,,ii #aaith ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #behf ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,july #ca1 #bjbe ,mr4 ,wicker 7for himself and ,mr4 ,schatz7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation ,a ,,bill ,to require the ,administrator of the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration to establish an assessment program for commercial-scale offshore aquaculture through demonstration projects1 to establish ,aquaculture ,centers of ,excellence1 to support aquaculture workforce development and working waterfronts1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,marine ,aquaculture ,research for ,america ,act of #bjbe or the ,,mara ,act of #bjbe4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,purposes4 ,sec4 #c4 ,definitions4 ,,title ,i--,office of ,aquaculture ,sec4 #aja4 ,office of ,aquaculture4 ,,title ,,ii--,commercial-scale demonstration projects ,sec4 #bja4 ,assessment program for offshore aquaculture4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,permits for demonstration projects for offshore aquaculture facilities4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,coordination of permit reviews for demonstration projects4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,reporting by assessment program participants4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,rule of construction2 savings provisions4 ,,title ,,iii--,workforce development1 financing1 and other support ,sec4 #cja4 ,general support for industry4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,aquaculture ,centers of ,excellence4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,working waterfronts preservation grant program4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,outreach on sustainable offshore aquaculture4 ,,title ,,iv--,studies and reports ,sec4 #dja4 ,study on offshore aquaculture by ,ocean ,studies ,board of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,report on offshore aquaculture by ,government ,accountability ,office4 #b4 ,purposes ,the purposes of this ,act are-- 7#a7 to authorize the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration to establish and study commercial-scale demonstration projects to answer scientific questions needed to safely and sustainably regulate offshore aquaculture in the ,united ,states2 7#b7 to commission a study and report to assess the environmental and regulatory viability of a ,united ,states offshore aquaculture industry2 7#c7 to support aquaculture workforce development and working waterfronts by creating new jobs and to support existing jobs and businesses within the seafood industry of the ,united ,states1 including jobs and businesses for traditional participants in the fishing industry2 7#d7 to establish ,aquaculture ,centers of ,excellence to meet the needs of the growing domestic sustainable aquaculture industry2 and 7#e7 to reduce the ,united ,states seafood trade deficit by expanding the domestic supply of seafood through the production of sustainable offshore aquaculture4 #c4 ,definitions ,in this ,act3 7#a7 ,administration ,the term ,administration means the ,national ,oceanic and ,atmospheric ,administration4 7#b7 ,administrator ,the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,administration4 7#c7 ,appropriate committees of ,congress ,the term appropriate committees of ,congress means-- 7,a7 the ,committee on ,commerce1 ,science1 and ,transportation1 the ,committee on ,environment and ,public ,works1 and the ,committee on ,agriculture1 ,nutrition1 and ,forestry of the ,senate2 and 7,b7 the ,committee on ,natural ,resources1 the ,committee on ,agriculture1 and the ,committee on ,transportation and ,infrastructure of the ,house of ,representatives4 7#d7 ,aquaculture ,the term aquaculture-- 7,a7 means any activity involved in the propagation1 rearing1 or attempted propagation or rearing1 of cultured species1 including the capture and rearing of broodstock2 and 7,b7 does not include the practice of-- 7i7 capturing juvenile finfish to rear to maturity in an aquaculture facility for subsequent commercial sale2 or 7ii7 the practice of rearing and releasing cultured species for the purpose of enhancing wild populations4 7#e7 ,aquaculture stakeholder ,the term aquaculture stakeholder means-- 7,a7 an owner or operator of an offshore aquaculture facility2 7,b7 a ,regional ,fishery ,management ,council established under section #cjb7;a7 of the ,magnuson-,stevens ,fishery ,conservation and ,management ,act 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aheb7;a772 7,c7 an interstate fisheries commission2 7,d7 a conservation organization2 7,e7 a fisheries association2 7,f7 a ,state or county government2 7,g7 an ,indian ,tribe2 7,h7 a ,native ,hawaiian organization2 7,i7 a ,native ,hawaiian community2 7,j7 a ,tribal or ,indigenous community2 7,k7 a ,federal or ,state agency with interests in aquaculture2 or 7,l7 any other interested party4 7#f7 ,coastal ,state ,the term coastal ,state has the meaning given the term coastal state in section #cjd7d7 of the ,coastal ,zone ,management ,act of #aigb 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #adec7d774 7#g7 ,cultured species ,the term cultured species-- 7,a7 means any species propagated and reared for marine aquaculture2 7,b7 includes larval marine shellfish species that self-recruit in the offshore environment2 and 7,c7 excludes any member of the class ,aves1 ,reptilia1 or ,mammalia4 7#h7 ,escape ,the term escape means the escape of juvenile- or adult-farmed organisms1 viable gametes1 or fertilized eggs spawned by farmed organisms from offshore aquaculture facilities4 7#i7 ,exclusive economic zone 7,a7 ,in general ,unless otherwise specified by the ,president in the public interest in a writing published in the ,federal ,register1 the term exclusive economic zone means a zone1 the outer boundary of which-- 7i7 except as provided by clause 7ii71 is #bjj nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured2 or 7ii7 7,i7 if an applicable maritime boundary treaty is in force or is being provisionally applied by the ,united ,states1 is established by that treaty2 or 7,,ii7 in the absence of such a treaty and in a case in which the distance between the ,united ,states and another country is less than #djj nautical miles1 is a line equidistant between the ,united ,states and the other country4 7,b7 ,inner boundary ,without affecting any ,presidential proclamation with regard to the establishment of the ,united ,states territorial sea or exclusive economic zone1 the inner boundary of the exclusive economic zone is-- 7i7 in the case of the coastal ,states1 a line coterminous with the seaward boundary of each such ,state1 as described in section #d of the ,submerged ,lands ,act 7#dc ,u4,s4,c4 #acab72 7ii7 in the case of the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 a line #i nautical miles from the coastline of the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico2 7iii7 in the case of ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 or ,guam1 a line #c geographic miles from the coastlines of ,american ,samoa1 the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands1 or ,guam1 respectively2 or 7iv7 in the case of the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands-- 7,i7 the coastline of the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 until the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands is granted authority by the ,united ,states to regulate all fishing to a line seaward of its coastline2 and 7,,ii7 upon the ,united ,states grant of such authority1 the line established by such grant of authority4 7,c7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this paragraph may be construed to diminish the authority of the ,department of ,defense1 the ,department of the ,interior1 or any other ,federal agency4 7#aj7 ,fishery stakeholders ,the term fishery stakeholders means-- 7,a7 subsistence fishery participants and their dependents2 7,b7 fishing vessel crews2 7,c7 fish processor and distribution workers2 7,d7 recreational fisheries2 7,e7 ,tribal fisheries2 and 7,f7 territorial fishing communities1 including such communities in ,american ,samoa1 ,guam1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 ,puerto ,rico1 and the ,united ,states ,virgin ,islands4 7#aa7 ,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#ab7 ,institution of higher education ,the term institution of higher education has the meaning given that term in section #bja of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajja74 7#ac7 ,native ,hawaiian community ,the term ,native ,hawaiian community means the distinct ,native ,hawaiian indigenous political community that ,congress1 exercising its plenary power over ,native ,american affairs1 has recognized and with which ,congress has implemented a special political and trust relationship4 7#ad7 ,native ,hawaiian organization ,the term ,native ,hawaiian organization has the meaning given that term in section #fbjg of the ,elementary and ,secondary ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #geag7 and includes the ,department of ,hawaiian ,home ,lands and the ,office of ,hawaiian ,affairs4 7#ae7 ,national sea grant college program ,the term national sea grant college program means the program maintained under section #bjd7;a7 of the ,national ,sea ,grant ,college ,program ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #aabc7;a774 7#af7 ,offshore aquaculture ,the term offshore aquaculture means aquaculture conducted in the exclusive economic zone4 7#ag7 ,offshore aquaculture facility ,the term offshore aquaculture facility means-- 7,a7 an installation or structure used1 in whole or in part1 for offshore aquaculture2 or 7,b7 an area of the seabed1 water column1 or the sediment used for offshore aquaculture4 7#ah7 ,state ,the term ,state means each of the several ,states1 the ,district of ,columbia1 and each commonwealth1 territory1 or possession of the ,united ,states4 7#ai7 ,tribal fishery ,the term ,tribal fishery means a fishery that is-- 7,a7 owned1 operated1 or managed by a ,tribal or ,indigenous community2 or 7,b7 located in an area-- 7i7 that is subject to the jurisdiction of an ,indian ,tribe2 and 7ii7 for which the ,indian ,tribe has sovereign authority over fishing activity in the area4 7#bj7 ,tribal land ,the term ,tribal land means land that is subject to the jurisdiction of an ,indian ,tribe4 7#ba7 ,tribal or ,indigenous community ,the term ,tribal or ,indigenous community means a population of people who are-- 7,a7 enrolled members of an ,indian ,tribe2 7,b7 members of an ,alaska ,native or ,native ,hawaiian community or organization2 or 7,c7 members of any other community of ,indigenous people located in a ,state4 ,i ,office of ,aquaculture #aja4 ,office of ,aquaculture 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established within the headquarters of the ,national ,marine ,fisheries ,service of the ,administration the ,office of ,aquaculture 7in this section referred to as the ,office74 7b7 ,resources ,the ,administrator shall ensure the ,office is provided with sufficient resources to carry out the duties of the ,office under subsection 7d74 7c7 ,representation at regional fisheries offices 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall provide for representation of the ,office in each of the regional fisheries offices of the ,administration4 7#b7 ,minimum presence ,in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator-- 7,a7 shall provide for the placement of at least one regional aquaculture coordinator from the ,office in each regional fisheries office2 7,b7 shall otherwise ensure that the representation of the ,office at a regional fisheries office is1 at a minimum1 sufficient to permit the ,office to fulfill the duties of the ,office under subsection 7d72 and 7,c7 may increase that representation to the extent warranted by the activity and interest of aquaculture stakeholders in the region4 7d7 ,duties 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,office shall-- 7,a7 coordinate the implementation of this ,act1 including administration of-- 7i7 the aquaculture research program established under subsection 7e72 7ii7 the offshore aquaculture assessment program established under section #bja2 and 7iii7 the issuance of permits under section #bjb2 7,b7 coordinate regulatory1 scientific1 outreach1 and international issues related to aquaculture within the ,administration2 7,c7 collaborate with and leverage existing efforts by the national sea grant college program-- 7i7 to conduct outreach1 education1 extension services1 and training efforts for aquaculture and offshore aquaculture2 and 7ii7 to engage with aquaculture stakeholders and1 from time to time1 convene conferences for aquaculture stakeholders to exchange information and ideas2 7,d7 maintain aquaculture capacity in the regions covered by the regional fisheries offices of the ,administration2 7,e7 develop recommendations for performance standards for offshore aquaculture operations that1 at a minimum-- 7i7 encourage development of offshore aquaculture in a manner that complies with environmental law2 7ii7 are based on the best scientific information available2 7iii7 take into account traditional knowledge of ,tribal and ,indigenous communities as appropriate to the region2 7iv7 are adaptive to offshore aquaculture developments1 such as updates in technology and changes in environmental conditions2 and 7v7 prefer species that are native or historically naturalized to the region2 and 7,f7 prioritize the health of cultured species4 7#b7 ,agreements with ,states 7,a7 ,in general ,upon request of the ,governor of a coastal ,state1 the ,office shall enter into an agreement with the ,state to allow the ,state1 and aquaculture stakeholders in the ,state as appropriate1 to participate in the activities authorized under sections #bja and #bjc and titles ,,iii and ,,iv1 as though-- 7i7 the aquaculture conducted in the ,state's coastal waters were offshore aquaculture2 and 7ii7 facilities for aquaculture in the ,state's coastal waters were offshore aquaculture facilities4 7,b7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this paragraph or in any agreement entered into under this paragraph shall be construed to affect the authority of the ,administrator to issue permits for or regulate aquaculture in ,state waters1 except as expressly provided in such an agreement4 7e7 ,aquaculture research program and duties 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall establish1 and provide resources 7in addition to the resources required under subsection 7b77 for1 an aquaculture research program that draws upon the scientific capacity of programs of the ,administration1 such as the ,fisheries ,science ,centers1 the national sea grant college program1 and the ,national ,centers for ,coastal ,ocean ,science1 to support the efforts of the ,office to implement this ,act4 7#b7 ,functions ,as part of the aquaculture research program established under paragraph 7#a71 the ,office shall-- 7,a7 ensure that commercial-scale offshore aquaculture demonstration projects for which permits are issued under section #bjb are scientifically monitored to support the implementation of this ,act2 7,b7 evaluate data2 7,c7 conduct additional research to support the development of sustainable offshore aquaculture2 7,d7 administer support for industry under section #cja2 7,e7 administer the ,aquaculture ,centers of ,excellence under section #cjb2 7,f7 administer the contract to conduct the study described in section #dja2 and 7,g7 coordinate the engagement of the ,administration with the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states as the ,comptroller ,general prepares the report required by section #djb4 7f7 ,budget request ,the ,administrator shall include1 in the budget justification materials submitted to ,congress in support of the budget of the ,president for a fiscal year pursuant to section #aaje of title #ca1 ,united ,states ,code1 a request for funding for the ,office as a separate line item with the ,national ,marine ,fisheries ,service4 ,,ii ,commercial-scale demonstration projects #bja4 ,assessment program for offshore aquaculture 7a7 ,establishment of program ,not later than #ahj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall establish an assessment program 7in this section referred to as the assessment program7 with the objective of assessing the viability of offshore aquaculture-- 7#a7 in light of changing circumstances and advances in technology2 and 7#b7 using the best available science1 information from aquaculture stakeholders1 and information developed from demonstration projects for which permits are issued under section #bjb4 7b7 ,elements ,at a minimum1 the assessment program shall examine the following in order to determine the viability of offshore aquaculture3 7#a7 ,the ability of different commercial-scale facility designs and operational methods-- 7,a7 to survive various atmospheric and ocean conditions to the extent possible1 including high wind speeds or high-energy ocean conditions associated with severe weather1 or tidal or tsunami activity1 without-- 7i7 escapes2 7ii7 loss of or damage to infrastructure2 or 7iii7 wildlife entanglement resulting from loss or damaged infrastructure2 7,b7 to prevent adverse wildlife impacts to the extent possible1 including entanglements of large whales1 sea turtles1 and other species protected under-- 7i7 the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq472 and 7ii7 the ,marine ,mammal ,protection ,act of #aigb 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #acfa et seq472 7,c7 to prevent adverse impacts on the marine environment to the extent possible1 including impacts to habitat1 water chemistry1 and wildlife2 and 7,d7 to prevent adverse impacts on navigation and safety1 to the extent possible1 to existing ocean users due to offshore aquaculture facilities1 including requirements for operations1 navigation1 and transit associated with such facilities4 7#b7 ,the ability of different technologies to provide reliable and timely data on offshore aquaculture facilities1 including visual data and other relevant data types1 on a regular basis to enable the ,administrator to monitor-- 7,a7 the compliance of demonstration projects for which permits are issued under section #bjb with the requirements under subsection 7b7 of such section2 7,b7 impacts on the marine environment2 and 7,c7 interference with existing uses of the water bodies in which demonstration projects for which permits are issued under section #bjb are located4 7#c7 ,the relative risks1 benefits1 and costs of various types of offshore aquaculture1 including different species of finfish in different geographies and under varying climactic and ecological conditions4 7c7 ,report required ,not later than #b years after the date on which the ,administrator establishes the assessment program1 the ,administrator shall publish1 make available to the public1 and submit to the ,national ,academy of ,sciences and the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states1 a report that includes the following3 7#a7 ,a description of each demonstration project for which a permit is issued under section #bjb1 including documentation supporting the issuance of the permit4 7#b7 ,a summary of the information submitted to the ,administrator for each such demonstration project4 7#c7 ,a description of the progress made toward meeting the objective described in subsection 7a74 #bjb4 ,permits for demonstration projects for offshore aquaculture facilities 7a7 ,issuance of permits ,after the ,administrator establishes the assessment program under section #bja1 the ,administrator shall issue permits for demonstration projects for proposed offshore aquaculture facilities in furtherance of the assessment program4 7b7 ,eligibility requirements ,to be eligible for the issuance of a permit under subsection 7a71 a demonstration project is required to-- 7#a7 advance the objective described in section #bja7;a72 7#b7 cultivate only native or historically naturalized species that pose a minimal threat of harm to wildlife and the ecosystem in which the project is located2 7#c7 incorporate design and operational practices that minimize the risk of escape1 wildlife entanglement1 and adverse pollution impacts2 7#d7 develop an escape response and infrastructure loss or damage plan that minimizes the impact of any escapes or infrastructure loss or damage on the marine environment and on other uses of the water body in which the project is located2 7#e7 comply with all applicable requirements of-- 7,a7 the ,federal ,water ,pollution ,control ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #abea et seq47 7commonly referred to as the ,clean ,water ,act72 7,b7 the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq472 7,c7 the ,marine ,mammal ,protection ,act of #aigb 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #acfa et seq472 and 7,d7 the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq472 7#f7 maximize compatibility with1 and prevent or minimize displacement of1 existing uses and users of the marine environment in the near vicinity of where the project is located2 7#g7 conform to best practices to avoid or minimize the use of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals and minimize the release of such pharmaceuticals into the environment2 and 7#h7 be designed and managed in partnership with-- 7,a7 a land-grant college or university 7as defined in section #adjd of the ,national ,agricultural ,research1 ,extension1 and ,teaching ,policy ,act of #aigg 7#g ,u4,s4,c4 #cajc772 7,b7 a historically black college or university 7as defined by the term part ,b institution in section #cbb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfa772 7,c7 a #aiid ,institution 7as defined in section #ecb of the ,equity in ,educational ,land-,grant ,status ,act of #aiid 7,public ,law #ajc-chb2 #g ,u4,s4,c4 #cja note772 or 7,d7 a sea grant college 7as defined in section #bjc of the ,national ,sea ,grant ,college ,program ,act 7#cc ,u4,s4,c4 #aabb774 7c7 ,authorized activities ,a person that holds a permit for a demonstration project issued under subsection 7a7 may conduct offshore aquaculture consistent with-- 7#a7 this ,act1 including regulations prescribed to carry out this ,act2 and 7#b7 other applicable provisions of law1 including regulations4 7d7 ,applications ,a person seeking a permit for a demonstration project shall submit to the ,administrator an application that specifies-- 7#a7 the proposed location of the offshore aquaculture facility and the location of on-shore facilities used for propagation or rearing of cultured species1 such as hatcheries or research operations2 7#b7 the type of aquaculture operations that will be conducted at all facilities described in paragraph 7#a72 7#c7 the cultured species1 or a specified range of species1 to be propagated or reared1 or both1 at the offshore aquaculture facility2 7#d7 7,a7 the source of eggs1 larvae1 or juvenile cultured species that will be used in offshore aquaculture operations2 7,b7 an analysis of the likely ecosystem impacts of such operations1 such as the spread of pathogens2 and 7,c7 the information upon which the analysis was based2 7#e7 plans to respond to-- 7,a7 a natural disaster2 7,b7 an escape2 7,c7 disease2 7,d7 loss or damage to infrastructure2 and 7,e7 other circumstances designated by the ,administrator2 and 7#f7 such other design1 construction1 and operational information as the ,administrator may require to ensure the integrity of the operations and contingency planning4 7e7 ,notice1 public comment1 and objections 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 not later than #ij days after receiving an application under this section1 publish in the ,federal ,register a notice summarizing the application2 and 7,b7 invite and consider public comments1 and formal objections from any ,governor or ,tribal leader of a specially affected coastal jurisdiction1 on applications for permits under this section4 7#b7 ,specially affected coastal jurisdiction ,in this subsection1 the term specially affected coastal jurisdiction means any coastal ,state or ,indian ,tribe-- 7,a7 the land1 ,tribal land1 or waters of which-- 7i7 are adjacent to the ,federal waters in which the project will be conducted2 and 7ii7 are used1 or are scheduled to be used1 as a support base for the project2 and 7,b7 for which there is a reasonable probability of significant effect on uses of land1 ,tribal land1 or water from the project4 7f7 ,priority consideration ,in considering applications for permits for demonstration projects under this section1 the ,administrator shall give priority consideration to applications for demonstration projects-- 7#a7 owned or operated by applicants who can demonstrate that the demonstration project will directly benefit individuals who are already participating in the agricultural1 wild-caught fishery1 or aquaculture industries who have been negatively impacted by the ,,covid-#ai pandemic1 natural disasters1 or major disasters declared under section #dja of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj72 or 7#b7 sited within an ,aquaculture ,opportunity ,area identified by the ,secretary of ,commerce in accordance with section #g of ,executive ,order #aciba 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #ahja note2 relating to promoting ,american seafood competitiveness and economic growth74 7g7 ,socioeconomic data ,in considering applications for permits for demonstration projects under this section1 and to support the study described in section #dja1 the report required by section #djb1 and the assessment program established under section #bja1 the ,administrator shall collect socioeconomic data associated with the owner or operator of1 and communities employed or otherwise affected by1 each demonstration project4 7h7 ,decisions with respect to issuance1 deferral1 or denial 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the conclusion of the period for public comments under subsection 7e7 with respect to an application for a permit for a demonstration project under this section1 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 issue the permit1 if the ,administrator determines the application complies with the requirements of this ,act1 the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq471 and other applicable law2 7,b7 if the ,administrator determines that the application does not comply with the requirements described in subparagraph 7,a7 and can be modified to comply with those requirements-- 7i7 defer the decision on the permit2 and 7ii7 provide to the applicant a notice that specifies modifications to the proposed demonstration project needed for a permit to be issued2 or 7,c7 if the ,administrator determines that the application does not comply with the requirements described in subparagraph 7,a7 and that the application cannot be modified to comply with such requirements1 deny the permit and provide a justification for the denial4 7#b7 ,other approval 7,a7 ,in general ,an application for a permit for a demonstration project under this section shall be considered approved1 as if a permit for the application had been issued under paragraph 7#a77;,a71 if-- 7i7 the ,administrator does not take action under subparagraph 7,a71 7,b71 or 7,c7 of paragraph 7#a7 within #ij days after the conclusion of the period for public comments under subsection 7e7 with respect to the application2 7ii7 no formal objection to the application has been received from the ,governor or ,tribal leader of a specially affected coastal jurisdiction 7as defined in subsection 7e772 and 7iii7 the ,administrator has determined that the application complies with the requirements described in paragraph 7#a77;,a74 7,b7 ,process ,the ,administrator shall establish a process for the approval of applications under this paragraph4 7i7 ,effective period ,a permit for a demonstration project issued under this section-- 7#a7 shall be in effect during the #aj-year period beginning on the date on which the project begins in-water operations2 and 7#b7 may be renewed as provided by subsection 7k74 7j7 ,renewal 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator may renew a permit1 that has not been revoked1 for a demonstration project issued under this section for an additional #aj-year period after the #aj-year period described in subsection 7i77#a7 if-- 7,a7 the owner or operator of the project submits to the ,administrator a proposal for renewal of the permit by a date determined by the ,administrator2 and 7,b7 the ,administrator determines that the permit1 as modified by the proposal1 remains in compliance with the requirements described in subsection 7j77#a74 7#b7 ,notice and public comment ,the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 publish in the ,federal ,register a notice summarizing each proposal received under paragraph 7#a7 with respect to the renewal of a permit2 7,b7 invite public comments for a period of not less than #fj days regarding each such proposal2 and 7,c7 consider such comments in determining whether to approve the renewal of the permit4 7k7 ,authority ,to modify or terminate participation of demonstration projects and order removal of facilities ,the ,administrator may require modifications to a demonstration project for which a permit is issued under this section1 terminate such a permit1 or order the removal of an offshore aquaculture facility authorized to operate under such a permit1 if-- 7#a7 7,a7 the project incurs an incident involving a death or serious personal injury and the ,administrator determines that negligence of the project operator was the cause of or a contributing factor to the incident2 7,b7 operation of the project results in a violation of-- 7i7 the ,endangered ,species ,act of #aigc 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #aeca et seq472 or 7ii7 the ,marine ,mammal ,protection ,act of #aigb 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #acfa et seq472 7,c7 the owner or operator of the project fails to comply with all of the terms and conditions of-- 7i7 the permit2 or 7ii7 modifications required by the ,administrator under this subsection2 or 7,d7 the ,administrator determines that operation of the demonstration project would be unsafe or result in unacceptable negative impacts to-- 7i7 the marine environment2 7ii7 nearby communities2 or 7iii7 other users of the water body in which the project is located2 and 7#b7 before requiring a modification to the demonstration project1 terminating the permit1 or ordering the removal of the offshore aquaculture facility-- 7,a7 the ,administrator provides a warning notice to the owner or operator of the project2 and 7,b7 the owner or operator is given an opportunity to address the ,administrator's concerns4 7l7 ,coastal ,zone ,management ,act review ,the submission of an application for a permit for a demonstration project under this section shall trigger the right of review by a coastal ,state under the ,coastal ,zone ,management ,act of #aigb 7#af ,u4,s4,c4 #adea et seq474 #bjc4 ,coordination of permit reviews for demonstration projects 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administration shall serve as the lead ,federal agency for purposes of providing information on ,federal permitting requirements for demonstration projects under section #bjb4 7b7 ,informal consultations 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall convene representatives of the agencies described in paragraph 7#b7 to provide prospective applicants for permits for demonstration projects under section #bjb an opportunity for informal consultation with such agencies4 7#b7 ,agencies described ,the agencies described in this paragraph are the following3 7,a7 ,the ,department of ,agriculture4 7,b7 ,the ,environmental ,protection ,agency4 7,c7 ,the ,army ,corps of ,engineers4 7,d7 ,the ,department in which the ,coast ,guard is operating4 7,e7 ,the ,department of ,defense4 7,f7 ,any other agency the ,administrator considers appropriate4 7#c7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this subsection shall preclude an applicant or a prospective applicant from contacting ,federal agencies directly4 7c7 ,environmental analysis ,to the extent allowable under the ,national ,environmental ,policy ,act of #aifi 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dcba et seq471 any environmental analysis or environmental impact statement required under that ,act for offshore aquaculture activities proposed to be carried out under a demonstration project under section #bjb shall be conducted through a single1 consolidated environmental review and the ,administration1 through the ,office of ,aquaculture established by section #aja1 shall serve as the lead ,federal agency4 7d7 ,coordination of permit reviews ,to the extent practicable under this ,act and all other applicable laws1 including regulations1 ,federal agencies with permitting requirements applicable to offshore aquaculture activities proposed to be carried out under a demonstration project under section #bjb shall coordinate their review processes in order to provide a timely response to an applicant not later than #ahj days after the submission of the application4 #bjd4 ,reporting by assessment program participants 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date on which a demonstration project for which a permit is issued under section #bjb commences1 and annually thereafter until the demonstration project terminates1 the owner or operator of the demonstration project shall submit to the ,administrator the following3 7#a7 ,production data4 7#b7 ,information on interactions with wild species1 mitigation measures taken1 and the results of such interactions and measures4 7#c7 ,information on technology and operational practices used to measure and monitor-- 7,a7 effluent2 7,b7 integrity of cage materials and other gear2 and 7,c7 health of the cultivated species4 7#d7 ,information on environmental and ecosystem impacts4 7#e7 ,data necessary for the ,ocean ,studies ,board of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine to complete the study described in section #dja4 7#f7 ,owner1 operator1 and employee demographic data and other relevant data as determined appropriate by the ,administrator for purposes of assessing-- 7,a7 the direct benefits of the demonstration project to fishery stakeholders2 and 7,b7 the economic and social benefits of the demonstration project for nearby coastal communities4 7#g7 ,information on navigation and safety impacts to existing ocean users4 7#h7 ,such additional information as the ,administrator requires to fulfill the goals and objective of the assessment program established under section #bja4 7b7 ,technical assistance ,the ,administrator shall1 upon request1 provide technical assistance to owners and operators of demonstration projects for which permits are issued under section #bjb to comply with the reporting requirements of this section4 7c7 ,emergency reporting ,the ,administrator shall establish an emergency reporting process for each owner or operator of a demonstration project for which a permit is issued under section #bjb to immediately report suspected or known interactions between project facilities or vessels and protected wild species4 #bje4 ,rule of construction2 savings provisions 7a7 ,rule of construction ,any requirement in this title to identify or consider an impact or effect on human health or the environment shall be construed as including a requirement to make such identification or consideration while taking into account-- 7#a7 the cumulative impact of such impact or effect in the context of all sources of emissions1 discharges1 or releases from any source1 past1 present1 or in the reasonably foreseeable future1 on the affected environment and population2 7#b7 any characteristics of such environment and population that may heighten vulnerability to environmental pollution and related health risks2 and 7#c7 any action or practice that1 even if appearing neutral1 has the effect of subjecting individuals to discrimination on the basis of race1 color1 or national origin4 7b7 ,statutory construction ,a permit for a demonstration project issued under section #bjb shall not supersede or substitute for any other authorization required under ,federal or ,state law4 7c7 ,applicability ,this title does not apply with respect to applications for a permit in process on the date of the enactment of this ,act or permits that are in effect on that date4 ,,iii ,workforce development1 financing1 and other support #cja4 ,general support for industry 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall support the development of offshore aquaculture consistent with this ,act and other applicable ,federal law4 7b7 ,marketing and promotion grants ,the ,administrator1 in consultation with private sector aquaculture stakeholders1 shall establish and administer a grant program to support the sale and public perception of cultured species domestically and internationally4 7c7 ,workforce development grants 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 in consultation with private sector operators of offshore aquaculture facilities1 academic institutions1 and the national sea grant college program1 shall establish and administer a grant program to support the education and training of individuals with the skills needed to manage and operate offshore aquaculture facilities4 7#b7 ,aquaculture ,centers of ,excellence ,the ,administrator may carry out paragraph 7#a7 through the program established under section #cjb7;b77#a74 7d7 ,regional networks ,the ,administrator1 through each regional fisheries office of the ,administration1 shall organize a network of-- 7#a7 regional experts and ,federal agency contacts1 in coordination with relevant organizations1 including the national sea grant college program1 the ,regional ,aquaculture ,centers of the ,department of ,agriculture1 institutions of higher education1 and the ,cooperative ,extension ,system of the ,department of ,agriculture1 to provide technical expertise and extension services for offshore aquaculture and information on ,federal permit requirements for offshore aquaculture2 and 7#b7 individuals and businesses interested in aquaculture operations and products to facilitate professional development1 marketing1 mentoring opportunities1 and agency outreach and education on aquaculture4 7e7 ,aquaculture database 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall establish and maintain an aquaculture database within the ,office of ,aquaculture established by section #aja4 7#b7 ,inclusions ,the database required by paragraph 7#a7 shall include information on research1 technologies1 monitoring techniques1 best practices1 and advisory board recommendations relating to aquaculture and offshore aquaculture4 7#c7 ,safeguarding of information ,the ,administrator shall make the database required by paragraph 7#a7 available in a manner that safeguards personally identifiable information and confidential business information4 7#d7 ,patents ,the inclusion of information in the database required by paragraph 7#a7 shall not be considered to be publication for purposes of subsection 7a7 or 7b7 of section #ajb of title #ce1 ,united ,states ,code4 7f7 ,technical assistance programs for operators 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator1 through the ,office of ,aquaculture established by section #aja and the regional aquaculture coordinators described in such section1 shall organize a program in each regional fisheries office of the ,administration to provide technical assistance to operators of offshore aquaculture facilities4 7#b7 ,tailoring ,the programs required by paragraph 7#a7 shall be tailored to meet the unique needs of each region4 7#c7 ,consultations ,under each program required by paragraph 7#a71 the regional aquaculture coordinators described in section #aja may conduct consultations with the operator of each offshore aquaculture facility in the region concerned on a regular basis-- 7,a7 to assess the status of the operator's business2 and 7,b7 if appropriate1 to identify available resources to support the operator1 such as regional experts1 university extension agents1 and grant opportunities4 7g7 ,capital markets 7#a7 ,provision of information ,in order to enhance access to capital markets1 the ,administrator shall provide financial institutions and investment firms with objective1 science-based information on offshore aquaculture and the ,federal regulatory regime for offshore aquaculture4 7#b7 ,economic analysis ,the ,administrator shall provide economic analysis to answer queries regarding the value of offshore aquaculture assets to secure financing1 such as equipment1 governmental permits1 inventory1 and intellectual property4 7#c7 ,collaboration ,in order to achieve the goals of this subsection1 the ,administrator is encouraged to collaborate with the ,secretary of ,agriculture1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 and the regional networks established under subsection 7d74 #cjb4 ,aquaculture ,centers of ,excellence 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section3 7#a7 ,covered institution ,the term covered institution means-- 7,a7 a minority-serving institution2 7,b7 a ,native ,hawaiian-serving institution2 7,c7 an ,alaska ,native-serving institution2 7,d7 a historically ,black college or university2 or 7,e7 a ,tribal college or university4 7#b7 ,historically ,black college or university ,the term historically ,black college or university has the meaning given the term part ,b institution in section #cbb of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfa74 7#c7 ,minority-serving institution ,the term minority-serving institution means an eligible institution described in paragraph 7#b71 7#d71 7#e71 7#f71 or 7#g7 of section #cga7;a7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajfgq7a774 7#d7 ,tribal college or university ,the term ,tribal college or university means a ,tribal ,college or ,university 7as defined in section #caf7;b7 of the ,higher ,education ,act of #aife 7#bj ,u4,s4,c4 #ajei;c7b777 that is chartered by the governing body of the applicable ,indian ,tribe or by the ,federal ,government4 7b7 ,aquaculture curriculum grants 7#a7 ,in general ,not later than #a year after the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator1 in consultation with private sector aquaculture stakeholders1 academic institutions1 and the national sea grant college program1 shall establish a program to award grants to covered institutions to assist in establishing or enhancing an aquaculture curriculum for undergraduate1 graduate1 or certificate courses of study at such covered institutions4 7#b7 ,aquaculture ,centers of ,excellence ,a covered institution that receives a grant under this section shall be known as an ,aquaculture ,center of ,excellence4 7#c7 ,applications ,to be eligible to receive a grant under this section1 a covered institution shall submit to the ,administrator an application that includes any plans to partner with one or more other institutions of higher education as authorized under paragraph 7#e74 7#d7 ,use of grant amounts 7,a7 ,in general ,a covered institution receiving a grant under this section shall use the grant amounts to establish or enhance an aquaculture curriculum for undergraduate1 graduate1 or certificate courses of study that may include the following3 7i7 ,training in various skills needed by successful aquaculture entrepreneurs1 including-- 7,i7 offshore aquaculture operations2 7,,ii7 business management1 strategic planning1 business plan development1 capital financing and fundraising1 financial management and accounting1 market analysis and competitive analysis1 and market entry and strategy execution2 and 7,,iii7 any other skill specific to the needs of the student population and the surrounding community1 including with respect to social and environmental sustainability1 as determined by the covered institution4 7ii7 ,natural and social science research programs in aquaculture and natural fisheries1 including offshore aquaculture4 7iii7 ,development of extension programs 7or cooperation with existing extension programs7 that-- 7,i7 educate and engage community members1 including elementary and secondary school students1 on aquaculture and aquaculture career pathways2 and 7,,ii7 transfer newly developed techniques and research information developed or collated at the covered institution to aquaculture stakeholders4 7iv7 ,career development1 such as the establishment of cooperatives1 apprenticeships1 internships1 practicums1 mentorships1 accelerators1 or grant competitions4 7,b7 ,limitations on use of grant amounts ,amounts from a grant awarded under this section may be used only for expenses directly related to the implementation of the curriculum or activities authorized under this section4 7#e7 ,partnerships ,in applying for grants and carrying out activities with grant amounts under this section1 a covered institution may partner with one or more other institutions of higher education with established aquaculture programs1 including institutions of higher education not otherwise eligible for grants under this section1 to facilitate the sharing of resources and knowledge necessary for the development or enhancement of aquaculture curriculum at the covered institution4 7c7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #be1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjcj1 to remain available until expended4 #cjc4 ,working waterfronts preservation grant program 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary of ,commerce1 acting through the ,assistant ,secretary of ,commerce for ,economic ,development 7referred to in this section as the ,secretary71 shall award grants1 on a competitive basis1 that support the commercial fishing industry1 the aquaculture industry1 the for-hire recreational fishing industry1 or the boatbuilding industry in coastal ,states4 7b7 ,application ,an entity desiring a grant under this section shall submit to the ,secretary an application containing such information as the ,secretary may reasonably require4 7c7 ,considerations ,in selecting entities to receive a grant under this section1 the ,secretary shall give substantial weight to-- 7#a7 the economic significance of a project to the commercial fishing industry1 the aquaculture industry1 the for-hire recreational fishing industry1 or the boatbuilding industry in the immediate vicinity and in the coastal ,state in which the project is located2 7#b7 the availability of waterfront access points for the commercial fishing industry1 the aquaculture industry1 the for-hire recreational fishing industry1 or the boatbuilding industry within the community in which the entity seeks to carry out the project2 7#c7 the utility of the project for use in the commercial fishing industry1 the aquaculture industry1 the for-hire recreational fishing industry1 or the boatbuilding industry with respect to the natural characteristics and developed infrastructure of the community in which the project will be located2 7#d7 whether the entity has a business plan for the project2 7#e7 anticipated or likely impacts of the project on existing uses1 including commercial fishing1 aquaculture1 offshore aquaculture1 for-hire recreational fishing1 or boatbuilding2 7#f7 the ability of the entity to demonstrate a need1 or support1 for the project within that community2 and 7#g7 if the project will confer property protection benefits1 and the duration of those benefits4 7d7 ,cost-,sharing ,a grant under this section for a project may not exceed #ej percent of the total cost of the project4 7e7 ,improved or protected property 7#a7 ,in general ,a grant under this section may be used to improve or protect privately-owned real property or interests in privately-owned real property1 including easements1 only from willing owners4 7#b7 ,no exercise of eminent domain ,no ,federal1 ,state1 or local agency may exercise the power of eminent domain to secure title to any real property or facilities in connection with a project carried out with a grant under this section4 7f7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section #bj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjbf through #bjcj4 #cjd4 ,outreach on sustainable offshore aquaculture 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall conduct outreach on sustainable offshore aquaculture to promote understanding1 science-based decision making1 and commercial adoption4 7b7 ,engagement ,in carrying out subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall use appropriate means to engage-- 7#a7 the general public2 7#b7 community leaders2 7#c7 governmental officials2 7#d7 the business community2 7#e7 the academic community2 and 7#f7 the nonprofit sector4 ,,iv ,studies and reports #dja4 ,study on offshore aquaculture by ,ocean ,studies ,board of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall seek to enter into a contract with the ,ocean ,studies ,board of the ,national ,academies of ,sciences1 ,engineering1 and ,medicine 7in this section referred to as the ,board7 under which the ,board shall1 not later than #e years after the date on which the ,administrator establishes the assessment program under section #bja-- 7#a7 complete a study to develop the scientific basis for efficient and effective regulation of offshore aquaculture2 and 7#b7 submit to ,congress and make publicly available the results of the study4 7b7 ,elements ,the study completed pursuant to subsection 7a7 shall1 with respect to offshore aquaculture-- 7#a7 identify-- 7,a7 optimal methods of operation of offshore aquaculture facilities to limit adverse effects on the environment1 wildlife1 and human well-being1 including-- 7i7 considerations to guide siting decisions of such facilities2 7ii7 appropriate stocking densities2 and 7iii7 opportunities for selective breeding2 7,b7 a science-based definition of responsible offshore aquaculture feed or other inputs1 including guidance on sourcing feed or other inputs to address long- or short-term concerns1 including the availability and scalability of such inputs2 7,c7 potential adverse effects on the environment1 wildlife1 and human well-being1 including from-- 7i7 the use of antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals by offshore aquaculture facilities1 including through analyses necessary to establish acceptable rates1 impact levels1 and risk thresholds1 such as analyses of organism antibiotic consumption or metabolization versus excretion to the surrounding environment2 7ii7 assimilation of pollution originating from offshore aquaculture facilities on marine organisms2 7iii7 abandoned1 lost1 damaged or otherwise discarded equipment2 7iv7 harmful interactions with wildlife2 7v7 interbreeding between cultured species and native marine species2 7vi7 the spread of disease from cultured species to wild species2 7vii7 the collection and removal of brood stock for offshore aquaculture operations1 and hatcheries and prestocking rearing operations that are specific to offshore aquaculture2 7viii7 large-scale cultivation of filter-feed bivalve organisms and seaweed2 7ix7 offshore aquaculture facilities acting as aggregating devices and increasing the vulnerability of wild fisheries and wildlife populations to fishing or other sources of mortality2 7x7 predator control devices and methods2 and 7xi7 the use of non-sustainable sources of feed or other inputs1 including the use of globally limited marine resources for feed ingredients1 and scalability of alternatives1 including-- 7,i7 novel ingredients 7for example1 insect1 single cell protein1 and algae72 7,,ii7 traditional ingredients 7for example1 soya72 and 7,,iii7 other inputs2 7,d7 potential methods and technologies to mitigate adverse effects1 including the effects identified under subparagraph 7,c72 7,e7 potential conflicts between offshore aquaculture facilities and other users of the offshore environment1 and solutions to mitigate such conflicts2 7,f7 the types of data and qualitative information necessary for the optimal operation of offshore aquaculture facilities and appropriate methods of procuring such data and information1 including from-- 7i7 citizen science 7as defined in section #djb7;c7 of the ,crowdsourcing and ,citizen ,science ,act 7#ae ,u4,s4,c4 #cgbd7;c7772 and 7ii7 the traditional knowledge of ,tribal and ,indigenous communities2 and 7,g7 best practices for offshore aquaculture siting and operations to manage and plan for predicted changes in global atmospheric and oceanographic conditions2 and 7#b7 provide recommendations for legislative or administrative action with respect to-- 7,a7 methods of operation identified under paragraph 7#a77;,a72 7,b7 mitigating adverse effects identified under paragraph 7#a77;,c72 7,c7 environmental standards1 control rules1 or reference points that build on the existing public and private standards for the sustainability of offshore aquaculture2 and 7,d7 ensuring that operators of offshore aquaculture facilities adhere to international standards for social responsibility1 public health1 and equitable labor practices1 including with respect to sourcing inputs for such facilities4 #djb4 ,report on offshore aquaculture by ,government ,accountability ,office 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #e years after the date on which the ,administrator establishes the assessment program under section #bja1 the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall submit to the appropriate committees of ,congress a report examining the permitting1 monitoring1 and regulation of offshore aquaculture during the #ae-year period ending on such date of establishment4 7b7 ,bases of report ,the ,comptroller ,general shall base the report required by subsection 7a7 on available literature1 case studies1 and aquaculture stakeholder input4 7c7 ,elements of report ,the report required by subsection 7a7 shall-- 7#a7 assess the feasibility and potential positive and negative implications of designating a lead agency to issue permits for offshore aquaculture operations in a timely manner2 7#b7 identify lessons learned during the period described in subsection 7a7 with respect to-- 7,a7 the effect of offshore aquaculture type1 location1 and regulatory framework on the success of offshore aquaculture projects2 7,b7 the degree of involvement of coastal or adjacent ,states or ,tribal or ,indigenous communities in consultations for1 planning for1 or operations of offshore aquaculture2 7,c7 safety protocols and risk mitigation measures for the permitting and oversight processes for offshore aquaculture1 including-- 7i7 escape prevention measures2 7ii7 emergency event response planning2 7iii7 compliance monitoring1 particularly in remote locations2 7iv7 compliance with ,federal laws2 7v7 mechanisms for reporting to appropriate ,federal authorities2 and 7vi7 vessel navigation aids to ensure navigational safety2 7,d7 the effect of incentives to reduce adverse effects or disparate impacts from offshore aquaculture operations2 7,e7 building and optimizing synergies between offshore aquaculture and wild-caught fishing activities1 or offshore1 nearshore1 and onshore aquaculture activities1 including market development1 increasing seafood consumption1 and shared infrastructure2 7,f7 the environmental effects of offshore aquaculture operations1 including mechanisms to prevent harm to the environment1 wildlife1 or human well-being2 7,g7 the net economic and social benefits of offshore aquaculture projects1 particularly for nearby communities and fishery stakeholders1 based on project size1 regulatory structures1 and financing structures2 7,h7 the impact of introducing offshore aquaculture products to the marketplace on supply and demand for wild-capture fisheries products1 and methods for ensuring resiliency and growth for both offshore aquaculture and wild-capture fisheries products2 7,i7 mechanisms to enhance capital investment1 workforce development1 and equitable opportunity requirements or assistance programs in the permitting process for offshore aquaculture1 or to diversify permit applicants2 7,j7 outstanding needs for continued research1 development1 education activities1 programs1 and funding regarding-- 7i7 offshore aquaculture projects2 and 7ii7 development of the domestic workforce and entrepreneurship related to offshore aquaculture2 7,k7 the economic potential for both large- and small-scale offshore aquaculture operations to generate a positive return on investment under various regulatory and financing structures2 7,l7 the applicability and sufficiency of existing regulatory systems for offshore aquaculture2 and 7,m7 existing local1 ,state1 ,federal1 and foreign regulatory standards that may serve as models for efficient and effective regulation of offshore aquaculture2 and 7#c7 include such recommendations as the ,comptroller ,general may have with respect to future offshore aquaculture operations1 including with respect to-- 7,a7 regulatory processes necessary for permitting1 monitoring1 and oversight1 including processes and techniques related to siting1 deployment1 operations1 and decommissioning2 7,b7 potential safeguards1 data collection1 or monitoring required to minimize disparate impacts on specially affected coastal jurisdictions 7as defined in section #bjb7;e771 fishery stakeholders1 local economies1 marine environments1 and existing domestic economic sectors2 7,c7 mechanisms for optimizing coordination among ,federal agencies with a role in permitting or supporting offshore aquaculture without compromising the goals of such permitting2 7,d7 methods for effectively involving aquaculture stakeholders1 including-- 7i7 specially affected coastal jurisdictions 7as defined in section #bjb7;e772 7ii7 local communities2 7iii7 regional offshore waters users and management groups1 including regional fishery management councils2 and 7iv7 users of local1 ,state1 ,tribal1 and ,federal waters and coastal resources2 7,e7 best practices for incorporating local knowledge1 including from ,tribal or ,indigenous communities2 7,f7 capabilities of ,federal agencies that are necessary for effective regulation of the offshore aquaculture sector2 and 7,g7 how creating private rights of action or waiving sovereign immunity would affect the development of offshore aquaculture projects and the acceptance of such projects by nearshore and offshore waters user groups and coastal communities4