[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 218 (Monday, December 21, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7941-S7948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
SA 2730. Mr. CORNYN (for Mr. Rubio (for himself and Mr. Schatz))
proposed an amendment to the bill S. 2429, to reauthorize the Coral
Reef Conservation Act of 2000 and to establish the United States Coral
Reef Task Force, and for other purposes; as follows:
Strike all after the enacting clause and insert the
following:
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Restoring
Resilient Reefs Act of 2020''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act
is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000
Sec. 101. Reauthorization of Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000.
Sec. 102. Modification to section 204 of the Coral Reef Conservation
Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6403).
TITLE II--UNITED STATES CORAL REEF TASK FORCE
Sec. 201. Establishment.
Sec. 202. Duties.
Sec. 203. Membership.
Sec. 204. Responsibilities of Federal agency members.
Sec. 205. Working groups.
Sec. 206. Definitions.
TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CORAL REEF AUTHORITIES
Sec. 301. Coral reef conservation and restoration assistance.
TITLE IV--SUSAN L. WILLIAMS NATIONAL CORAL REEF MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP
Sec. 401. Short title.
Sec. 402. Definitions.
Sec. 403. Establishment of fellowship program.
Sec. 404. Fellowship awards.
Sec. 405. Matching requirement.
TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000
SEC. 101. REAUTHORIZATION OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF
2000.
(a) Purposes; Federal Coral Reef Management and Restoration
Activities.--The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (16
U.S.C. 6401 et seq.) is amended by striking sections 202 and
203 and inserting the following:
``SEC. 202. PURPOSES.
``The purposes of this title are--
``(1) to preserve, sustain, and restore the condition of
United States coral reef ecosystems challenged by natural and
human-accelerated changes, including increasing ocean
temperatures, ocean acidification, coral bleaching, coral
diseases, water quality degradation, invasive species, and
illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing;
``(2) to promote the science-based management and
sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems to benefit local
communities and the Nation, including through improved
integration and cooperation among Federal, State, and locally
managed jurisdictions with coral reef equities;
``(3) to develop sound scientific information on the
condition of coral reef ecosystems, continuing and emerging
threats to such ecosystems, and the efficacy of innovative
tools, technologies, and strategies to mitigate stressors and
restore such ecosystems, including evaluation criteria to
determine the effectiveness of management interventions, and
accurate mapping for coral reef restoration;
``(4) to assist in the preservation of coral reefs by
supporting science-based, consensus-driven State, Tribal, and
community-based coral reef management, including conservation
and restoration projects that empower local communities,
small businesses, and nongovernmental organizations;
``(5) to provide financial resources, technical assistance,
and scientific expertise to supplement and strengthen State
and community-based management programs and conservation and
restoration projects;
``(6) to establish a formal mechanism for collecting and
allocating monetary donations from the private sector to be
used for coral reef conservation and restoration projects;
``(7) to support the rapid and effective, science-based
assessment and response to emergencies that imminently
threaten coral reefs, such as coral disease outbreaks,
invasive species, hurricanes, marine heat waves, coral
bleaching, and other natural disasters, vessel groundings or
chemical spills, and other exigent circumstances; and
``(8) to serve as a model for advancing similar
international efforts to preserve, sustain, and restore coral
reef ecosystems in the jurisdictions of United States allies
and trading partners.
``SEC. 203. FEDERAL CORAL REEF MANAGEMENT AND RESTORATION
ACTIVITIES.
``(a) In General.--The Administrator or the Secretary of
the Interior may conduct activities described in subsection
(b) to conserve and restore coral reefs and coral reef
ecosystems that are consistent with--
``(1) all applicable laws governing resource management in
Federal and State waters, including this Act;
``(2) the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect
under section 204A;
``(3) coral reef action plans in effect under section 205,
as applicable; and
``(4) coral reef emergency plans in effect under section
209, as applicable.
``(b) Activities Described.--Activities described in this
subsection are activities to conserve, research, monitor,
assess, and restore coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems in
waters managed under the jurisdiction of a Federal agency
specified in subsection (c) or in coordination with a State
in waters managed under the jurisdiction of such State,
including--
``(1) developing, including through the collection of
requisite data, high-quality and digitized maps reflecting--
``(A) current and historical live coral cover data;
``(B) coral reef habitat quality data;
``(C) priority areas for coral reef conservation to
maintain biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function
that benefit coastal communities and living marine resources;
``(D) priority areas for coral reef restoration to enhance
biodiversity and ecosystem structure and function to benefit
coastal communities and living marine resources; and
``(E) areas of concern that may require enhanced monitoring
of coral health and cover.
``(2) enhancing compliance with Federal laws that prohibit
or regulate--
``(A) the taking of coral products or species associated
with coral reefs; or
``(B) the use and management of coral reef ecosystems;
``(3) long-term ecological monitoring of coral reef
ecosystems;
``(4) implementing species-specific recovery plans for
listed coral species consistent with the Endangered Species
Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
``(5) restoring degraded coral reef ecosystems;
``(6) promoting ecologically sound navigation and
anchorages, including mooring buoy systems to promote
enhanced recreational access, near coral reefs;
``(7) monitoring and responding to severe bleaching or
mortality events, disease outbreaks, invasive species
outbreaks, and significant maritime accidents, including
chemical spill cleanup and the removal of grounded vessels;
``(8) conducting scientific research that contributes to
the understanding, sustainable use, and long-term
conservation of coral reefs;
``(9) enhancing public awareness, understanding, and
appreciation of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems;
``(10) preventing or minimizing the likelihood of vessel
impacts or other physical damage to coral reefs through
navigational aids and expansion of reef-safe anchorages; and
``(11) centrally archiving, managing, and distributing data
sets and coral reef ecosystem assessments and publishing such
information on publicly available internet websites of--
``(A) the Coral Reef Conservation Program of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
``(B) the Task Force.
``(c) Federal Agencies Specified.--A Federal agency
specified in this subsection is one of the following:
``(1) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
``(2) The National Park Service.
``(3) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
[[Page S7942]]
``(4) The Office of Insular Affairs.
``(d) Cooperative Agreements.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations and at the discretion of the Secretary of
Commerce, the Administrator may enter into cooperative
agreements with States to fund coral reef conservation and
restoration activities in waters managed under the
jurisdiction of such States that are consistent with the
national coral reef resilience strategy in effect under
section 204A.
``(2) Limitation.--The Administrator may not provide more
than $500,000 in total funding under paragraph (1) to any one
State in any fiscal year.''.
(b) Additional Provisions.--The Coral Reef Conservation Act
of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.) is amended by striking
sections 205 through 210 and inserting the following:
``SEC. 204A. NATIONAL CORAL REEF RESILIENCE STRATEGY.
``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall--
``(1) develop a national coral reef resilience strategy;
and
``(2) periodically, but not less frequently than every 15
years, review and revise the strategy.
``(b) Elements.--The strategy required by subsection (a)
shall include the following:
``(1) A discussion addressing--
``(A) continuing and emerging threats to the resilience of
United States coral reef ecosystems;
``(B) remaining gaps in coral reef ecosystem research,
monitoring, and assessment;
``(C) the status of management cooperation and integration
among Federal, State, Tribal, and locally managed
jurisdictions with coral reef equities;
``(D) the status of efforts to manage and disseminate
critical information, and enhance interjurisdictional data
sharing, related to research, reports, datasets, and maps;
``(E) areas of special focus, which may include--
``(i) improving natural coral recruitment;
``(ii) preventing avoidable losses of corals and their
habitat;
``(iii) enhancing the resilience of coral populations;
``(iv) supporting a resilience-based management approach;
``(v) developing, coordinating, and implementing watershed
management plans;
``(vi) building and sustaining watershed management
capacity at the local level;
``(vii) providing data essential for coral reef fisheries
management;
``(viii) building capacity for coral reef fisheries
management;
``(ix) increasing understanding of coral reef ecosystem
services;
``(x) educating the public on the importance of coral
reefs, threats and solutions; and
``(xi) evaluating intervention efficacy;
``(F) the status of conservation efforts, including the use
of marine protected areas to serve as replenishment zones
developed consistent with local practices and traditions and
in cooperation with, and with respect for the scientific,
technical, and management expertise and responsibilities of,
State fish and wildlife management agencies; and
``(G) science-based adaptive management and restoration
efforts.
``(2) A statement of national goals and objectives designed
to guide--
``(A) future Federal coral reef management and restoration
activities authorized under section 203;
``(B) conservation and restoration priorities for grants
awarded under section 213; and
``(C) research priorities for the cooperative institutes
established under section 215(c).
``(3) General templates for use by covered reef managers to
guide the development of--
``(A) coral reef action plans under section 205; and
``(B) coral reef emergency plans under section 209.
``(c) Consultations.--In developing all elements of the
strategy required by subsection (a), the Administrator
shall--
``(1) consult with the Secretary of the Interior, the Task
Force, covered States, and Tribal organizations;
``(2) engage stakeholders, including coral reef stewardship
partnerships, coral reef institutes and research centers
described in section 215(c), and coral reef conservation
grant awardees; and
``(3) solicit public review and comment regarding scoping
and the draft strategy.
``(d) Submission to Congress; Publication.--The
Administrator shall--
``(1) submit the strategy required by subsection (a) and
any revisions to the strategy to the appropriate
congressional committees; and
``(2) publish the strategy and any such revisions on
publicly available internet websites of--
``(A) the Coral Reef Conservation Program of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
``(B) the Task Force.
``(e) Transition Rule.--On and after the date of the
enactment of the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2020, the
2018 Coral Reef Conservation Program Strategic Plan of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shall be
considered to be the national coral reef resilience strategy
in effect under this section until the earlier of--
``(1) September 30, 2033; or
``(2) the date on which the Administrator develops a
national coral reef resilience strategy under this section.
``SEC. 205. CORAL REEF ACTION PLANS.
``(a) Coral Reef Action Plans.--Except as provided in
subsection (h), not later than 3 years after the date of the
enactment of the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2020, and
not later than 2 years after the publication of a revised
national coral reef resilience strategy under section 204A,
each covered reef manager shall prepare and submit to the
Task Force a coral reef action plan to guide management and
restoration activities to be undertaken within the
responsibilities and jurisdiction of the manager.
``(b) Requirements.--A covered reef manager preparing a
coral reef action plan under subsection (a) shall--
``(1) ensure that the plan is consistent with all elements
of the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect; and
``(2) revise the plan not less frequently than once every 5
years.
``(c) Plan Elements.--A coral reef action plan under
subsection (a) shall include a discussion of the following
elements:
``(1) Short- and mid-term coral reef conservation and
restoration objectives within the applicable jurisdiction.
``(2) An updated adaptive management framework to inform
research, monitoring, and assessment needs.
``(3) The status of any coral reef emergency plans in
effect under section 209 covering coral reef ecosystems
within the applicable jurisdiction.
``(4) Tools, strategies, and partnerships necessary to
identify, monitor, and redress pollution and water quality
impacts to coral reef ecosystems within the applicable
jurisdiction.
``(5) The status of efforts to improve coral reef ecosystem
management cooperation and integration among neighboring
Federal, State, Tribal, or locally managed jurisdictions,
including the identification of existing research and
monitoring activities that can be leveraged for coral reef
status and trends assessments within the applicable
jurisdiction.
``(6) An accounting of annual expenditures on coral reef
management and restoration activities within the applicable
jurisdiction while the preceding action plan, if any, was in
effect.
``(7) Estimated budgetary and resource considerations
necessary to carry out the proposed action plan.
``(d) Technical Assistance.--The Administrator and the Task
Force shall make all reasonable efforts to provide technical
assistance upon request by a covered reef manager developing
a coral reef action plan under subsection (a).
``(e) Adoption of Coral Reef Action Plans.--A covered reef
manager may adopt a coral reef action plan developed by
another covered reef manager, in full or in part, as relevant
to the adopting manager's applicable jurisdiction.
``(f) Public Review.--The development of a coral reef
action plan by a covered reef manager under subsection (a),
and the adoption of a plan under subsection (e), shall be
subject to public review and comment.
``(g) Publication.--The Administrator shall publish each
coral reef action plan prepared and submitted to the Task
Force under this section on publicly available internet
websites of--
``(1) the Coral Reef Conservation Program of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
``(2) the Task Force.
``(h) Applicability to Covered States and Coral Reef
Stewardship Partnerships.--A covered State or non-Federal
coral reef stewardship partnership is not required to develop
a coral reef action plan under subsection (a), but may do so
in its own discretion. In developing a coral reef action
plan, a covered State or non-Federal coral reef stewardship
partnership is encouraged, but not mandated, to comply with
the requirements of this section.
``(i) Plan in Effect.--A coral reef action plan shall be
deemed to be in effect if the plan was submitted to the Task
Force under this section during the preceding 6 years.
``SEC. 206. CORAL REEF STEWARDSHIP PARTNERSHIPS.
``(a) Coral Reef Stewardship Partnerships.--The
Administrator shall establish standards for the formation of
partnerships among government and community members for the
stewardship of coral reefs (in this title referred to as
`coral reef stewardship partnerships') in accordance with
this section, including guidance for preparation and
submission of coral reef action plans under section 205.
``(b) Identification of Reefs.--Each coral reef stewardship
partnership shall identify with particularity the coral reef
or ecologically significant component of a coral reef that
will be the subject of its stewardship activities.
``(c) Membership for Federal Reefs.--A coral reef
stewardship partnership that has identified, as the subject
of its stewardship activities, a coral reef or ecologically
significant component of a coral reef that is fully or
partially under the management jurisdiction of any Federal
agency specified in section 203(c) shall, at a minimum,
include the following:
``(1) That Federal agency, a representative of which shall
serve as chair of the coral reef stewardship partnership.
``(2) A State, county, or Tribal organization's resource
management agency.
[[Page S7943]]
``(3) A coral reef research center described in section
215(c)(4) or another institution of higher education.
``(4) A nongovernmental organization.
``(5) Such other members as the partnership considers
appropriate, such as interested stakeholder groups.
``(d) Membership for Non-Federal Reefs.--
``(1) In general.--A coral reef stewardship partnership
that has identified, as the subject of its stewardship
activities, a coral reef or ecologically significant
component of a coral reef that is not under the management
jurisdiction of any Federal agency specified in section
203(c) shall, at a minimum, include the following:
``(A) A State, county, or Tribal organization's resource
management agency, a representative of which shall serve as
the chair of the coral reef stewardship partnership.
``(B) A coral reef research center described in section
215(c)(4) or another institution of higher education.
``(C) A nongovernmental organization.
``(D) Such other members as the partnership considers
appropriate, such as interested stakeholder groups.
``(2) Additional members.--
``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), a coral
reef stewardship partnership described in paragraph (1) may
also include representatives of one or more Federal agencies
that have management responsibility in the reef that is the
subject of the partnership's stewardship activities.
``(B) Requests; approval.--A representative of a Federal
agency described in subparagraph (A) may become a member of a
coral reef stewardship partnership described in paragraph (1)
if--
``(i) the representative submits a request to become a
member to the chair of the partnership referred to in
paragraph (1)(A); and
``(ii) the chair consents to the request.
``(e) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--
The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not
apply to coral reef stewardship partnerships.
``SEC. 207. STATE BLOCK GRANTS.
``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall provide block
grants of financial assistance to covered States to support
management and restoration activities and further the
implementation of coral reef action plans in effect under
section 205 by covered States and non-Federal coral reef
stewardship partnerships.
``(b) Eligibility for Additional Amounts.--A covered State
shall qualify for and receive additional grant amounts beyond
the base award specified in subsection (c)(1) if there is at
least one coral reef action plan in effect within the
jurisdiction of the covered State developed by that covered
State or a non-Federal coral reef stewardship partnership.
``(c) Funding Formula.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations, the amount of each block grant awarded to a
covered State under this section shall be the sum of--
``(1) a base award of $100,000; and
``(2) if the State is eligible under subsection (b)--
``(A) an amount that is equal to non-Federal expenditures
of up to $3,000,000 on coral reef management and restoration
activities within the jurisdiction of the State, as reported
within the previous fiscal year; and
``(B) an additional amount, from any funds appropriated for
block grants under this section that remain after
distribution under subparagraph (A) and paragraph (1), based
on the proportion of the State's share of total non-Federal
expenditures on coral reef management and restoration
activities, as reported within the previous fiscal year, in
excess of $3,000,000, relative to other covered States.
``(d) Exclusions.--For the purposes of calculating block
grant amounts under subsection (c), Federal funds provided to
a covered State or non-Federal coral reef stewardship
partnership shall not be considered as qualifying non-Federal
expenditures, but non-Federal matching funds used to leverage
Federal awards may be considered as qualifying non-Federal
expenditures.
``(e) Responsibilities of the Administrator.--The
Administrator is responsible for--
``(1) providing guidance on qualifying non-Federal
expenditures and the proper documentation of such
expenditures;
``(2) issuing annual solicitations to covered States for
additional awards under this section; and
``(3) determining the appropriate allocation of additional
amounts among covered States in accordance with this section.
``(f) Responsibilities of Covered States.--Each covered
State is responsible for documenting non-Federal expenditures
within the jurisdiction of the State and formally reporting
those expenditures for review in response to annual
solicitations by the Administrator under subsection (e).
``(g) Unexpended Amounts.--Any amounts available for block
grants under this section that are not expended shall be
transferred to the Coral Reef Stewardship Fund under section
208(b).
``(h) Waivers of Certain Requirements.--The Administrator
may waive the eligibility requirements under subsection (b)
through fiscal year 2023.
``SEC. 208. CORAL REEF STEWARDSHIP FUND.
``(a) Authority to Enter Into Agreements.--The
Administrator may enter into an agreement with the National
Fish and Wildlife Foundation (in this section referred to as
the `Foundation'), authorizing the Foundation to receive,
hold, and administer funds received under this section.
``(b) Fund.--The Foundation shall invest, reinvest, and
otherwise administer the funds received under this section
and maintain such funds and any interest or revenues earned
in a separate interest-bearing account, to be known as the
`Coral Reef Stewardship Fund' (in this section referred to as
the `Fund', and known before the date of the enactment of the
Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2020 as the Coral Reef
Conservation Fund administered through a public-private
partnership with the Foundation), established by the
Foundation solely to support coral reef stewardship
partnership activities that--
``(1) further the purposes of this title; and
``(2) are consistent with--
``(A) the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect
under section 204A; and
``(B) coral reef action plans in effect, if any, under
section 205 covering a coral reef or ecologically significant
component of a coral reef to be impacted by such activities,
if applicable.
``(c) Authorization to Solicit Donations.--
``(1) In general.--Pursuant to an agreement entered into
under subsection (a), the Foundation may accept, receive,
solicit, hold, administer, and use any gift (including,
notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code,
donations of services) to further the purposes of this title.
``(2) Deposits in fund.--Notwithstanding section 3302 of
title 31, United States Code, any funds received as a gift
shall be deposited and maintained in the Fund.
``(3) Notification required.--Not later than 30 days after
funds are deposited in the Fund under paragraph (2), the
Foundation shall notify the Committee on Appropriations of
the Senate and the Committee on Appropriations of the House
of Representatives of the source and amount of such funds.
``(d) Review of Performance.--The Administrator shall
conduct a continuing review of all deposits into, and
disbursements from, the Fund. Each review shall include a
written assessment concerning the extent to which the
Foundation has implemented the goals and requirements of--
``(1) this section; and
``(2) the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect
under section 204A.
``(e) Administration.--Under an agreement entered into
pursuant to subsection (a), and subject to the availability
of appropriations, the Administrator may transfer funds
appropriated to carry out this title to the Foundation.
Amounts received by the Foundation under this subsection may
be used for matching, in whole or in part, contributions
(whether in money, services, or property) made to the
Foundation by private persons, State or local government
agencies, or Tribal organizations.
``SEC. 209. CORAL REEF EMERGENCY PLANS.
``(a) In General.--A covered reef manager may develop and
periodically update a plan (in this title referred to as a
`coral reef emergency plan') consistent with the template
described in section 204A(b)(3) to guide the rapid and
effective response to circumstances that pose an urgent and
immediate threat to the coral reef ecosystems within the
manager's responsibilities and jurisdictions, and consistent
with any applicable coral reef action plan.
``(b) Coral Reef Emergencies.--The Administrator shall
develop a list of, and criteria for, circumstances that pose
an urgent and immediate threat to coral reefs (in this title
referred to as `coral reef emergencies'), including--
``(1) new and ongoing outbreaks of disease;
``(2) new and ongoing outbreaks of invasive or nuisance
species;
``(3) new and ongoing coral bleaching events;
``(4) natural disasters;
``(5) man-made disasters, including vessel groundings,
hazardous spills, or coastal construction accidents; and
``(6) other exigent circumstances.
``(c) Best Response Practices.--The Administrator shall
develop guidance on best practices to respond to coral reef
emergencies that can be adopted within coral reef emergency
plans. Such best practices shall be--
``(1) based on the best available science and integrated
with evolving innovative technologies; and
``(2) revised not less frequently than once every 5 years.
``(d) Plan Elements.--A coral reef emergency plan shall
include the following elements:
``(1) A description of particular threats, and the proposed
responses, consistent with the best practices developed under
subsection (d).
``(2) A delineation of roles and responsibilities for
executing the plan.
``(3) Evidence of engagement with interested stakeholder
groups, as applicable, in the development of the plan.
``(4) Any other information the Administrator considers to
be necessary for the plan.
``(e) Technical Assistance.--The Administrator and the Task
Force shall make all reasonable efforts to provide technical
assistance upon request by a covered reef manager developing
a coral reef emergency plan under subsection (a).
``(f) Adoption of Coral Reef Emergency Plans.--A covered
reef manager may adopt a
[[Page S7944]]
coral reef emergency plan developed by another covered reef
manager, in full or in part, as relevant to the adopting
manager's applicable jurisdiction.
``(g) Public Review.--The development of a coral reef
action plan by a covered reef manager under subsection (a),
and the adoption of a plan under subsection (f), shall be
subject to public review and comment.
``(h) Publication.--The Administrator shall publish each
coral reef emergency plan prepared and submitted to the Task
Force under this section on publicly available internet
websites of--
``(1) the Coral Reef Conservation Program of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
``(2) the Task Force.
``(i) Plan in Effect.--A coral reef emergency plan shall be
deemed to be in effect if the plan was submitted to the Task
Force under this section during the preceding 6 years.
``SEC. 210. CORAL REEF EMERGENCY FUND.
``(a) Establishment of Fund.--There is established in the
Treasury an interest-bearing fund to be known as the `Coral
Reef Emergency Fund', which shall consist of amounts
deposited into the Fund under subsection (c).
``(b) Uses.--Amounts in the Fund--
``(1) shall be available only for use by the Secretary to
compensate covered coral reef mangers to implement a coral
reef emergency plan in effect under sections 210 and 212; and
``(2) shall remain available until expended.
``(c) Deposits Into the Fund.--Subject to the availability
of appropriations, there shall be deposited into the Fund--
``(1) amounts appropriated for the Fund; and
``(2) other amounts appropriated to the Secretary for use
with respect to coral reef emergencies.
``(d) Acceptance of Donations.--
``(1) In general.--For purposes of carrying out this title,
the Secretary may accept, receive, solicit, hold, administer,
and use any gift (including, notwithstanding section 1342 of
title 31, United States Code, donations of services).
``(2) Deposits in fund.--Notwithstanding section 3302 of
title 31, United States Code, any funds received as a gift
shall be deposited and maintained in the Fund.
``SEC. 211. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.
``(a) Coral Reef Emergency Declarations.--
``(1) Sua sponte declaration.--
``(A) In general.--The Secretary may determine and declare
a coral reef emergency, including at the recommendation of
the Secretary of the Interior.
``(B) Requirements.--In declaring a coral reef emergency
under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall--
``(i) certify that an emergency has occurred that is
ecologically significant and harmful to coral reefs; and
``(ii) submit to the appropriate congressional committees
findings and analysis to justify the declaration.
``(2) Petitions.--If a covered State or non-Federal coral
reef stewardship partnership believes that a coral reef
emergency has occurred, and is impacting coral reefs or
ecologically significant components of coral reefs subject to
the responsibilities or jurisdiction of the State or
partnership, the State or partnership may petition the
Secretary for a declaration of a coral reef emergency.
``(3) Evaluation and action.--
``(A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after receiving a
petition under paragraph (2) (except as provided in
subparagraph (B)), the Secretary shall--
``(i) evaluate the petition to determine whether a coral
reef emergency has occurred; and
``(ii) declare a coral reef emergency or deny the petition.
``(B) Extension.--The Secretary may extend the deadline
provided for under subparagraph (A) by not more than 15 days.
``(4) Appeal.--If the Secretary denies a petition for an
emergency declaration submitted under paragraph (2), the
State or partnership that submitted the petition may, not
later than 15 days after receiving notice of the denial,
appeal the denial to the Secretary. Not later than 15 days
after receiving an appeal under this paragraph, the Secretary
shall grant or deny the appeal.
``(5) Revocation.--The Secretary may revoke any declaration
of a coral reef emergency in whole or in part after
determining that circumstances no longer require an emergency
response.
``(6) Recovery of emergency funding.--The Administrator may
seek compensation from negligent parties to recover emergency
funds expended in excess of $500,000 under this section as a
result of an emergency declaration arising from direct
impacts to coral reefs from man-made disasters or accidents.
``(b) Grant Authority.--
``(1) In general.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations, upon the declaration of a coral reef
emergency under subsection (a), the Secretary shall provide
grants to carry out proposals that meet the requirements of
paragraph (2) to implement coral reef emergency plans in
effect under section 209.
``(2) Requirements.--A proposal for a grant under this
subsection to implement a coral reef emergency plan in effect
under section 209 shall include--
``(A) the name of the entity submitting the proposal;
``(B) a copy of the coral reef emergency plan;
``(C) a description of the qualifications of the
individuals and entities who will implement the plan;
``(D) an estimate of the funds and time required to
complete the implementation of the plan; and
``(E) any other information the Secretary considers to be
necessary for evaluating the eligibility of the proposal for
a grant under this subsection.
``(3) Review.--Not later than 30 days after receiving a
proposal for a grant under this subsection, the Secretary
shall review the proposal and determine if the proposal meets
the requirements of paragraph (2).
``(4) Concurrent review.--An entity seeking a grant under
this subsection may submit a proposal under paragraph (2) to
the Secretary at any time following the submission of a
petition for an emergency declaration under subsection (a)(2)
that is applicable to coral reefs or ecologically significant
components of coral reefs subject to the responsibilities or
jurisdiction of the entity.
``SEC. 212. VESSEL GROUNDING INVENTORY.
``The Administrator, in coordination with the heads of
other Federal agencies, shall establish and maintain an
inventory of all vessel grounding incidents involving United
States coral reefs, including a description of--
``(1) the impacts of each such incident to coral reefs and
related natural resources;
``(2) vessel and ownership information relating to each
such incident, if available;
``(3) the estimated cost of removal of the vessel,
mitigation, or restoration relating to each such incident;
``(4) the response actions taken by the owner of the
vessel, the Administrator, the Commandant of the Coast Guard,
or representatives of other Federal or State agencies;
``(5) the status of the response actions, including the
dates of--
``(A) vessel removal;
``(B) mitigation or restoration activities, including
whether a coral reef emergency plan was implemented; and
``(C) any actions taken to prevent future grounding
incidents; and
``(6) recommendations for additional navigational aids or
other mechanisms for preventing future grounding incidents.
``SEC. 213. RUTH D. GATES CORAL REEF CONSERVATION GRANT
PROGRAM.
``(a) Grants.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations, the Administrator shall establish a program
(to be known as the `Ruth D. Gates Coral Reef Conservation
Grant Program') to provide grants for projects for the
conservation and restoration of coral reef ecosystems (in
this section referred to as `coral reef projects') pursuant
to proposals approved by the Administrator in accordance with
this section.
``(b) Eligibility.--
``(1) In general.--An entity described in paragraph (2) may
submit to the Administrator a proposal for a coral reef
project.
``(2) Entities described.--An entity described in this
paragraph is--
``(A) a natural resource management authority of a State or
local government or Tribal organization--
``(i) with responsibility for coral reef management; or
``(ii) the activities of which directly or indirectly
affect coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems;
``(B) a regional fishery management council established
under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.);
``(C) a coral reef stewardship partnership seeking to
implement a coral reef action plan in effect under section
205;
``(D) a coral reef research center designated under section
215(c)(4); or
``(E) another nongovernmental organization or research
institution with demonstrated expertise in the conservation
or restoration of coral reefs in practice or through
significant contributions to the body of existing scientific
research on coral reefs.
``(c) Project Proposals.--Each proposal for a grant under
this section for a coral reef project shall include the
following:
``(1) The name of the individual or entity responsible for
conducting the project.
``(2) A description of the qualifications of the individual
or entity.
``(3) A succinct statement of the purposes of the project.
``(4) An estimate of the funds and time required to
complete the project.
``(5) Evidence of support for the project by appropriate
representatives of States or other government jurisdictions
in which the project will be conducted.
``(6) Information regarding the source and amount of
matching funding available to the applicant.
``(7) A description of how the project meets one or more of
the criteria under subsection (e)(2).
``(8) In the case of a proposal submitted by a coral reef
stewardship partnership, a description of how the project
aligns with the applicable coral reef action plan in effect
under section 205.
``(9) Any other information the Administrator considers to
be necessary for evaluating the eligibility of the project
for a grant under this subsection.
``(d) Project Review and Approval.--
``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall review each
coral reef project proposal submitted under this section to
determine if the project meets the criteria set forth in
subsection (e).
[[Page S7945]]
``(2) Prioritization of conservation projects.--The
Administrator shall prioritize the awarding of grants for
projects that meet the criteria for approval under
subparagraphs (A) through (G) of subsection (e)(2) that are
proposed to be conducted within priority areas identified for
coral reef conservation by the Administrator and consistent
with the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect
under section 204A.
``(3) Prioritization of restoration projects.--The
Administrator shall prioritize the awarding of grants for
projects that meet the criteria for approval under
subparagraphs (E) through (L) of subsection (e)(2) that are
proposed to be conducted within priority areas identified for
coral reef restoration by the Administrator and consistent
with the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect
under section 204A.
``(4) Review; approval or disapproval.--Not later than 180
days after receiving a proposal for a coral reef project
under this section, the Administrator shall--
``(A) request and consider written comments on the proposal
from each Federal agency, State government, Tribal
organization, or other government jurisdiction, including the
relevant regional fishery management councils established
under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), or any National
Marine Sanctuary or Marine National Monument, with
jurisdiction or management authority over coral reef
ecosystems in the area where the project is to be conducted,
including the extent to which the project is consistent with
locally established priorities, unless such entities were
directly involved in the development of the project proposal;
``(B) provide for the merit-based peer review of the
proposal and require standardized documentation of that peer
review;
``(C) after considering any written comments and
recommendations based on the reviews under subparagraphs (A)
and (B), approve or disapprove the proposal; and
``(D) provide written notification of that approval or
disapproval, with summaries of all written comments,
recommendations, and peer-reviews, to the entity that
submitted the proposal, and each of those States, Tribal
organizations, and other government jurisdictions that
provided comments under subparagraph (A).
``(e) Criteria for Approval.--The Administrator may not
approve a proposal for a coral reef project under this
section unless the project--
``(1) is consistent with--
``(A) the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect
under section 204A; and
``(B) any Federal or non-Federal coral reef action plans in
effect under section 205 covering a coral reef or
ecologically significant component of a coral reef to be
affected by the project; and
``(2) will enhance the conservation and restoration of
coral reefs by--
``(A) addressing conflicts arising from the use of
environments near coral reefs or from the use of corals,
species associated with coral reefs, and coral products,
including supporting consensus-driven, community-based
planning and management initiatives for the protection of
coral reef ecosystems;
``(B) improving compliance with laws that prohibit or
regulate the taking of coral products or species associated
with coral reefs or regulate the use and management of coral
reef ecosystems;
``(C) designing and implementing networks of real-time
water quality monitoring along coral reefs, including data
collection related to turbidity, nutrient availability,
harmful algal blooms, and plankton assemblages, with an
emphasis on coral reefs impacted by agriculture and urban
development;
``(D) promoting ecologically sound navigation and
anchorages, including mooring buoy systems to promote
enhanced recreational access, near coral reefs;
``(E) furthering the goals and objectives of coral reef
action plans in effect under section 205 and coral reef
emergency plans in effect under section 209;
``(F) mapping the location and distribution of coral reefs
and potential coral reef habitat;
``(G) 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;
``(H) implementing research to ensure the population
viability of listed coral species in United States waters as
detailed in the population-based recovery criteria included
in species-specific recovery plans consistent with the
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
``(I) developing and implementing cost-effective methods to
restore degraded coral reef ecosystems or to create
geographically appropriate coral reef ecosystems in suitable
waters, including by improving habitat or promoting success
of keystone species, with an emphasis on novel restoration
strategies and techniques to advance coral reef recovery and
growth near population centers threatened by rising sea
levels and storm surge;
``(J) translating and applying coral genetics research to
coral reef ecosystem restoration, including research related
to traits that promote resilience to increasing ocean
temperatures, ocean acidification, coral bleaching, coral
diseases, and invasive species;
``(K) developing and maintaining in situ native coral
propagation sites; or
``(L) developing and maintaining ex situ coral propagation
nurseries and land-based coral gene banks to--
``(i) conserve or augment genetic diversity of native coral
populations;
``(ii) support captive breeding of rare coral species; or
``(iii) enhance resilience of native coral populations to
increasing ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, coral
bleaching, and coral diseases through selective breeding,
conditioning, or other approaches that target genes, gene
expression, phenotypic traits, or phenotypic plasticity.
``(f) Funding Requirements.--To the extent practicable
based upon proposals for coral reef projects submitted to the
Administrator, the Administrator shall ensure that funding
for grants awarded under this section during a fiscal year is
distributed as follows:
``(1) Not less than 40 percent of funds available shall be
awarded for projects in the Pacific Ocean within the maritime
areas and zones subject to the jurisdiction or control of the
United States.
``(2) Not less than 40 percent of the funds available shall
be awarded for projects in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of
Mexico, or the Caribbean Sea within the maritime areas and
zones subject to the jurisdiction or control of the United
States.
``(3) Not more than 67 percent of funds distributed in each
region in accordance with paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be
made exclusively available to projects that are--
``(A) submitted by a coral reef stewardship partnership;
and
``(B) consistent with the coral reef action plan in effect
under section 205 by such a partnership.
``(4) Of the funds distributed to support projects in
accordance with paragraph (3), not less than 20 percent and
not more than 33 percent shall be awarded for projects
submitted by a Federal coral reef stewardship partnership.
``(g) Project Reporting.--Each entity receiving a grant
under this section shall submit to the Administrator such
reports at such times and containing such information for
evaluating project performance as the Administrator may
require.
``(h) Task Force.--The Administrator may consult with the
Secretary of the Interior and the Task Force to obtain
guidance in establishing priorities and evaluating proposals
for coral reef projects under this section.
``(i) Unexpended Amounts.--Any amounts available for grants
under this section that are not expended shall be transferred
to the Coral Reef Stewardship Fund under section 208(b).
``SEC. 214. REPORTS ON ADMINISTRATION.
``(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of
the enactment of the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2020,
and every 2 years thereafter, the Administrator shall submit
to the committees specified in subsection (b) a report on the
administration of this title during the 2-year period
preceding submission of the report, including--
``(1) a description of all activities undertaken to
implement the most recent national coral reef resilience
strategy under section 204A;
``(2) a statement of all funds obligated under the
authorities of this title; and
``(3) a summary, disaggregated by State, of Federal and
non-Federal contributions toward the costs of each project or
activity funded, in full or in part, under the authorities of
this title.
``(b) Committees Specified.--The committees specified in
this subsection are--
``(1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation and the Committee on Appropriations of the
Senate; and
``(2) the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee
on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.
``SEC. 215. AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS.
``(a) In General.--The Administrator may enter into and
perform such contracts, leases, grants, or cooperative
agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of
this title.
``(b) Funding.--
``(1) In general.--Under an agreement entered into under
subsection (a), the Administrator may reimburse or provide
funds authorized to be appropriated by section 216 to, and
may receive funds or reimbursements from, individuals and
entities described in paragraph (2) to carry out activities
authorized by this title.
``(2) Individuals and entities described.--Individuals and
entities described in this paragraph are the following:
``(A) Federal agencies, instrumentalities, and
laboratories.
``(B) State and local governments.
``(C) Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations.
``(D) International organizations.
``(E) Foreign governments not subject to economic sanctions
imposed by the United States.
``(F) Institutions of higher education, research centers,
and other educational institutions.
``(G) Nonprofit organizations.
``(H) Commercial organizations.
``(I) Other public or private individuals or entities.
``(c) Cooperative Institutes.--
[[Page S7946]]
``(1) Establishment.--The Secretary shall establish 2
cooperative institutes for the purpose of advancing and
sustaining essential capabilities in coral reef research, to
be known as the `Atlantic Coral Reef Institute' and the
`Pacific Coral Reef Institute'.
``(2) Membership.--Each institute established under
paragraph (1) shall be housed within a single coral reef
research center designated by the Administrator under
paragraph (4) in the Atlantic and Pacific basins,
respectively, and may contract with other coral reef research
centers within the same basin to support each institute's
capacity and reach.
``(3) Functions.--The institutes established under
paragraph (1) shall--
``(A) conduct federally directed research to fill national
and regional coral reef ecosystem research gaps and improve
understanding of, and responses to, continuing and emerging
threats to the resilience of United States coral reef
ecosystems consistent with the national coral reef resilience
strategy in effect under section 204A;
``(B) support ecological research and monitoring to study
the effects of conservation and restoration activities funded
by this title on promoting more effective coral reef
management and restoration; and
``(C) through agreements--
``(i) collaborate directly with governmental resource
management agencies, coral reef stewardship partnerships,
nonprofit organizations, and other coral reef research
centers designated under paragraph (4);
``(ii) assist in the development and implementation of--
``(I) the national coral reef resilience strategy under
section 204A;
``(II) coral reef action plans under section 205; and
``(III) coral reef emergency plans under section 209;
``(iii) build capacity within governmental resource
management agencies to establish research priorities and
translate and apply research findings to management and
restoration practices; and
``(iv) conduct public education and awareness programs for
policymakers, resource managers, and the general public on--
``(I) coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems;
``(II) best practices for coral reef ecosystem management
and restoration;
``(III) the value of coral reefs; and
``(IV) the threats to the sustainability of coral reef
ecosystems.
``(4) Coral reef research centers.--
``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall periodically
solicit applications and designate all qualifying
institutions in a covered State as coral reef research
centers.
``(B) Criteria.--An institution qualifies for designation
as a coral reef research center under subparagraph (A) if the
Administrator determines that the institution--
``(i) is operated by an institution of higher education or
nonprofit marine research organization;
``(ii) has established management-driven national or
regional coral reef research or restoration programs;
``(iii) has demonstrated abilities to coordinate closely
with appropriate Federal and State agencies, as well as other
academic and nonprofit organizations; and
``(iv) maintains significant local community engagement and
outreach programs related to coral reef ecosystems.
``(d) Multiyear Cooperative Agreements.--The Administrator
may enter into multiyear cooperative agreements with the
heads of other Federal agencies, States, Indian Tribes or
Tribal organizations, local governments, the coral reef
cooperative institutes established under subsection (c), and
other institutions of higher education, nonprofit research
organizations, and nongovernmental organizations to carry out
activities authorized under this title.
``(e) Use of Resources of Other Agencies.--The
Administrator may use, with consent and with or without
reimbursement, the land, services, equipment, personnel, and
facilities of any agency or instrumentality of--
``(1) the United States;
``(2) any State or local government;
``(3) any Indian Tribe; or
``(4) any foreign government not subject to economic
sanctions imposed by the United States.
``SEC. 216. CORAL REEF PRIZE COMPETITIONS.
``(a) In General.--The head of any Federal agency with a
representative serving on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force
established by Executive Order 13089 (16 U.S.C. 6401 note;
relating to coral reef protection), may, 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
establishing programs under this section that address
communities, environments, or industries that are in distress
as a result of the decline or degradation of coral reef
ecosystems, including--
``(1) scientific research and monitoring that furthers the
understanding of causes behind coral reef decline and
degradation and the generally slow recovery following
disturbances, including ocean acidification and its impacts
on coral reproduction;
``(2) the development of monitoring or management options
for communities or industries that are experiencing
significant financial hardship;
``(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 industries.
``SEC. 217. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
``(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to the Secretary to carry out this title the following
amounts, which shall remain available until expended:
``(1) $31,000,000 for fiscal year 2021.
``(2) $32,500,000 for fiscal year 2022.
``(3) $34,000,000 for fiscal year 2023.
``(4) $35,500,000 for fiscal year 2024.
``(5) $37,000,000 for fiscal year 2025.
``(b) Administration.--Of the amounts appropriated pursuant
to the authorization of appropriations under subsection (a),
not more than the lesser of $1,500,000 or 10 percent may be
used for program administration or for overhead costs
incurred by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration or the Department of Commerce and assessed as
an administrative charge.
``(c) Coral Reef Management and Restoration Activities.--
From the amounts authorized to be appropriated under
subsection (a), there shall be made available to the
Secretary not less than the following amounts for authorized
activities under sections 203 and 207:
``(1) $23,000,000 for fiscal year 2021, of which not less
than $8,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary for
the provision State block grants under section 207.
``(2) $24,500,000 for fiscal year 2022, of which not less
than $8,500,000 shall be made available to the Secretary for
the provision State block grants under section 207.
``(3) $26,000,000 for fiscal year 2023, of which not less
than $9,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary for
the provision State block grants under section 207.
``(4) $27,500,000 for fiscal year 2024, of which not less
than $10,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary for
the provision State block grants under section 207.
``(5) $29,000,000 for fiscal year 2025, of which not less
than $11,000,000 shall be made available to the Secretary for
the provision State block grants under section 207.
``(d) Federally Directed Research and Coral Reef
Conservation Program Grants.--From the amounts authorized to
be appropriated under subsection (a), there shall be made
available to the Secretary not less than $8,000,000 for each
of fiscal years 2021 through 2025 to support purposes
consistent with this title, of which--
``(1) not less than $3,500,000 shall be made available for
each such fiscal year for authorized activities under section
213; and
``(2) not less than $4,500,000 shall be made available for
each such fiscal year through cooperative agreements with the
cooperative institutes established under section 215(c).
``SEC. 218. DEFINITIONS.
``In this title:
``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration.
``(2) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
`appropriate congressional committees' means the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the
Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives.
``(3) Conservation.--The term `conservation' means the use
of methods and procedures 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 monitoring, assessment, protection, restoration,
sustainable use, management of habitat, and maintenance or
augmentation of genetic diversity;
``(B) mapping;
``(C) 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.);
``(D) law enforcement;
``(E) conflict resolution initiatives;
``(F) community outreach and education; and
``(G) promotion of safe and ecologically sound navigation
and anchoring.
``(4) Coral.--The term `coral' means species of the phylum
Cnidaria, including--
``(A) all species of the orders Antipatharia (black
corals), Scleractinia (stony corals), Alcyonacea (soft
corals, organ pipe corals, gorgonians), and Helioporacea
(blue coral), of the class Anthozoa; and
``(B) all species of the order Anthoathecata (fire corals
and other hydrocorals) of the class Hydrozoa.
``(5) Coral reef.--The term `coral reef' means limestone
structures in the form of a reef or shoal, composed in whole
or in part by living coral, skeletal remains of coral,
crustose coralline algae, and other associated sessile marine
plants and animals.
[[Page S7947]]
``(6) Coral reef ecosystem.--The term `coral reef
ecosystem' means--
``(A) corals and other geographically and ecologically
associated marine communities of other reef organisms
(including reef plants and animals) associated with coral
reef habitat; and
``(B) the biotic and abiotic factors and processes that
control coral calcification rates, tissue growth,
reproduction, recruitment, abundance, coral-algal symbiosis,
and biodiversity in such habitat.
``(7) Coral products.--The term `coral products' means any
living or dead specimens, parts, or derivatives, or any
product containing specimens, parts, or derivatives, of any
species referred to in paragraph (4).
``(8) Covered reef manager.--
``(A) In general.--The term `covered reef manager' means a
management unit of a Federal agency specified in subparagraph
(B) with jurisdiction over a coral reef ecosystem, covered
State, or coral reef stewardship partnership.
``(B) Federal agencies specified.--A Federal agency
specified in this subparagraph is one of the following:
``(i) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
``(ii) The National Park Service.
``(iii) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
``(iv) The Office of Insular Affairs.
``(9) Covered state.--The term `covered State' means
Florida, Hawaii, and the territories of American Samoa, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto
Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands.
``(10) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the
meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
``(11) Institution of higher education.--The term
`institution of higher education' has the meaning given that
term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20
U.S.C. 1001).
``(12) Interested stakeholder groups.--The term `interested
stakeholder groups' includes community members such as
businesses, commercial and recreational fishermen, other
recreationalists, Federal, State, Tribal, and local
government units with related jurisdiction, institutions of
higher education, and nongovernmental organizations.
``(13) Nonprofit organization.--The term `nonprofit
organization' means an organization that is described in
section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code.
``(14) Restoration.--The term `restoration' means the use
of methods and procedures necessary to enhance, rehabilitate,
recreate, or create a functioning coral reef or coral reef
ecosystem, in whole or in part, within suitable waters of the
historical geographic range of such ecosystems, to provide
ecological, economic, cultural, or coastal resiliency
services associated with healthy coral reefs and benefit
native populations of coral reef organisms.
``(15) Resilience.--The term `resilience' means the
capacity for corals within their native range, coral reefs,
or coral reef ecosystems to recover from natural and human
disturbances as determined by clearly identifiable,
measurable, and science-based standards.
``(16) Secretary.--The term `Secretary' means the Secretary
of Commerce.
``(17) State.--The term `State' means--
``(A) any State of the United States that contains a coral
reef ecosystem within its seaward boundaries;
``(B) American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the United States
Virgin Islands; or
``(C) any other territory or possession of the United
States or separate sovereign in free association with the
United States that contains a coral reef ecosystem within its
seaward boundaries.
``(18) Stewardship.--The term `stewardship', with respect
to a coral reef, includes conservation, restoration, and
public outreach and education.
``(19) Task force.--The term `Task Force' means the United
States Coral Reef Task Force established under section 201 of
the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2020.
``(20) Tribal organization.--The term `Tribal organization'
has the meaning given the term `tribal organization' in
section 3765 of title 38, United States Code.''.
(c) Conforming Amendment to National Oceans and Coastal
Security Act.--Section 905(a) of the National Oceans and
Coastal Security Act (16 U.S.C. 7504(a)) is amended by
striking ``and coastal infrastructure'' and inserting ``,
coastal infrastructure, and ecosystem services provided by
natural systems such as coral reefs''.
SEC. 102. MODIFICATION TO SECTION 204 OF THE CORAL REEF
CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6403).
Section 204 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (16
U.S.C. 6403) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a), by striking ``this section'' and
inserting ``section 213'';
(2) in subsection (b), by adding at the end the following:
``(3) Special rule.--For purposes of paragraph (1), block
grant funds awarded to the territories of American Samoa, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto
Rico, or the United States Virgin Islands under section 207
shall qualify as the non-Federal share of project costs.'';
and
(3) by striking subsections (c) through (j).
TITLE II--UNITED STATES CORAL REEF TASK FORCE
SEC. 201. ESTABLISHMENT.
There is established a task force to lead, coordinate, and
strengthen Federal Government actions to better preserve,
conserve, and restore coral reef ecosystems, to be known as
the ``United States Coral Reef Task Force'' (in this title
referred to as the ``Task Force'').
SEC. 202. DUTIES.
The duties of the Task Force shall be--
(1) to coordinate, in cooperation with State, Tribal, and
local government partners, coral reef research centers
designated under section 215(c) of the Coral Reef
Conservation Act of 2000 (as amended by section 101), and
other nongovernmental and academic partners as appropriate,
activities regarding the mapping, monitoring, research,
conservation, mitigation, and 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--
(A) Executive Order 13089 (63 Fed. Reg. 32701; relating to
coral reef protection); and
(B) the national coral reef resilience strategy developed
under section 204A of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of
2000, as amended by section 101;
(3) to work with the Secretary of State and the
Administrator of the United States Agency for International
Development, and in coordination with the other members of
the Task Force--
(A) to assess the United States role in international trade
and protection of coral species;
(B) to encourage implementation of appropriate strategies
and actions to promote conservation and sustainable use of
coral reef resources worldwide; and
(C) to collaborate with international communities
successful in managing coral reefs;
(4) to provide technical assistance for the development and
implementation, as appropriate, of--
(A) the national coral reef resilience strategy under
section 204A of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, as
amended by section 101;
(B) coral reef action plans under section 205 of that Act;
and
(C) coral reef emergency plans under section 209 of that
Act; and
(5) to produce a report each year, for submission to the
appropriate congressional committees and publication on a
publicly available internet website of the Task Force,
highlighting the status of the coral reef equities of a
covered State on a rotating basis, including--
(A) a summary of recent coral reef management and
restoration activities undertaken in that State; and
(B) updated estimates of the direct and indirect economic
activity supported by, and other benefits associated with,
those coral reef equities.
SEC. 203. MEMBERSHIP.
(a) Voting Membership.--The Task Force shall have the
following voting members:
(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 United States Agency for
International Development.
(3) The Secretary of Agriculture.
(4) The Secretary of Defense.
(5) The Secretary of the Army, acting through the Assistant
Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
(6) The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the
Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(7) The Commandant of the Coast Guard.
(8) The Attorney General.
(9) The Secretary of State.
(10) The Secretary of Transportation.
(11) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection
Agency.
(12) The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration.
(13) The Director of the National Science Foundation.
(14) The Governor, or a representative of the Governor, of
each covered State.
(b) Nonvoting Members.--The Task Force shall have the
following nonvoting members:
(1) A member of the South Atlantic Fishery Management
Council who is designated by the Governor of Florida under
section 302(b)(1) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery
Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1852(b)(1)).
(2) A member of the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management
Council who is designated by the Governor of Florida under
such section.
(3) A member of the Western Pacific Fishery Management
Council who is designated under such section and selected as
follows:
(A) For the period beginning on the date of the enactment
of this Act and ending on December 31 of the calendar year
during which such date of enactment occurs, the member shall
be selected jointly by the governors of Hawaii, American
Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands.
(B) For each calendar year thereafter, the governors of
Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the
Northern Mariana Islands shall, on a rotating basis, take
turns selecting the member.
(4) A member of the Caribbean Fishery Management Council
who is designated under such section and selected as follows:
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(A) For the period beginning on the date of the enactment
of this Act and ending on December 31 of the calendar year
during which such date of enactment occurs, the member shall
be selected jointly by the governors of Puerto Rico and the
United States Virgin Islands.
(B) For each calendar year thereafter, the governors of
Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands shall, on an
alternating basis, take turns selecting the member.
(5) A member appointed by the President of the Federated
States of Micronesia.
(6) A member appointed by the President of the Republic of
the Marshall Islands.
(7) A member appointed by the President of the Republic of
Palau.
SEC. 204. RESPONSIBILITIES OF FEDERAL AGENCY MEMBERS.
(a) In General.--A member of the Task Force specified in
paragraphs (1) through (14) of section 203(a) shall--
(1) identify the actions of the agency that member
represents that may affect coral reef ecosystems;
(2) utilize the programs and authorities of that agency to
protect and enhance the conditions of such ecosystems,
including through the promotion of basic and applied
scientific research;
(3) collaborate with the Task Force to appropriately
reflect budgetary needs for coral reef conservation and
restoration activities in all agency budget planning and
justification documents and processes; and
(4) engage in any other coordinated efforts approved by the
Task Force.
(b) Co-chairs.--In addition to their responsibilities under
subsection (a), the co-chairs of the Task Force shall
administer performance of the functions of the Task Force and
facilitate the coordination of the members of the Task Force
specified in paragraphs (1) through (14) of section 203(a).
SEC. 205. WORKING GROUPS.
(a) In General.--The co-chairs of the Task Force may
establish working groups as necessary to meet the goals and
carry out the duties of the Task Force.
(b) Requests From Members.--The members of the Task Force
may request that the co-chairs establish a working group
under subsection (a).
(c) Participation by Nongovernmental Organizations.--The
co-chairs may allow nongovernmental organizations as
appropriate, including academic institutions, conservation
groups, and commercial and recreational fishing associations,
to participate in a working group established under
subsection (a).
(d) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--
The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not
apply to working groups established under this section.
SEC. 206. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term
``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and
the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of
Representatives.
(2) Conservation, coral, coral reef, etc.--The terms
``conservation'', ``coral'', ``coral reef'', ``coral reef
ecosystem'', ``covered State'', ``restoration'',
``resilience'', and ``State'' have the meaning given those
terms in section 218 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of
2000, as amended by section 101.
TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CORAL REEF AUTHORITIES
SEC. 301. CORAL REEF CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION ASSISTANCE.
(a) In General.--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 consistent
with all applicable laws governing resource management in
Federal, State, and Tribal waters, including--
(1) the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect
under section 204A of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of
2000, as amended by section 101;
(2) coral reef action plans in effect under section 205 of
that Act, as applicable; and
(3) coral reef emergency plans in effect under section 209
of that Act, as applicable.
(b) Office of Insular Affairs Coral Reef Initiative.--The
Secretary may establish within the Office of Insular Affairs
a Coral Reef Initiative Program--
(1) to provide grant funding to support local management,
conservation, and protection of coral reef ecosystems in--
(A) insular areas of covered States; and
(B) Freely Associated States;
(2) to complement the other conservation and assistance
activities conducted under this Act; and
(3) to provide other technical, scientific, and financial
assistance and conduct conservation activities that advance
the purpose of this Act.
(c) Consultation With the Department of Commerce.--The
Secretary of the Interior may consult with the Secretary of
Commerce regarding the conduct of any activities to conserve
and restore coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems in waters
managed under the jurisdiction of the Federal agencies
specified in paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 203(c) of the
Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by section
101.
(d) Cooperative Agreements.--Subject to the availability of
appropriations, the Secretary of the Interior may enter into
cooperative agreements with covered reef managers to fund
coral reef conservation and restoration activities in waters
managed under the jurisdiction of such managers that--
(1) are consistent with the national coral reef resilience
strategy in effect under section 204A of the Coral Reef
Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by section 101; and
(2) support and enhance the success of--
(A) coral reef action plans in effect under section 205 of
that Act; and
(B) coral reef emergency plans in effect under section 209
of that Act.
(e) Definitions.--In this section, the terms
``conservation'', ``coral reef'', ``covered reef manager'',
``covered State'', ``restoration'', and ``State'' have the
meaning given those terms in section 218 of the Coral Reef
Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by section 101.
TITLE IV--SUSAN L. WILLIAMS NATIONAL CORAL REEF MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP
SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.
This title may be cited as the ``Susan L. Williams National
Coral Reef Management Fellowship Act of 2020''.
SEC. 402. DEFINITIONS.
In this title:
(1) Fellow.--The term ``fellow'' means a National Coral
Reef Management Fellow.
(2) Fellowship.--The term ``fellowship'' means the National
Coral Reef Management Fellowship established in section 403.
(3) Indian tribe; tribal organization.--The terms ``Indian
Tribe'' and ``Tribal organization'' have the meanings given
those terms in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
(4) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Commerce.
SEC. 403. ESTABLISHMENT OF FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
(a) In General.--There is established a National Coral Reef
Management Fellowship Program.
(b) Purposes.--The purposes of the fellowship are--
(1) to encourage future leaders of the United States to
develop additional coral reef management capacity in States
and local communities with coral reefs;
(2) to provide management agencies of States, Tribal
organizations, and Freely Associated States with highly
qualified candidates whose education and work experience meet
the specific needs of each State, Indian Tribe, and Freely
Associated State; and
(3) to provide fellows with professional experience in
management of coastal and coral reef resources.
SEC. 404. FELLOWSHIP AWARDS.
(a) In General.--The Secretary shall award the fellowship
in accordance with this section.
(b) Term of Fellowship.--A fellowship awarded under this
section shall be for a term of not more than 24 months.
(c) Qualifications.--The Secretary shall award the
fellowship to individuals who have demonstrated--
(1) an intent to pursue a career in marine services and
outstanding potential for such a career;
(2) leadership potential, actual leadership experience, or
both;
(3) a college or graduate degree in biological science,
experience that correlates with aptitude and interest for
marine management, or both;
(4) proficient writing and speaking skills; and
(5) such other attributes as the Secretary considers
appropriate.
SEC. 405. MATCHING REQUIREMENT.
(a) In General.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the
non-Federal share of the costs of a fellowship under this
section shall be 25 percent of such costs.
(b) Waiver of Requirements.--The Secretary may waive the
application of subsection (a) if the Secretary finds that
such waiver is necessary to support a project that the
Secretary has identified as a high priority.
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