within the applicable jurisdiction4 7#f7 ,an accounting of annual expenditures on coral reef management and restoration activities within the applicable jurisdiction while the preceding action plan1 if any1 was in effect4 7#g7 ,estimated budgetary and resource considerations necessary to carry out the proposed action plan4 7d7 ,technical assistance ,the ,administrator and the ,task ,force shall make all reasonable efforts to provide technical assistance upon request by a covered reef manager developing a coral reef action plan under subsection 7a74 7e7 ,adoption of coral reef action plans ,a covered reef manager may adopt a coral reef action plan developed by another covered reef manager1 in full or in part1 as relevant to the adopting manager's applicable jurisdiction4 7f7 ,public review ,the development of a coral reef action plan by a covered reef manager under subsection 7a71 and the adoption of a plan under subsection 7e71 shall be subject to public review and comment4 7g7 ,publication ,the ,administrator shall publish each coral reef action plan prepared and submitted to the ,task ,force under this section on publicly available internet websites of-- 7#a7 the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,program of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration2 and 7#b7 the ,task ,force4 7h7 ,applicability to covered ,states and coral reef stewardship partnerships ,a covered ,state or non-,federal coral reef stewardship partnership is not required to develop a coral reef action plan under subsection 7a71 but may do so in its own discretion4 ,in developing a coral reef action plan1 a covered ,state or non-,federal coral reef stewardship partnership is encouraged1 but not mandated1 to comply with the requirements of this section4 7i7 ,plan in effect ,a coral reef action plan shall be deemed to be in effect if the plan was submitted to the ,task ,force under this section during the preceding #f years4 #bjf4 ,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 section1 including guidance for preparation and submission of coral reef action plans under section #bje4 7b7 ,identification of reefs ,each coral reef stewardship partnership shall identify with particularity the coral reef or ecologically significant component 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 component of a coral reef that is fully or partially under the management jurisdiction of any ,federal agency specified in section #bjc7;c7 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 #bae7;c77#d7 or another institution of higher education4 7#d7 ,a nongovernmental organization4 7#e7 ,such other members as the partnership considers 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 component of a coral reef that is not under the management jurisdiction of any ,federal agency specified in section #bjc7;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 #bae7;c77#d7 or another institution of higher education4 7,c7 ,a nongovernmental organization4 7,d7 ,such other members as the partnership considers appropriate1 such as interested stakeholder groups4 7#b7 ,additional members 7,a7 ,in general ,subject to subparagraph 7,b71 a coral reef stewardship partnership described in paragraph 7#a7 may also include representatives of one or more ,federal agencies that have management responsibility in the reef that is the subject of the partnership's stewardship activities4 7,b7 ,requests2 approval ,a representative of a ,federal agency described in subparagraph 7,a7 may become a member of a coral reef stewardship partnership described in paragraph 7#a7 if-- 7i7 the representative submits a request to become a member to the chair of the partnership referred to in paragraph 7#a77;,a72 and 7ii7 the chair consents to the request4 7e7 ,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 #bjg4 ,state block grants 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall provide block grants of financial assistance to covered ,states to support management and restoration activities and further the implementation of coral reef action plans in effect under section #bje by covered ,states and non-,federal coral reef stewardship partnerships4 7b7 ,eligibility for additional amounts ,a covered ,state shall qualify for and receive additional grant amounts beyond the base award specified in subsection 7c77#a7 if there is at least one coral reef action plan in effect within the jurisdiction of the covered ,state developed by that covered ,state or a non-,federal coral reef stewardship partnership4 7c7 ,funding formula ,subject to the availability of appropriations1 the amount of each block grant awarded to a covered ,state under this section shall be the sum of-- 7#a7 a base award of #ajj1jjj2 and 7#b7 if the ,state is eligible under subsection 7b7-- 7,a7 an amount that is equal to non-,federal expenditures of up to #c1jjj1jjj on coral reef management and restoration activities within the jurisdiction of the ,state1 as reported within the previous fiscal year2 and 7,b7 an additional amount1 from any funds appropriated for block grants under this section that remain after distribution under subparagraph 7,a7 and paragraph 7#a71 based on the proportion of the ,state's share of total non-,federal expenditures on coral reef management and restoration activities1 as reported within the previous fiscal year1 in excess of #c1jjj1jjj1 relative to other covered ,states4 7d7 ,exclusions ,for the purposes of calculating block grant amounts under subsection 7c71 ,federal funds provided to a covered ,state or non-,federal coral reef stewardship partnership shall not be considered as qualifying non-,federal expenditures1 but non-,federal matching funds used to leverage ,federal awards may be considered as qualifying non-,federal expenditures4 7e7 ,responsibilities of the administrator ,the ,administrator is responsible for-- 7#a7 providing guidance on qualifying non-,federal expenditures and the proper documentation of such expenditures2 7#b7 issuing annual solicitations to covered ,states for additional awards under this section2 and 7#c7 determining the appropriate allocation of additional amounts among covered ,states in accordance with this section4 7f7 ,responsibilities of covered ,states ,each covered ,state is responsible for documenting non-,federal expenditures within the jurisdiction of the ,state and formally reporting those expenditures for review in response to annual solicitations by the ,administrator under subsection 7e74 7g7 ,unexpended amounts ,any amounts available for block grants under this section that are not expended shall be transferred to the ,coral ,reef ,stewardship ,fund under section #bjh7;b74 7h7 ,waivers of certain requirements ,the ,administrator may waive the eligibility requirements under subsection 7b7 through fiscal year #bjbc4 #bjh4 ,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 under this section4 7b7 ,fund ,the ,foundation shall invest1 reinvest1 and otherwise administer the funds received under 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 ,fund1 and known before the date of the enactment of the ,restoring ,resilient ,reefs ,act of #bjbj as the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,fund administered through a public-private partnership with the ,foundation71 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 under section #bjd;,a2 and 7,b7 coral reef action plans in effect1 if any1 under section #bje covering a coral reef or ecologically significant component of a coral reef to be impacted by such activities1 if applicable4 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 all deposits into1 and disbursements from1 the ,fund4 ,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 under section #bjd;,a4 7e7 ,administration ,under an agreement entered into pursuant to subsection 7a71 and subject to the availability of appropriations1 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 #bji4 ,coral reef emergency plans 7a7 ,in general ,a covered reef manager may develop and periodically update a plan 7in this title referred to as a coral reef emergency plan7 consistent with the template described in section #bjd;,a7b77#c7 to guide the rapid and effective response to circumstances that pose an urgent and immediate threat to the coral reef ecosystems within the manager's responsibilities and jurisdictions1 and consistent with any applicable coral reef action plan4 7b7 ,coral reef emergencies ,the ,administrator shall develop a list of1 and criteria for1 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 or nuisance species2 7#c7 new and ongoing coral bleaching events2 7#d7 natural disasters2 7#e7 man-made disasters1 including vessel groundings1 hazardous 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 emergencies that can be adopted within coral reef emergency plans4 ,such best practices shall be-- 7#a7 based on the best available science and integrated with evolving innovative technologies2 and 7#b7 revised not less frequently than once every #e years4 7d7 ,plan elements ,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 7d74 7#b7 ,a delineation of roles and responsibilities for executing the plan4 7#c7 ,evidence of engagement with interested stakeholder groups1 as applicable1 in the development of the plan4 7#d7 ,any other information the ,administrator considers to be necessary for the plan4 7e7 ,technical assistance ,the ,administrator and the ,task ,force shall make all reasonable efforts to provide technical assistance upon request by a covered reef manager developing a coral reef emergency plan under subsection 7a74 7f7 ,adoption of coral reef emergency plans ,a covered reef manager may adopt a coral reef emergency plan developed by another covered reef manager1 in full or in part1 as relevant to the adopting manager's applicable jurisdiction4 7g7 ,public review ,the development of a coral reef action plan by a covered reef manager under subsection 7a71 and the adoption of a plan under subsection 7f71 shall be subject to public review and comment4 7h7 ,publication ,the ,administrator shall publish each coral reef emergency plan prepared and submitted to the ,task ,force under this section on publicly available internet websites of-- 7#a7 the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,program of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration2 and 7#b7 the ,task ,force4 7i7 ,plan in effect ,a coral reef emergency plan shall be deemed to be in effect if the plan was submitted to the ,task ,force under this section during the preceding #f years4 #baj4 ,coral reef emergency fund 7a7 ,establishment of fund ,there is established in the ,treasury an interest-bearing fund to be known as the ,coral ,reef ,emergency ,fund1 which shall consist of amounts deposited into the ,fund under subsection 7c74 7b7 ,uses ,amounts in the ,fund-- 7#a7 shall be available only for use by the ,secretary to compensate covered coral reef mangers to implement a coral reef emergency plan in effect under sections #baj and #bab2 and 7#b7 shall remain available until expended4 7c7 ,deposits into the fund ,subject to the availability of appropriations1 there shall be deposited into the ,fund-- 7#a7 amounts appropriated for the ,fund2 and 7#b7 other amounts appropriated to the ,secretary for use with respect to coral reef emergencies4 7d7 ,acceptance of donations 7#a7 ,in general ,for purposes of carrying out this title1 the ,secretary may accept1 receive1 solicit1 hold1 administer1 and use any gift 7including1 notwithstanding section #acdb of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 donations of services74 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 #baa4 ,emergency assistance 7a7 ,coral reef emergency declarations 7#a7 ,sua sponte declaration 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary may determine and declare a coral reef emergency1 including at the recommendation of the ,secretary of the ,interior4 7,b7 ,requirements ,in declaring a coral reef emergency under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,secretary shall-- 7i7 certify that an emergency has occurred that is ecologically significant and harmful to coral reefs2 and 7ii7 submit to the appropriate congressional committees findings and analysis to justify the declaration4 7#b7 ,petitions ,if a covered ,state or non-,federal coral reef stewardship partnership believes that a coral reef emergency has occurred1 and is impacting coral reefs or ecologically significant components of coral reefs subject to the responsibilities or jurisdiction 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 ,secretary 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#b71 the ,state or partnership that submitted the petition 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 ,subject to the availability of appropriations1 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 in effect under section #bji4 7#b7 ,requirements ,a proposal for a grant under this subsection to implement a coral reef emergency plan in effect under section #bji shall include-- 7,a7 the name of the 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 requirements of paragraph 7#b74 7#d7 ,concurrent review ,an entity seeking a grant under this subsection may submit a 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 components of coral reefs subject to the responsibilities or jurisdiction of the entity4 #bab4 ,vessel grounding inventory ,the ,administrator1 in coordination with the heads of other ,federal agencies1 shall establish and maintain an inventory of all vessel grounding incidents involving ,united ,states coral reefs1 including a description of-- 7#a7 the impacts of each such incident to coral reefs and related natural resources2 7#b7 vessel and ownership information relating to each such incident1 if available2 7#c7 the estimated cost of removal of the vessel1 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 representatives of other ,federal or ,state agencies2 7#e7 the status of the response actions1 including the dates of-- 7,a7 vessel removal2 7,b7 mitigation or restoration activities1 including whether a coral reef emergency plan 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 #bac4 ,ruth ,d4 ,gates ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,grant ,program 7a7 ,grants ,subject to the availability of appropriations1 the ,administrator shall establish a program 7to be known as the ,ruth ,d4 ,gates ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,grant ,program7 to provide grants for projects for the conservation and restoration of coral reef ecosystems 7in this section referred to as coral reef projects7 pursuant to 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 regional fishery management council established under the ,magnuson-,stevens ,fishery ,conservation and ,management ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #ahja et seq472 7,c7 a coral reef stewardship partnership seeking to implement a coral reef action plan in effect under section #bje2 7,d7 a coral reef research center designated under section #bae7;c77#d72 or 7,e7 another nongovernmental organization or 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 partnership1 a description of how the project aligns with the applicable coral reef action plan in effect under section #bje4 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 conservation projects ,the ,administrator shall prioritize the awarding of grants for projects that meet the criteria for approval under subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,g7 of subsection 7e77#b7 that are proposed to be conducted within priority areas identified for coral reef conservation by the ,administrator and consistent with the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect under section #bjd;,a4 7#c7 ,prioritization of restoration projects ,the ,administrator shall prioritize the awarding of grants for projects that meet the criteria for approval under subparagraphs 7,e7 through 7,l7 of subsection 7e77#b7 that are proposed to be conducted within priority areas identified for coral reef restoration by the ,administrator and consistent with the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect under section #bjd;,a4 7#d7 ,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 ,sanctuary or ,marine ,national ,monument1 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 under section #bjd;,a2 and 7,b7 any ,federal or non-,federal coral reef action plans in effect under section #bje covering a coral reef or ecologically significant component of a coral reef to be affected by the project2 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 action plans in effect under section #bje and coral reef emergency plans in effect under section #bji2 7,f7 mapping the location and distribution of coral reefs and potential coral reef habitat2 7,g7 stimulating innovation to advance the ability of the ,united ,states to understand1 research1 or monitor coral reef ecosystems1 or to develop management or adaptation options to preserve1 sustain1 and restore coral reef ecosystems2 7,h7 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,i7 developing and implementing cost-effective methods to restore degraded coral reef ecosystems or to create geographically appropriate 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,j7 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,k7 developing and maintaining in situ native coral propagation sites2 or 7,l7 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 ,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 paragraphs 7#a7 and 7#b7 shall be made exclusively available to projects that are-- 7,a7 submitted by a coral reef stewardship partnership2 and 7,b7 consistent with the coral reef action plan in effect under section #bje by such a partnership4 7#d7 ,of the funds distributed to support projects in accordance with paragraph 7#c71 not less than #bj percent and not more than #cc percent shall be awarded for projects submitted by a ,federal coral reef stewardship partnership4 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 and evaluating proposals for coral reef projects under this section4 7i7 ,unexpended amounts ,any amounts available for grants under this section that are not expended shall be transferred to the ,coral ,reef ,stewardship ,fund under section #bjh7;b74 #bad4 ,reports on administration 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #b years after the date of the enactment of the ,restoring ,resilient ,reefs ,act of #bjbj1 and every #b years thereafter1 the ,administrator shall submit to the committees specified in subsection 7b7 a report on the administration of this title during the #b-year period preceding submission of the report1 including-- 7#a7 a description of all activities undertaken to implement the most recent national coral reef resilience strategy under section #bjd;,a2 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 funded1 in full or in part1 under the authorities of this title4 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 #bae4 ,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 ,administrator may reimburse or provide funds authorized to be appropriated by section #baf 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 ,institute and the ,pacific ,coral ,reef ,institute4 7#b7 ,membership ,each institute established under paragraph 7#a7 shall be housed within a single coral reef research center designated by the ,administrator under paragraph 7#d7 in the ,atlantic and ,pacific basins1 respectively1 and may contract with other coral reef research centers within the same basin to support each institute's capacity and reach4 7#c7 ,functions ,the institutes established under paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 conduct federally directed research to fill national and regional coral reef ecosystem research gaps and improve understanding of1 and responses to1 continuing and emerging threats to the resilience of ,united ,states coral reef ecosystems consistent with the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect under section #bjd;,a2 7,b7 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,c7 through agreements-- 7i7 collaborate directly with governmental resource management agencies1 coral reef stewardship partnerships1 nonprofit organizations1 and other coral reef research centers designated under paragraph 7#d72 7ii7 assist in the development and implementation of-- 7,i7 the national coral reef resilience strategy under section #bjd;,a2 7,,ii7 coral reef action plans under section #bje2 and 7,,iii7 coral reef emergency plans under section #bji2 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 7#d7 ,coral reef research centers 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall periodically solicit applications and designate all qualifying institutions in a covered ,state as coral reef research centers4 7,b7 ,criteria ,an institution qualifies for designation as a coral reef research center under subparagraph 7,a7 if the ,administrator determines that the institution-- 7i7 is operated by an institution of higher education or nonprofit marine research organization2 7ii7 has established management-driven national or regional coral reef research or restoration programs2 7iii7 has demonstrated abilities to coordinate closely with appropriate ,federal and ,state agencies1 as well as other academic and nonprofit organizations2 and 7iv7 maintains significant local community engagement and outreach programs related to 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 this title4 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 #baf4 ,coral reef prize competitions 7a7 ,in general ,the head of any ,federal agency with a representative serving on the ,u4,s4 ,coral ,reef ,task ,force established by ,executive ,order #acjhi 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fdja note2 relating to coral reef protection71 may1 individually or in cooperation with one or more agencies1 carry out a program to award prizes competitively under section #bd of the ,stevenson-,wydler ,technology ,innovation ,act of #aihj 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #cgai74 7b7 ,purposes ,any program carried out under this section shall be for the purpose of stimulating innovation to advance the ability of the ,united ,states to understand1 research1 or monitor coral reef ecosystems1 or to develop management or adaptation options to preserve1 sustain1 and restore coral reef ecosystems4 7c7 ,priority programs ,priority shall be given to establishing programs under this section that address communities1 environments1 or industries that are in distress as a result of the decline or degradation of coral reef ecosystems1 including-- 7#a7 scientific research and monitoring that furthers the understanding of causes behind coral reef decline and degradation and the generally slow recovery following disturbances1 including ocean acidification and its impacts on coral reproduction2 7#b7 the development of monitoring or management options for communities or industries that are experiencing significant financial hardship2 7#c7 the development of adaptation options to alleviate economic harm and job loss caused by damage to coral reef ecosystems2 7#d7 the development of measures to help vulnerable communities or industries1 with an emphasis on rural communities and businesses2 and 7#e7 the development of adaptation and management options for impacted tourism industries4 #bag4 ,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 #ca1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba4 7#b7 #cb1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb4 7#c7 #cd1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc4 7#d7 #ce1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbd4 7#e7 #cg1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbe4 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 #bjc and #bjg3 7#a7 #bc1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjba1 of which not less than #h1jjj1jjj shall be made available to the ,secretary for the provision ,state block grants under section #bjg4 7#b7 #bd1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbb1 of which not less than #h1ejj1jjj shall be made available to the ,secretary for the provision ,state block grants under section #bjg4 7#c7 #bf1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbc1 of which not less than #i1jjj1jjj shall be made available to the ,secretary for the provision ,state block grants under section #bjg4 7#d7 #bg1ejj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbd1 of which not less than #aj1jjj1jjj shall be made available to the ,secretary for the provision ,state block grants under section #bjg4 7#e7 #bi1jjj1jjj for fiscal year #bjbe1 of which not less than #aa1jjj1jjj shall be made available to the ,secretary for the provision ,state block grants under section #bjg4 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 #bjba through #bjbe 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 #bac2 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 #bae7;c74 #bah4 ,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 ,alcyonacea 7soft corals1 organ pipe corals1 gorgonians71 and ,helioporacea 7blue coral71 of the class ,anthozoa2 and 7,b7 all species of the order ,anthoathecata 7fire corals and other hydrocorals7 of the class ,hydrozoa4 7#e7 ,coral reef ,the term coral reef means limestone structures 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 other geographically and ecologically associated marine communities of other 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 calcification rates1 tissue growth1 reproduction1 recruitment1 abundance1 coral-algal symbiosis1 and biodiversity 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 reef manager 7,a7 ,in general ,the term covered reef manager means a management unit of a ,federal agency specified in subparagraph 7,b7 with jurisdiction over a coral reef ecosystem1 covered ,state1 or coral reef stewardship partnership4 7,b7 ,federal agencies specified ,a ,federal agency specified in this subparagraph is one of the following3 7i7 ,the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration4 7ii7 ,the ,national ,park ,service4 7iii7 ,the ,united ,states ,fish and ,wildlife ,service4 7iv7 ,the ,office of ,insular ,affairs4 7#i7 ,covered ,state ,the term covered ,state means ,florida1 ,hawaii1 and the territories of ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 ,guam1 ,puerto ,rico1 and the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands4 7#aj7 ,indian tribe ,the term ,indian ,tribe has the meaning given that term in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7#aa7 ,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#ab7 ,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#ac7 ,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#ad7 ,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#ae7 ,resilience ,the term resilience means the capacity for corals within their native range1 coral reefs1 or coral reef ecosystems to recover from natural and human disturbances as determined by clearly identifiable1 measurable1 and science-based standards4 7#af7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,commerce4 7#ag7 ,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 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 ,guam1 ,puerto ,rico1 or the ,united ,states ,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#ah7 ,stewardship ,the term stewardship1 with respect to a coral reef1 includes conservation1 restoration1 and public outreach and education4 7#ai7 ,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 #bjbj4 7#bj7 ,tribal organization ,the term ,tribal organization has the meaning given the term tribal organization in section #cgfe of title #ch1 ,united ,states ,code4 4 7c7 ,conforming amendment to ,national ,oceans and ,coastal ,security ,act ,section #ije7;a7 of the ,national ,oceans and ,coastal ,security ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #gejd7;a77 is amended by striking and coastal infrastructure and inserting 1 coastal infrastructure1 and ecosystem services provided by natural systems such as coral reefs4 #ajb4 ,modification to section #bjd of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fdjc7 ,section #bjd of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #fdjc7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking this section and inserting section #bac2 7#b7 in subsection 7b71 by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,special rule ,for purposes of paragraph 7#a71 block grant funds awarded to the territories of ,american ,samoa1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 ,guam1 ,puerto ,rico1 or the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands under section #bjg shall qualify as the non-,federal share of project costs4 2 and 7#c7 by striking subsections 7c7 through 7j74 ,,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 coral reef research centers designated under section #bae7;c7 of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj 7as amended by section #aja71 and other nongovernmental and academic partners as appropriate1 activities regarding the mapping1 monitoring1 research1 conservation1 mitigation1 and 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 #bjd;,a 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 7,b7 to encourage implementation of appropriate strategies and actions to promote conservation and sustainable use of coral reef resources worldwide2 and 7,c7 to collaborate with international communities successful in managing coral reefs2 7#d7 to provide technical assistance for the development and implementation1 as appropriate1 of-- 7,a7 the national coral reef resilience strategy under section #bjd;,a of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj1 as amended by section #aja2 7,b7 coral reef action plans under section #bje of that ,act2 and 7,c7 coral reef emergency plans under section #bji of that ,act2 and 7#e7 to produce a report each year1 for submission to the appropriate congressional committees and publication on a publicly available internet website of the ,task ,force1 highlighting the status of the coral reef equities of a covered ,state on a rotating basis1 including-- 7,a7 a summary of recent coral reef management and restoration activities undertaken in that ,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 ,assistant ,secretary of the ,army for ,civil ,works4 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 ,a 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 ,a member of the ,gulf of ,mexico ,fishery ,management ,council who is designated by the ,governor of ,florida under such section4 7#c7 ,a member of the ,western ,pacific ,fishery ,management ,council who is designated under such section and selected as follows3 7,a7 ,for the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act and ending on ,december #ca of the calendar year during which such date of enactment occurs1 the member shall be selected jointly by the governors of ,hawaii1 ,american ,samoa1 ,guam1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands4 7,b7 ,for each calendar year thereafter1 the governors of ,hawaii1 ,american ,samoa1 ,guam1 and the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands shall1 on a rotating basis1 take turns selecting the member4 7#d7 ,a member of the ,caribbean ,fishery ,management ,council who is designated under such section and selected as follows3 7,a7 ,for the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act and ending on ,december #ca of the calendar year during which such date of enactment occurs1 the member shall be selected jointly by the governors of ,puerto ,rico and the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands4 7,b7 ,for each calendar year thereafter1 the governors of ,puerto ,rico and the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands shall1 on an alternating basis1 take turns selecting the member4 7#e7 ,a member appointed by the ,president of the ,federated ,states of ,micronesia4 7#f7 ,a member appointed by the ,president of the ,republic of the ,marshall ,islands4 7#g7 ,a member appointed by the ,president of 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#ad7 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 that the co-chairs establish a working group under subsection 7a74 7c7 ,participation by nongovernmental organizations ,the co-chairs may allow nongovernmental organizations as appropriate1 including academic institutions1 conservation groups1 and commercial and recreational fishing associations1 to participate in a working group established under subsection 7a74 7d7 ,nonapplicability of ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act ,the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall not apply to working groups established under this section4 #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 #bah 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 assistance1 and 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 ,federal1 ,state1 and ,tribal waters1 including-- 7#a7 the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect under section #bjd;,a of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj1 as amended by section #aja2 7#b7 coral reef action plans in effect under section #bje of that ,act1 as applicable2 and 7#c7 coral reef emergency plans in effect under section #bji of that ,act1 as applicable4 7b7 ,office of insular affairs coral reef initiative ,the ,secretary may establish within the ,office of ,insular ,affairs a ,coral ,reef ,initiative ,program-- 7#a7 to provide grant funding to support local management1 conservation1 and protection of coral reef ecosystems in-- 7,a7 insular areas of covered ,states2 and 7,b7 ,freely ,associated ,states2 7#b7 to complement the other conservation and assistance activities conducted under this ,act2 and 7#c7 to provide other technical1 scientific1 and financial assistance and conduct conservation activities that advance the purpose of this ,act4 7c7 ,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#b7 and 7#c7 of section #bjc7;c7 of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj1 as amended by section #aja4 7d7 ,cooperative agreements ,subject to the availability of appropriations1 the ,secretary of the ,interior may enter into cooperative agreements with covered reef managers to fund coral reef conservation and restoration activities in waters managed under the jurisdiction of such managers that-- 7#a7 are consistent with the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect under section #bjd;,a of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj1 as amended by section #aja2 and 7#b7 support and enhance the success of-- 7,a7 coral reef action plans in effect under section #bje of that ,act2 and 7,b7 coral reef emergency plans in effect under section #bji of that ,act4 7e7 ,definitions ,in this section1 the terms conservation1 coral reef1 covered reef manager1 covered ,state1 restoration1 and ,state have the meaning given those terms in section #bah of the ,coral ,reef ,conservation ,act of #bjjj1 as amended by section #aja4 ,,iv ,susan ,l4 ,williams ,national ,coral ,reef ,management ,fellowship #dja4 ,short title ,this title may be cited as the ,susan ,l4 ,williams ,national ,coral ,reef ,management ,fellowship ,act of #bjbj4 #djb4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,fellow ,the term fellow means a ,national ,coral ,reef ,management ,fellow4 7#b7 ,fellowship ,the term fellowship means the ,national ,coral ,reef ,management ,fellowship established in section #djc4 7#c7 ,indian tribe2 tribal organization ,the terms ,indian ,tribe and ,tribal organization have the meanings given those terms in section #d of the ,indian ,self-,determination and ,education ,assistance ,act 7#be ,u4,s4,c4 #ecjd74 7#d7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,commerce4 #djc4 ,establishment of fellowship program 7a7 ,in general ,there is established a ,national ,coral ,reef ,management ,fellowship ,program4 7b7 ,purposes ,the purposes of the fellowship are-- 7#a7 to encourage future leaders of the ,united ,states to develop additional coral reef management capacity in ,states and local communities with coral reefs2 7#b7 to provide management agencies of ,states1 ,tribal organizations1 and ,freely ,associated ,states with highly qualified candidates whose education and work experience meet the specific needs of each ,state1 ,indian ,tribe1 and ,freely ,associated ,state2 and 7#c7 to provide fellows with professional experience in management of coastal and coral reef resources4 #djd4 ,fellowship awards 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall award the fellowship in accordance with this section4 7b7 ,term of fellowship ,a fellowship awarded under this section shall be for a term of not more than #bd months4 7c7 ,qualifications ,the ,secretary shall award the fellowship to individuals who have demonstrated-- 7#a7 an intent to pursue a career in marine services and outstanding potential for such a career2 7#b7 leadership potential1 actual leadership experience1 or both2 7#c7 a college or graduate degree in biological science1 experience that correlates with aptitude and interest for marine management1 or both2 7#d7 proficient writing and speaking skills2 and 7#e7 such other attributes as the ,secretary considers appropriate4 #dje4 ,matching requirement 7a7 ,in general ,except as provided in subsection 7b71 the non-,federal share of the costs of a fellowship under this section shall be #be percent of such costs4 7b7 ,waiver of requirements ,the ,secretary may waive the application of subsection 7a7 if the ,secretary finds that such waiver is necessary to support a project that the ,secretary has identified as a high priority4 ,passed the ,senate ,december #ba1 #bjbj4,secretary