[Congressional Bills 114th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 5771 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>






114th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 5771

 To reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, and for other 
                               purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             July 13, 2016

Ms. Ros-Lehtinen (for herself, Mr. Curbelo of Florida, Mrs. Radewagen, 
and Mr. Pierluisi) introduced the following bill; which was referred to 
 the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Committees 
 on Science, Space, and Technology, and the Judiciary, for a period to 
      be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for 
consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the 
                          committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
 To reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, and for other 
                               purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    (a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Conserving Our 
Reefs and Livelihoods Act of 2016''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
Sec. 2. Findings.
Sec. 3. Amendment of Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000.
Sec. 4. Definitions.
         TITLE I--AMENDMENTS TO THE CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT

Sec. 101. Expansion of coral reef conservation program.
Sec. 102. National program.
Sec. 103. Report to Congress.
Sec. 104. Renaming of fund.
Sec. 105. Vessel grounding inventory; agreements; regulations; 
                            application in accordance with 
                            international law.
Sec. 106. Amendments to definitions.
Sec. 107. National coral reef action strategy.
Sec. 108. Emergency assistance.
Sec. 109. Prize competitions to promote innovation in coral reef 
                            research and conservation.
             TITLE II--UNITED STATES CORAL REEF TASK FORCE

Sec. 201. United States Coral Reef Task Force.
      TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CORAL REEF AUTHORITIES

Sec. 301. Coral reef conservation and restoration assistance.
Sec. 302. National Park Service fishing access restrictions in State 
                            and territorial marine waters.
                   TITLE IV--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Sec. 401. Stock assessments under Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation 
                            and Management Act.
Sec. 402. Lionfish.
Sec. 403. Billfish conservation.

SEC. 2. FINDINGS.

    Congress finds the following:
            (1) Coral reefs are an important natural resource that 
        provide ecosystem goods and services, including high levels of 
        biodiversity, the provision of seafood and medicinal compounds, 
        coastal surge protection and shoreline stabilization, 
        recreational opportunities, and the retention of cultural and 
        traditional lifestyles and practices, all of which are of 
        enormous economic and environmental benefits to the United 
        States.
            (2) Coral reef conservation and restoration are in the 
        national interest of the United States and its citizens.
            (3) Scientific research suggests that the health and 
        functioning of coral reef ecosystems may be reduced by direct 
        human impacts, deteriorating water quality, changing ocean 
        conditions including warming seas and ocean acidification, 
        invasive species, coral bleaching, and coral diseases.
            (4) Due to the complex nature of coral reef ecosystems, 
        more research is needed to understand their structure and 
        function, and their response to natural and human disturbance.
            (5) Basic and applied research conducted by academic and 
        nonprofit research institutions, Federal agencies, and State, 
        local, and territorial agencies is indispensable to 
        understanding, conserving, and restoring coral reefs and coral 
        reef ecosystems.
            (6) Coral reef restoration is essential for the effective 
        conservation and recovery of coral reef ecosystems, and 
        innovative tools, technologies, and strategies to aid these 
        efforts are desperately needed.
            (7) Artificial reefs are not an adequate replacement for 
        lost or degraded coral reefs but may provide benefits to coral 
        reef ecosystems and local communities in certain contexts.
            (8) Extensive public involvement and consensus-based 
        cooperation and consultation between Federal agencies, State, 
        local, and territorial agencies, academic and nonprofit 
        research institutions, coral reef-dependent businesses, and 
        coral reef-focused nongovernmental organizations, are essential 
        to furthering the conservation and restoration of coral reef 
        and coral reef ecosystems and ensure balanced economic and 
        environmental benefits for the American people.
            (9) The development and implementation of Marine Reserve 
        fishing closures for the purpose of coral reef conservation 
        should represent a last-resort option for Federal resource 
        managers, unless they--
                    (A) are developed and implemented through extensive 
                public involvement by local citizens and consensus-
                based cooperation and consultation between Federal 
                agencies, affected State, local, and territorial 
                agencies, locally knowledgeable academic and nonprofit 
                research institutions, locally affected coral reef-
                dependent businesses, and locally operating coral reef-
                focused nongovernmental organizations;
                    (B) are based on rigorous scientific evidence; and
                    (C) feature an adaptive management approach with 
                clearly identifiable, measurable, science-based goals.
            (10) The rapid decline of coral reefs in the last four 
        decades, both in the United States and globally, is 
        unsustainable and requires urgent, renewed attention toward 
        understanding, conserving, and restoring coral reefs.

SEC. 3. AMENDMENT OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000.

    Except as otherwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act an 
amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of an amendment to or repeal 
of a section or other provision, the reference shall be considered to 
be made to a section or other provision of the Coral Reef Conservation 
Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.).

SEC. 4. DEFINITIONS.

    The definitions in section 210 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act 
of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.), as amended by this Act, shall apply 
in this Act.

         TITLE I--AMENDMENTS TO THE CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT

SEC. 101. EXPANSION OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION PROGRAM.

    (a) Project Diversity.--Section 204(d) (16 U.S.C. 6403(d)) is 
amended--
            (1) in the heading, by striking ``Geographic and 
        Biological'' and inserting ``Project''; and
            (2) by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:
            ``(3) Remaining funds shall be awarded for time-sensitive 
        projects that warrant immediate release of funds for research 
        activities to detect, measure, and analyze, prevent, or respond 
        to, emerging threats and emergencies, including--
                    ``(A) bleaching or mortality events;
                    ``(B) disease outbreaks; and
                    ``(C) invasive species outbreaks.''.
    (b) Applicants Seeking Immediate Release of Funds.--Section 204(f) 
(16 U.S.C. 6403(f)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(3) Applicants seeking immediate release of funds.--If an 
        applicant for assistance under this section seeks an immediate 
        release of such assistance to study or respond to an emerging 
        threat or emergency, the Administrator--
                    ``(A) shall by not later than 15 days after the 
                date of receipt of the application for assistance, 
                conduct a preliminary review of the proposed project 
                and determine whether it qualifies for such a release; 
                and
                    ``(B) if the project so qualifies, may--
                            ``(i) immediately release up to 50 percent 
                        of the total amount of assistance for which the 
                        Administrator estimates the project will 
                        qualify; and
                            ``(ii) release the remainder of the total 
                        amount for which the project qualifies after 
                        providing written notification of approval of 
                        the project in accordance with paragraph 
                        (2)(D).''.
    (c) Approval Criteria.--Section 204(g) (16 U.S.C. 6403(g)) is 
amended by striking paragraphs (9) and (10) and inserting the 
following:
            ``(9) understanding the factors that contribute to coral 
        diseases, and the prevention and treatment of coral diseases;
            ``(10) developing innovative invasive species capture, 
        collection, removal, and trapping methods for use around coral 
        reefs;
            ``(11) developing and implementing cost-effective methods 
        to restore degraded coral reef ecosystems and to create native 
        coral reef ecosystems in suitable waters, with an emphasis on 
        novel restoration strategies and techniques to advance coral 
        reef recovery and growth in regions threatened by rising sea 
        levels and storm surge;
            ``(12) understanding and cataloging coral genetic 
        diversity, including research into traits that promote 
        resilience, especially to warming sea temperatures, ocean 
        acidification, coral bleaching, coral diseases, and invasive 
        species, and applying such research to coral reef restoration 
        efforts;
            ``(13) developing in situ native coral propagation sites 
        for use in coral reef restoration projects;
            ``(14) developing networks of ex situ coral propagation 
        nurseries for conservation including genetic banking, captive 
        breeding of rare species, and captive breeding of coral 
        populations resilient to stress from warming sea temperatures, 
        ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and coral diseases for 
        use in coral reef restoration projects;
            ``(15) developing `reef-safe' sunscreen products;
            ``(16) developing networks of improved, real-time water 
        quality monitoring along coral reefs impacted by agriculture or 
        urban development;
            ``(17) developing improved, real-time reef monitoring 
        methods and protocols for coastal construction and dredging 
        projects with direct or indirect coral reef impacts, including 
        improved standards for sediment deposition and turbidity 
        measurements;
            ``(18) promoting ecologically sound navigation and 
        anchorages, including mooring buoy systems, near coral reefs;
            ``(19) promoting and assisting entities to work with local 
        communities, and all appropriate governmental and 
        nongovernmental organizations, to support consensus-driven, 
        community-based planning and management initiatives for the 
        protection of coral reef ecosystems; and
            ``(20) implementing research and restoration projects that 
        help 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 1973 (16 U.S.C. 
        1531 et seq.).''.

SEC. 102. NATIONAL PROGRAM.

    (a) Purpose of Act.--Section 202 (16 U.S.C. 6401) is amended--
            (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through (6) as 
        paragraphs (3) through (7), respectively, and by inserting 
        after paragraph (1) the following:
            ``(2) to promote the resilience of coral reef ecosystems, 
        especially with respect to warming sea temperatures, ocean 
        acidification, coral bleaching, coral diseases, and invasive 
        species;'';
            (2) by amending paragraph (4), as so redesignated, to read 
        as follows:
            ``(4) to develop sound scientific information on the 
        condition of coral reef ecosystems and the threats to such 
        ecosystems including warming sea temperatures, coral bleaching, 
        coral diseases, and ocean acidification, to benefit local 
        communities and the Nation, and to the extent practicable to 
        support and enhance management and research capabilities at 
        local management agencies and local research and academic 
        institutions;'';
            (3) by amending paragraph (5), as so redesignated, to read 
        as follows:
            ``(5) to assist in the preservation of coral reefs by 
        supporting consensus-driven conservation and restoration 
        programs, including those that involve affected local 
        communities, businesses, and nongovernmental organizations;''; 
        and
            (4) by striking paragraph (7), as so redesignated, and 
        inserting the following:
            ``(7) to recognize the benefits of healthy coral reefs to 
        island and coastal communities and to encourage Federal, State, 
        territorial, and local community cooperation to ensure, to the 
        maximum extent practicable, the continued availability of those 
        benefits.''.
    (b) Amendments Relating to Activities To Conserve Coral Reefs and 
Coral Reef Ecosystems.--Section 207(b) (16 U.S.C. 6406(b)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (3) by striking ``and'' after the 
        semicolon;
            (2) in paragraph (4)--
                    (A) by striking ``cooperative conservation and 
                management'' and inserting ``cooperative research, 
                conservation, management, and restoration''; and
                    (B) by striking ``partners.'' and inserting 
                ``partners, including academic institutions located in 
                States and United States territories; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(5) improving and promoting the resilience of coral 
        reefs, especially to warming sea temperatures, ocean 
        acidification, coral bleaching, coral diseases, and invasive 
        species.''.

SEC. 103. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

    Section 208 (16 U.S.C. 6407) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 208. REPORT TO CONGRESS.

    ``Not later than March 1, 2017, and every 5 years thereafter, the 
Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of 
the House of Representatives a report describing all activities 
undertaken to implement the strategy, including--
            ``(1) a description of the funds obligated by each 
        participating Federal agency to advance coral reef conservation 
        and restoration during each fiscal year of the 5-fiscal-year 
        period preceding the fiscal year in which the report is 
        submitted;
            ``(2) a description of Federal interagency and cooperative 
        efforts with States, United States territories, and 
        nongovernmental partner organizations to prevent or address 
        overharvesting, coastal runoff, or other anthropogenic impacts 
        on coral reef ecosystems, including projects undertaken with 
        the Department of the Interior, the Department of Agriculture, 
        the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection 
        Agency, and the Army Corps of Engineers;
            ``(3) a summary of the information contained in the vessel 
        grounding inventory established under section 210, including 
        additional authorization or funding, needed for response and 
        removal of such vessels;
            ``(4) a description of Federal disaster response actions 
        taken pursuant to the National Response Plan to address damage 
        to coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems; and
            ``(5) an assessment of the condition of United States coral 
        reefs, accomplishments under this Act, and the effectiveness of 
        management actions to address threats to coral reefs, including 
        actions taken to address large-scale threats to coral reef 
        ecosystems related to warming sea temperatures, coral 
        bleaching, coral diseases, and ocean acidification.''.

SEC. 104. RENAMING OF FUND.

    Section 205 (16 U.S.C. 6404) is amended--
            (1) in the section heading, by striking ``reef 
        conservation'' and inserting ``reef conservation and 
        restoration''; and
            (2) in subsections (a) and (b), by striking ``Fund'' and 
        inserting ``Coral Reef Conservation and Restoration Fund''.

SEC. 105. VESSEL GROUNDING INVENTORY; AGREEMENTS; REGULATIONS; 
              APPLICATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL LAW.

    The Act is further amended by redesignating sections 209 and 210 
(16 U.S.C. 6409 and 6410) as sections 213 and 214, respectively, and by 
inserting after section 208 the following:

``SEC. 209. VESSEL GROUNDING INVENTORY.

    ``The Administrator, in coordination with other Federal agencies, 
may maintain an inventory of all vessel grounding incidents involving 
coral reefs, including a description of--
            ``(1) the impacts to such resources;
            ``(2) vessel and ownership information, if available;
            ``(3) the estimated cost of removal, mitigation, or 
        restoration;
            ``(4) the response action taken by the owner, the 
        Administrator, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, or other 
        Federal, State, or territorial agency representatives;
            ``(5) the status of the response action, including the 
        dates of vessel removal and mitigation or restoration and any 
        actions taken to prevent future grounding incidents; and
            ``(6) recommendations for additional navigational aids or 
        other mechanisms for preventing future grounding incidents.

``SEC. 210. AGREEMENTS.

    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator may execute and perform such 
contracts, leases, grants, or cooperative agreements as may be 
necessary to carry out the purposes of this title.
    ``(b) Funding.--Under an agreement entered into under subsection 
(a), the Secretary may fulfill the terms of the agreement by 
reimbursing or providing appropriated funds to, and may receive funds 
or reimbursements from, Federal agencies, instrumentalities and 
laboratories; State, local, and territorial governments; Native 
American tribes and organizations; international organizations; foreign 
governments; universities and research centers; educational 
institutions; nonprofit organizations; commercial organizations; and 
other public and private persons or entities, as necessary for purposes 
identified in section 202 and actions taken under section 206.
    ``(c) Cooperative Institute.--
            ``(1) Establishment.--In addition to the general authority 
        provided by subsection (a), the Secretary shall establish a 
        cooperative institute for the purpose of advancing and 
        sustaining essential capability in coral reef research, to be 
        known as the Center of Excellence in Coral Reef Ecosystem 
        Science Cooperative Institute. Such Institute shall include 
        university-based research centers that have established 
        management-driven national or regional coral reef research 
        institutes, and are located in States and United States 
        territories with coral reef ecosystems.
            ``(2) Functions.--The Cooperative Institute shall--
                    ``(A) conduct ecological research and monitoring 
                explicitly aimed at building capacity for more 
                effective resource management and coral reef 
                restoration; and
                    ``(B) through agreements with centers referred to 
                in paragraph (1)--
                            ``(i) collaborate directly with 
                        governmental resource management agencies, 
                        nonprofit organizations, academic research 
                        institutions, and other research organizations;
                            ``(ii) build capacity within resource 
                        management agencies to establish research 
                        priorities, plan interdisciplinary research 
                        projects, and make effective use of research 
                        results; and
                            ``(iii) conduct public education and 
                        awareness programs for policymakers, resource 
                        managers, and the general public on coral reef 
                        ecosystems, best practices for coral reef and 
                        ecosystem management, conservation, and 
                        restoration, their value, and threats to their 
                        sustainability.
    ``(d) Multiyear Cooperative Agreements.--The Administrator may 
enter into multiyear cooperative agreements with the heads of other 
Federal agencies, States, United States territories, local governments, 
academic institutions, including marine laboratories and coral reef 
institutes, and nongovernmental organizations to carry out the 
activities of the national coral reef action strategy developed under 
section 203.
    ``(e) Use of Other Agencies' Resources.--For purposes related to 
the conservation, preservation, protection, restoration, or replacement 
of coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems and the enforcement of this 
title, the Administrator is authorized to use, with their consent and 
with or without reimbursement, the land, services, equipment, 
personnel, and facilities of any Department, agency, or instrumentality 
of the United States, or of any State, local, or territorial 
government, or Indian tribal government, or of any political 
subdivision thereof, or of any foreign government or intergovernmental 
organization.

``SEC. 211. REGULATIONS; APPLICATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH INTERNATIONAL 
              LAW.

    ``(a) Regulations.--The Administrator may issue such regulations as 
are necessary and appropriate to carry out the purposes of section 206.
    ``(b) Relationship to International Law.--This title and any 
regulations promulgated under this title shall be applied in accordance 
with international law. No restrictions shall apply to or be enforced 
against a person who is not a citizen, national, or resident alien of 
the United States (including foreign-flag vessels) unless in accordance 
with international law.''.

SEC. 106. AMENDMENTS TO DEFINITIONS.

    Section 214, as redesignated by section 105 of this Act (relating 
to definitions; 16 U.S.C. 6409), is further amended--
            (1) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows:
            ``(2) Conservation.--The term `conservation' means the use 
        of methods and procedures that are necessary to preserve or 
        sustain native corals and associated species as diverse, 
        viable, and self-perpetuating coral reef ecosystems with 
        minimal impacts from invasive species, including--
                    ``(A) all activities associated with resource 
                management, such as assessment, conservation, 
                protection, restoration, sustainable use, and 
                management of habitat;
                    ``(B) mapping;
                    ``(C) habitat monitoring;
                    ``(D) 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 (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.) and the 
                Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
                Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and with respect for the 
                unique scientific, technical, and management expertise 
                and fisheries management responsibilities of, State, 
                and territorial fish and wildlife management agencies;
                    ``(E) law enforcement;
                    ``(F) conflict resolution initiatives;
                    ``(G) community outreach and education; and
                    ``(H) activities that promote safe and ecologically 
                sound navigation and anchoring.'';
            (2) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows:
            ``(3) Coral.--The term `coral' means species of the phylum 
        Cnidaria, including--
                    ``(A) all species of the orders Antipatharia (black 
                corals), Scleractinia (stony corals), Gorgonacea (horny 
                corals), Stolonifera (organpipe corals and others), 
                Alcyonacea (soft corals), and Helioporacea (blue coral) 
                of the class Anthozoa; and
                    ``(B) all species of the families Milleporidae 
                (fire corals) and Stylasteridae (stylasterid 
                hydrocorals) of the class Hydrozoa.'';
            (3) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows:
            ``(4) Coral reef.--The term `coral reef' means a limestone 
        relief feature, in the form of a reef or shoal, comprised in 
        whole or in part by living coral, skeletal remains of coral, 
        and other associated sessile marine plants and animals.'';
            (4) by amending paragraph (5) to read as follows:
            ``(5) Coral reef ecosystem.--The term `coral reef 
        ecosystem' means--
                    ``(A) corals and the associated community of other 
                species of reef organisms (including reef plants and 
                algae) associated with coral reef habitat, and the 
                biotic and abiotic factors and processes that control 
                coral growth and reproduction in such habitat.''; and
            (5) by redesignating paragraphs (7) and (8) as paragraphs 
        (9) and (10), respectively, and by inserting after paragraph 
        (6) the following:
            ``(7) Restoration.--The term `restoration' means the use of 
        methods and procedures necessary to enhance, rehabilitate, 
        recreate, or create, a native, functioning coral reef or coral 
        reef ecosystem, in part or in full, within suitable waters of 
        the historical geographic range of such ecosystems.
            ``(8) Resilience.--The term `resilience' means the capacity 
        for corals, coral reefs, or coral reef ecosystems to recover 
        from natural and human disturbance as determined by clearly 
        identifiable, measurable, and science-based standards.''.

SEC. 107. NATIONAL CORAL REEF ACTION STRATEGY.

    Section 203 (16 U.S.C. 6402) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 203. NATIONAL CORAL REEF ACTION STRATEGY.

    ``(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the 
enactment of the Conserving Our Reefs and Livelihoods Act of 2016, the 
Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation of the Senate and to the Committee on Natural Resources 
of the House of Representatives and publish in the Federal Register a 
national coral reef action strategy, consistent with the purposes of 
this title. The Administrator and the Secretary of the Interior shall 
periodically review and revise the strategy as necessary. In developing 
the strategy, the Secretary and Secretary of the Interior shall consult 
with the United States Coral Reef Task Force established under title II 
of such Act.
    ``(b) Goals and Objectives.--The action strategy shall include a 
statement of goals and objectives and an implementation plan, including 
a description of the funds obligated each fiscal year to advance coral 
reef conservation. The action strategy and implementation plan shall 
include discussion of--
            ``(1) coastal uses and management;
            ``(2) water and air quality;
            ``(3) mapping and information management;
            ``(4) research, monitoring, and assessment, with particular 
        emphasis on the impacts of warming sea temperatures, ocean 
        acidification, coral bleaching, coral diseases, and invasive 
        species;
            ``(5) international and regional issues;
            ``(6) outreach and education;
            ``(7) local strategies developed by the States, United 
        States territories, or Federal agencies, including regional 
        fishery management councils;
            ``(8) conservation, including how the use of marine 
        protected areas to serve as replenishment zones will be 
        developed using adaptive management approaches with clearly 
        identifiable, measurable, and science-based goals, in 
        cooperation with, and with respect for, the unique scientific, 
        technical, and management expertise and fisheries management 
        responsibilities of, State and territorial fish and wildlife 
        management agencies, and consistent with local practices and 
        traditions; and
            ``(9) restoration efforts, including improving coral reef 
        resilience, especially to warming sea temperatures, ocean 
        acidification, coral bleaching, coral diseases, and invasive 
        species.''.

SEC. 108. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.

    Section 206 (16 U.S.C. 6405) is amended to read as follows:

``SEC. 206. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.

    ``The Secretary, in cooperation with the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, as appropriate, may provide assistance to any State, 
local, or territorial government agency with jurisdiction over coral 
reef ecosystems to address any unforeseen or disaster-related 
circumstance pertaining to coral reef ecosystems through an Emergency 
Response, Stabilization, and Restoration Account.''.

SEC. 109. PRIZE COMPETITIONS TO PROMOTE INNOVATION IN CORAL REEF 
              RESEARCH AND CONSERVATION.

    The Act is further amended by inserting after section 211, as added 
by section 105 of this Act, the following:

``SEC. 212. CORAL REEF PRIZE COMPETITIONS.

    ``(a) In General.--The head of any Federal agency with a 
representative serving on the United States Coral Reef Task Force 
established under Executive Order 13089 issued on June 11, 1998 (16 
U.S.C. 6401 note), may, either individually or in cooperation with one 
or more agencies, carry out a program to award prizes competitively 
under section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 
1980 (15 U.S.C. 3719).
    ``(b) 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 understand, research, or monitor coral reef 
ecosystems, or to develop management or adaptation options to preserve, 
sustain, and restore coral reef ecosystems.
    ``(c) Priority Programs.--Priority shall be given to establish 
programs under this section that address impacts to coral reef 
ecosystems, and communities or industries that are in distress due to 
the decline or degradation of coral reef ecosystems, including 
innovative programs that satisfy the approval criteria listed in 
paragraphs (1) through (18) of section 204(g) of this Act, or support--
            ``(1) scientific research and monitoring that furthers the 
        understanding of--
                    ``(A) causes behind coral reef decline and 
                degradation and the generally slow recovery following 
                disturbances, including ocean acidification and its 
                impacts on coral reproduction; and
                    ``(B) genetic and environmental factors that 
                promote resilience to warming sea temperatures, ocean 
                acidification, coral bleaching, coral diseases, and 
                invasive species;
            ``(2) the development of monitoring or management options 
        for communities or industries that are experiencing significant 
        financial hardship as a result of coral reef ecosystem 
        degradation;
            ``(3) the development of adaptation options to alleviate 
        economic harm and job loss caused by damage to coral reef 
        ecosystems;
            ``(4) the development of measures to help vulnerable 
        communities or industries, with an emphasis on rural 
        communities and businesses; and
            ``(5) the development of adaptation and management options 
        for impacted tourism and fisheries industries.''.

             TITLE II--UNITED STATES CORAL REEF TASK FORCE

SEC. 201. UNITED STATES CORAL REEF TASK FORCE.

    (a) Establishment.--There is hereby established the United States 
Coral Reef Task Force.
    (b) Goal.--The goal of the Task Force shall be to lead, coordinate, 
and strengthen Federal Government actions to better preserve and 
protect coral reef ecosystems.
    (c) Duties.--The duties of the Task Force shall be--
            (1) to coordinate, in cooperation with State, local, and 
        territorial government partners, academic partners, and 
        nongovernmental partners if appropriate, activities regarding 
        the mapping, monitoring, research, conservation, mitigation, 
        restoration of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems;
            (2) to monitor and advise regarding implementation of the 
        policy and Federal agency responsibilities set forth in 
        Executive Order 13089 and the national coral reef action 
        strategy developed under section 203 of the Coral Reef 
        Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by this Act; and
            (3) to work with the Secretary of State and the 
        Administrator of the Agency for International Development, and 
        in coordination with the other members of the Task Force, to--
                    (A) assess the United States role in international 
                trade and protection of coral species; and
                    (B) encourage implementation of appropriate 
                strategies and actions to promote conservation and 
                sustainable use of coral reef resources worldwide.
    (d) Voting Membership, Generally.--The voting members of the Task 
Force shall be comprised of--
            (1) the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the 
        Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration, and the Secretary of the Interior, who shall be 
        co-chairs of the Task Force;
            (2) the Administrator of the Agency of International 
        Development;
            (3) the Secretary of Agriculture;
            (4) the Secretary of Defense;
            (5) the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of 
        Engineers;
            (6) the Secretary of Homeland Security;
            (7) the Attorney General;
            (8) the Secretary of State;
            (9) the Secretary of Transportation;
            (10) the Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
        Agency;
            (11) the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and 
        Space Administration;
            (12) the Director of the National Science Foundation; and
            (13) the Governor, or a representative of the Governor, of 
        each of the State of Florida, the State of Hawaii, the 
        Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, 
        the territory of American Samoa, the territory of Guam, and the 
        Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
    (e) Nonvoting Members.--The Task Force shall include the following 
nonvoting members:
            (1) The member of the South Atlantic Fishery Management 
        Council who is designated by the Governor of the State of 
        Florida under section 302(b)(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
        Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1852(b)(1)).
            (2) The member of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management 
        Council who is designated by the Governor of the State of 
        Florida under such section.
            (3) The respective members of the Western Pacific Fishery 
        Management Council who are designated by the Governors of the 
        State of Hawaii, the territory of American Samoa, the territory 
        of Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands 
        under such section.
            (4) The respective members of the Caribbean Fishery 
        Management Council who are designated by the Governors of the 
        Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin 
        Islands under such section.
            (5) In addition to the members appointed under paragraphs 
        (1) and (2), two current members of each of the South Atlantic 
        Fishery Management Council and the Gulf of Mexico Fishery 
        Management Council, appointed under this paragraph by the 
        Governor of the State of Florida.
            (6) In addition to the members appointed under paragraph 
        (3), two current members of the Western Pacific Fishery 
        Management Council, appointed under this paragraph by the 
        Governor of the State of Hawaii.
            (7) A member appointed by the President, or a 
        representative of the President, of each of the Freely 
        Associated States of the Federated States of Micronesia, the 
        Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau.
    (f) Responsibilities of Federal Agency Members.--
            (1) In general.--The Federal agency members of the Task 
        Force under paragraphs (1) through (12) of subsection (d) 
        shall--
                    (A) identify the actions of their agencies that may 
                affect coral reef ecosystems;
                    (B) utilize the programs and authorities of their 
                agencies to protect and enhance the conditions of such 
                ecosystems; and
                    (C) assist in the implementation of the National 
                Action Plan to Conserve Coral Reefs, the national coral 
                reef action strategy developed under section 203 of the 
                Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by this 
                Act, the local action strategies, and any other 
                coordinated efforts approved by the Task Force.
            (2) Co-chairs.--In addition to their responsibilities under 
        paragraph (1), the co-chairs of the Task Force shall administer 
        performance of the functions of the Task Force and facilitate 
        the coordination of the Federal agency members of the Task 
        Force.
    (g) Working Groups.--
            (1) In general.--The co-chairs of the Task Force may 
        establish working groups as necessary to meet the goals and 
        duties of this title. The Task Force may request the co-chairs 
        to establish such a working group.
            (2) Participation by nongovernmental organizations.--The 
        co-chairs may allow nongovernmental organizations, including 
        academic institutions, conservation groups, and commercial and 
        recreational fishing associations, to participate in such a 
        working group.

      TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CORAL REEF AUTHORITIES

SEC. 301. CORAL REEF CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION ASSISTANCE.

    The Secretary of the Interior may provide scientific expertise and 
technical assistance and, subject to the availability of 
appropriations, financial assistance for the conservation and 
restoration of coral reefs.

SEC. 302. NATIONAL PARK SERVICE FISHING ACCESS RESTRICTIONS IN STATE 
              AND TERRITORIAL MARINE WATERS.

    (a) Implementation and Enforcement Prohibited.--Except as provided 
in subsections (b) and (c), the Secretary of the Interior may not 
implement or enforce any recreational fishing, charter fishing, or 
commercial fishing access restrictions in any State or territorial 
marine waters within the jurisdiction of the National Park Service 
developed as part of any general management plan adopted after December 
31, 2014.
    (b) Restrictions Under Fishery Management Plans.--Nothing in this 
section shall be construed as affecting or intended to affect, or to in 
any way interfere with, the implementation or enforcement of any 
recreational or commercial fishing restrictions in any State or 
territorial marine waters within the jurisdiction of the National Park 
Service that--
            (1) are developed as part of any fishery management plan;
            (2) are developed in coordination and consultation with the 
        fish and wildlife management agency of the State or territory 
        that has fisheries management authority over those waters;
            (3) are based on the best and most recent scientific 
        information available regarding the fishery resource, with 
        priority given to scientific information relied upon by 
        affected States and United States territories for fish 
        conservation and management in State and territorial waters; 
        and
            (4) represent the least restrictive measures necessary for 
        effective fish conservation and management that will provide 
        the best fishing opportunities on a continuing basis in the 
        affected areas of such area under the jurisdiction of the 
        National Park Service, such as--
                    (A) size limits;
                    (B) possession limits;
                    (C) gear restrictions or requirements;
                    (D) seasonal closures; and
                    (E) access permits.
    (c) Federal Marine Waters Within the Jurisdiction of the National 
Park Service.--Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting 
or intended to affect, or to in any way interfere with, the 
implementation or enforcement of any recreational or commercial fishing 
restrictions in any Federal marine waters within the jurisdiction of 
the National Park Service.
    (d) Marine Waters Defined.--In this section the term ``marine 
waters'' includes coastal waters and estuaries.

                   TITLE IV--MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

SEC. 401. STOCK ASSESSMENTS UNDER MAGNUSON-STEVENS FISHERY CONSERVATION 
              AND MANAGEMENT ACT.

    (a) In General.--Title IV of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1881 et seq.) is amended by 
adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 409. STOCK ASSESSMENTS FOR FISHERIES ASSOCIATED WITH CORAL 
              REEFS.

    ``(a) Emphasis.--In preparing stock assessments under this Act, the 
Secretary shall place emphasis on such assessments for economically 
important fisheries associated with coral reefs.
    ``(b) Financial Assistance.--For stock assessments under this 
section there are appropriated such sums as are necessary.''.
    (b) Clerical Amendment.--The table of contents in the first section 
of such Act is amended by adding at the end of the items relating to 
title IV the following:

``Sec. 409. Stock assessments for fisheries associated with coral 
                            reefs.''.

SEC. 402. LIONFISH.

    (a) Addition of Species of Lionfish to the List of Injurious 
Species That Are Prohibited From Being Imported or Shipped.--Section 
42(a)(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by inserting after 
``Dreissena polymorpha;'' the following: ``of the red lionfish of the 
species Pterois volitans; of the devil lionfish of the species Pterois 
miles; of the Hawaiian turkeyfish of the species Pterois sphex; of the 
soldier lionfish of the species Pterois russelii; of the clearfin 
lionfish of the species Pterois radiata; of the species Pterois 
paucispinula; of the frillfin turkeyfish of the species Pterois 
mombasae; of the luna lionfish of the species Pterois lunalata; of the 
mandritsa of the species Pterois brevipectoralis; of the spotfin 
lionfish of the species Pterois antennata; of the scorpionfish of the 
species Pterois andover;''.
    (b) Exemption From Permititing for Movement in Commerce.--For 
purposes of section 14.21 of title 50, Code of Federal Regulations, 
deceased lionfish and lionfish products shall not be treated as 
wildlife requiring a permit pursuant to part 17 or 23 of such title.
    (c) Competitive Grants to Institutions of Higher Education and 
Nonprofit Research Organizations.--Public Law 86-686 (74 Stat. 733) is 
amended--
            (1) by redesignating section 2 as section 3; and
            (2) by inserting after the first section (16 U.S.C. 753a) 
        the following:

``SEC. 2. COMPETITIVE GRANTS TO INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND 
              NONPROFIT RESEARCH ORGANIZATIONS TO COMBAT LIONFISH IN 
              THE ATLANTIC OCEAN AND THE GULF OF MEXICO.

    ``(a) In General.--The Secretary of Commerce, through the 
Cooperative Science and Education Program of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration conducted under this Act, the Fish and 
Wildlife Coordination Act (16 U.S.C. 661 et seq.), and the Departments 
of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies 
Appropriations Act, 1999 (section 101(b) of division A of Public Law 
105-277; 112 Stat. 2681-50), shall award competitive grants to 
institutions of higher education and nonprofit research organizations 
to combat the species of lionfish Pterois miles and Pterois volitans, 
in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
    ``(b) Eligibility.--To be eligible for a grant under this section, 
an institution of higher education or nonprofit research organization 
must--
            ``(1) have established research infrastructure and proven 
        capabilities of understanding the behavior of such species and 
        the ecosystems of the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico; and
            ``(2) demonstrate a clear appreciation and understanding of 
        the biological, chemical, and physical aspects of such 
        ecosystem.
    ``(c) Encouragement of Collaboration.--In selecting projects for 
grants under this section, the Secretary of Commerce may encourage 
collaborative work with stakeholder groups having practical experience 
with gear, harvest techniques, and knowledge of local ecosystems.
    ``(d) Use.--Amounts awarded as grants under this section shall be 
used--
            ``(1) for lionfish research and the impact of such species 
        on the ecosystems of the of the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of 
        Mexico;
            ``(2) to develop innovative technologies, including 
        autonomous cameras and active acoustic systems appropriate for 
        coastal environments, for detection of lionfish and 
        determination of priority areas for removal of invasive 
        species; and
            ``(3) to develop lionfish mitigation technologies, 
        including traps and countermeasures.''.

SEC. 403. BILLFISH CONSERVATION.

    (a) Retention Required for Exemption for Traditional Fisheries and 
Markets.--Section 4(c)(1) of the Billfish Conservation Act of 2012 (16 
U.S.C. 1827a(c)(1)) is amended by inserting ``and retained'' after 
``landed''.
    (b) Deadline for Regulations.--The Secretary of Commerce shall 
issue a final rule implementing the amendment made by subsection (a), 
not later than 45 days after the date of the enactment of this Act.
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