[House Report 117-626]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]


117th Congress   }                                     {       Report
                        HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
 2d Session      }                                     {      117-626

======================================================================



 
                 RESTORING RESILIENT REEFS ACT OF 2021

                                _______
                                

 December 14, 2022.--Committed to the Committee of the Whole House on 
            the State of the Union and ordered to be printed

                                _______
                                

 Mr. Grijalva, from the Committee on Natural Resources, submitted the 
                               following

                              R E P O R T

                        [To accompany H.R. 160]

    The Committee on Natural Resources, to whom was referred 
the bill (H.R. 160) to reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation 
Act of 2000 and to establish the United States Coral Reef Task 
Force, and for other purposes, having considered the same, 
reports favorably thereon with an amendment and recommends that 
the bill as amended do pass.
    The amendment is 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 2021''.
  (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 conserve 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, 
        Pacific Islander, and community-based coral reef management, 
        including monitoring, 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, 
        Tribal, Indigenous, 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 monitor, conserve, 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, including the reef matrix itself, that 
                benefit coastal communities and living marine 
                resources;
                  ``(D) priority areas for coral reef restoration to 
                enhance biodiversity and ecosystem structure and 
                function, including the reef matrix itself, 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.
          ``(4) The Office of Insular Affairs.''.
  (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 2021, 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 2021, 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 the impacts of pollution, 
        diminished water quality, temperature fluctuations, 
        acidification, overfishing, disease, and other disturbances 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 identification of coral reefs and 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 for review and approval by the Administrator.
  ``(b) Identification of Coral 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 Coral 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.
          ``(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 Coral 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 coral 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. BLOCK GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.

  ``(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.--
          ``(1) In general.--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.
          ``(2) Waiver.--In any fiscal year before fiscal year 2025, 
        the Administrator shall waive the requirement to qualify for 
        and receive additional grant amounts described in paragraph 
        (1).
  ``(c) Funding Formula.--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 during the previous fiscal 
                year, and
                  ``(B) an additional amount, from any funds 
                appropriated for activities under this section that 
                remain after distribution under subparagraph (A), 
                paragraph (1), and subsection (g)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) Cooperative Agreements.--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.
  ``(h) Unexpended Amounts.--Any amounts available for activities under 
this section that are not expended shall be transferred to the Coral 
Reef Stewardship Fund under section 208(b).

``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 2021 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), 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 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 Administrator 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.--There shall be deposited into the 
Fund--
          ``(1) amounts appropriated for the Fund; and
          ``(2) other amounts appropriated to the Administrator for use 
        with respect to coral reef emergencies.
  ``(d) Acceptance of Donations.--
          ``(1) In general.--For purposes of carrying out this title, 
        the Administrator 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 Administrator 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 Administrator 
                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 
        Administrator 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 Administrator 
                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 Administrator may extend the 
                deadline provided for under subparagraph (A) by not 
                more than 15 days.
          ``(4) Appeal.--If the Administrator 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 Administrator. Not later than 15 days after receiving an 
        appeal under this paragraph, the Administrator shall grant or 
        deny the appeal.
          ``(5) Revocation.--The Administrator 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) Financial Assistance Authority.--
          ``(1) In general.--Upon the declaration of a coral reef 
        emergency under subsection (a), the Administrator 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 Administrator 
                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 Administrator 
        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 Administrator 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, 
        remediation, 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) remediation 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.--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).
          ``(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;
                  ``(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; or
                  ``(M) maintaining the structure and function of coral 
                reefs, including the reef matrix itself.
  ``(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.
  ``(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 2021, 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.--
          ``(1) Designation.--The Administrator shall designate two 
        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;
                          ``(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) 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;
          ``(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 is authorized to be appropriated to the 
Administrator $38,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to 
carry out this title, which shall remain available until expended.
  ``(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) 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 Administrator not 
less than $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 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 designated under section 215(c).
  ``(d) Block Grants and Cooperative Agreements.--There is authorized 
to be appropriated to the Administrator, $15,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2022 through 2026, which shall remain available until expended, 
to carry out section 207.

``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 
        geographically appropriate 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 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).
          ``(6) Coral reef.--The term `coral reef' means calcium 
        carbonate 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.
          ``(7) 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 affect coral physiology, coral-algal symbiosis, 
                and biodiversity in such habitat.
          ``(8) Coral reef ecosystem services.--The term `coral reef 
        ecosystem services' means the attributes and benefits provided 
        by coral reef ecosystems including--
                  ``(A) protection of coastal beaches, structures, and 
                infrastructure;
                  ``(B) habitat for organisms of economic, ecological, 
                biomedical, medicinal, and cultural value;
                  ``(C) serving as centers for the promulgation, 
                performance, and training of cultural practices 
                representative of traditional ecological knowledge; and
                  ``(D) aesthetic value.
          ``(9) 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.
          ``(10) 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.
          ``(11) 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).
          ``(12) 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).
          ``(13) 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.
          ``(14) 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.
          ``(15) 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.
          ``(16) Resilience.--The term `resilience' means the capacity 
        for corals within their native range, coral reefs, or coral 
        reef ecosystems to resist and recover from natural and human 
        disturbances, and maintain structure and function to provide 
        coral reef ecosystem services as determined by clearly 
        identifiable, measurable, and science-based standards.
          ``(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 2021.
          ``(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''; and
          (2) 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 appointed by the President of the Federated 
        States of Micronesia.
          (2) A member appointed by the President of the Republic of 
        the Marshall Islands.
          (3) 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, in addition to 
activities authorized under section 203 of the Coral Reef Conservation 
Act of 2000, as amended by section 101, may provide scientific 
expertise, technical assistance, and 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.--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.
  (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this title for each of 
fiscal years 2022 to 2026, $4,000,000.

 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 2021''.

SEC. 402. DEFINITIONS.

  In this title:
          (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
        Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration.
          (2) Fellow.--The term ``fellow'' means a National Coral Reef 
        Management Fellow.
          (3) Fellowship.--The term ``fellowship'' means the National 
        Coral Reef Management Fellowship established in section 403.
          (4) 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).

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 Administrator, in coordination with the 
Secretary of the Interior, 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 Administrator, in coordination with the 
Secretary of the Interior, 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 Administrator, in 
        coordination with the Secretary of the Interior, consider 
        appropriate.

SEC. 405. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry 
out this title for each of fiscal years 2022-2026, $1,500,000, to 
remain available until expended.

                          Purpose of the Bill

    The purpose of H.R. 160 is to reauthorize the Coral Reef 
Conservation Act of 2000 and to establish the United States 
Coral Reef Task Force.

                  Background and Need for Legislation

    Although coral reef ecosystems occupy less than one-quarter 
of one percent of the ocean, they are one of the most 
productive ecosystems on Earth, supporting about 25 percent of 
all marine life. Many communities depend heavily on the goods 
and services they provide, including coastal protection, 
recreational opportunities, tourism, medicine, and habitat that 
supports fisheries, nurseries for fish and sharks, and 
biodiversity hot spots.\1\ Worldwide, coral reefs generate at 
least $9.9 trillion worth of resources each year.\2\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \1\Molberg and Folke. 1999. Ecological goods and services of coral 
reef ecosystems. Ecological Economics. 29: 215-233. https://doi.org/
10.1016/S0921-8009(99)00009-9.
    \2\Constanza et al. 2014. Changes in the Global Value of Ecosystem 
Services. Global Environmental Change. 26:152-158 https://doi.org/
10.1016/j.gloenvcha.2014.04.002.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The global climate crisis threatens coral reefs as ocean 
acidification and coral bleaching events worsen. Coral 
bleaching is a phenomenon in which corals whiten in response to 
rapid and severe environmental changes (such as increased 
temperature) that force coral to release algae that otherwise 
live within their tissues, provide their food, and protect them 
from UV damage. Ocean acidification weakens the framework and 
integrity of coral reefs, having domino effects on the 
ecosystems at large, which are supported in part by their 
complexity and structure.
    Coral reefs are also vulnerable to local human 
activities,\3\ such as development, land-based pollution, 
resource exploitation, physical damage, and disease.\4\ These 
multiple stressors rapidly degrade coral reefs, making it more 
challenging for corals to resist and recover after major 
disturbances and disease outbreaks.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \3\Environmental Protection Agency. Threats to Coral Reefs. https:/
/www.epa.gov/coral-reefs/threats-coral-reefs August 10, 2020.
    \4\NOAA Florida's Coral Reef Disease Outbreak https://
floridakeys.noaa.gov/coral-disease/. Aug 27, 2020.
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    Coral reef ecosystems provide substantial economic, 
societal, ecological, and cultural value to the United States, 
Territories, Commonwealths, and the Freely Associated 
States.\5\ They provide $1.8 billion worth of coastal 
protection annually.\6\ Three million Americans directly depend 
on the resources provided by coral reefs. In 2013, the total 
economic value of U.S.-managed shallow coral reefs was 
estimated to be $3.4 billion.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \5\https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2002/fs025-02/.
    \6\Storlazzi, C.D., et al. 2019, Rigorously valuing the role of 
U.S. coral reefs in coastal hazard risk reduction: U.S. Geological 
Survey Open-File Report. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20191027.
    \7\Edwards, P. E. T. (ed.). (2013). Summary Report: The Economic 
Value of U.S. Coral Reefs. NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, Silver 
Spring, MD.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    U.S coral reefs, covering more than four million acres, are 
found primarily in the waters around Hawai`i, Florida, American 
Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the 
Commonwealth of the North Mariana Islands.\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \8\https://pubs.usgs.gov/fs/2002/fs025-02/.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The third-largest reef in the world is off the coast of 
Florida, extending over 300 miles from St. Lucie, Florida, to 
the Dry Tortugas. Unfortunately, since 2014, it has been 
experiencing a severe stony coral tissue disease outbreak. 
Although historical coral cover on the Florida Reef Tract was 
between 25 to 40 percent, it is now less than four to ten 
percent. Since first emerging in Florida, the coral disease has 
spread to affect over 20 species distributed throughout the 
Florida Reef Tract and the broader Caribbean, including the 
U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
    In the Pacific, the coral reefs near Hawai`i have 
experienced three wide-spread bleaching events.\9\ Currently, 
20 coral species managed within U.S. coral reefs are listed as 
threatened under the Endangered Species Act.\10\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \9\NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center. Surveys to Assess 
the 2019 Hawaii Coral Bleaching Event https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/
feature-story/surveys-assess-2019-hawaii-coral-bleaching-event October 
1, 2019.
    \10\NOAA Listing of 20 Reef-Building Coral Species Under the ESA. 
Office of Protected Resources. https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/
listing-20-reef-building-coral-species-under-esa May 29, 2019.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    To address the growing threats facing coral ecosystems, 
Congress passed the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (CRCA) 
to protect, conserve, and restore the nation's coral reefs.\11\ 
The authorization of CRCA expired in 2005.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    \11\NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program Strategic Plan Handout. 
https://repository.library.noaa.gov/view/noaa/19419/noaa_19419_DS1.pdf.
    \12\16 USC Ch. 83; Coral Reef Conservation. https://
uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?path=/prelim@title16/
chapter83&edition=prelim.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
    H.R. 160 would reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act 
of 2000 and amend it to better address issues of climate 
change, ecosystem loss, and disease outbreaks. It establishes 
new programs and funding opportunities for states and 
territories to build on the work that has been done and the 
local investments in coral research, protection, and 
restoration. It also provides NOAA with the flexibility to 
provide funding to states and territories through block grants 
and carry out cooperative agreements if territories need 
assistance. This legislation provides an essential framework 
and funds for supporting partnerships among federal agencies, 
jurisdictional governments, researchers, managers, 
policymakers, and stakeholders to address and reverse the 
downward trajectory of our precious coral reefs and the 
benefits they provide.
    As of the filing of this report, the substance of H.R. 160 
is largely included in the version of H.R. 7776, the National 
Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2023, that 
passed the House on December 8, 2022.

                            Committee Action

    H.R. 160 was introduced on January 4, 2021, by 
Representative Darren Soto (D-FL). The bill was referred solely 
to the Committee on Natural Resources, and within the Committee 
to the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife. On May 4, 
2021, the Subcommittee held a hearing on the bill. On October 
13, 2021, the Natural Resources Committee met to consider the 
bill. The Subcommittee was discharged by unanimous consent. 
Chair Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ) offered an amendment in the 
nature of a substitute. Rep. Jenniffer Gonzalez-Colon (R-PR) 
offered an amendment designated Gonzalez-Colon #1 to the 
amendment in the nature of a substitute. The amendment was 
agreed to by voice vote. The Grijalva amendment in the nature 
of a substitute, as amended, was agreed to by unanimous 
consent. The bill, as amended, was adopted and ordered 
favorably reported to the House of Representatives by voice 
vote.

                                Hearings

    For the purposes of clause 3(c)(6) of House rule XIII, the 
following hearing was used to develop or consider this measure: 
hearing by the Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife held 
on May 4, 2021.

                      Section-by-Section Analysis


Title I--Reauthorization of Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000

    Section 101. Reauthorization of Coral Reef Conservation Act 
of 2000. This section strikes sections 202 and 203 of the Coral 
Reef Conservation Act of 2000 and inserts new sections 202 
through 218:re
    Section 202. Purposes. This section updates the purposes of 
the CRCA.
    Section 203. Federal Coral Reef Management and Restoration 
Activities. This section authorizes federal agencies to conduct 
conservation, mapping, monitoring, and restoration activities 
in federally managed coral reef units.
    Section 204A. National Coral Reef Resilience Strategy. In 
consultation with the Coral Reef Task Force, DOI, covered 
states, and tribal organizations, this section requires NOAA to 
draft and publish a national coral reef resilience strategy at 
least once every 20 years. This section allows the current 
plan, written in 2018 under the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 
2000, to fulfill the requirements of this section until 
September 30, 2033, or until the Administrator develops a 
national coral reef resilience strategy.
    Section 205. Coral Reef Action Plans. This section 
establishes guidelines for developing unit-specific action 
plans for coral reef restoration and conservation and sets 
requirements for the contents of those plans, which include: 
goals and objectives for the unit consistent with the national 
strategy; a review of past efforts and successes in restoring 
and managing the unit including the status of the unit, 
adaptive management strategies, emergency plans, addressing 
pollution arising from within the unit, and the status of 
cooperative efforts with federal, state, tribal, and local 
jurisdictions. These plans are subject to public review and 
must be updated every five years.
    Section 206. Coral Reef Stewardship Partnerships. This 
section directs NOAA to establish standards for identifying 
coral reefs and the formation of federal and non-federal coral 
reef stewardship partnerships focused on conserving and 
restoring local reefs.
    Section 207. Block Grants and Cooperative Agreements. This 
section authorizes NOAA to distribute block grants to states to 
implement state plans and strategies developed under Section 
205. The block grants include a base award of $100,000 and 
match state and territory investments in coral conservation on 
a 1:1 basis up to $3,000,000. It also authorizes cooperative 
agreements between federal agencies and states and territories.
    Section 208. Coral Reef Stewardship Fund. This section 
establishes a fund through the National Fish and Wildlife 
Foundation to support Coral Reef Stewardship Partnership 
activities.
    Section 209. Coral Reef Emergency Plans. This section 
directs the development of Coral Reef Emergency Plans by 
individual management units of applicable federal agencies, 
covered states, and certified Coral Reef Stewardship 
Partnerships to support a rapid response to circumstances 
presenting urgent and immediate threats to coral reef 
ecosystems, such as outbreaks of disease, invasive species, 
coral bleaching events, natural disasters, vessel groundings or 
chemical spills, coastal construction accidents, and other 
exigent circumstances.
    Section 210. Coral Reef Emergency Fund. This section 
establishes an emergency fund through the Treasury to support 
emergency response activities.
    Section 211. Emergency Assistance. This section authorizes 
grants for implementing coral reef emergency plans under 
Section 209 if the Administrator declares a coral reef 
emergency.
    Section 212. Vessel Grounding Inventory. This section 
authorizes NOAA to track vessel grounding incidents to inform 
future responses and improve aids to navigation as necessary.
    Section 213. Ruth D. Gates Coral Reef Conservation Grant 
Program. This section establishes a grant program to fund coral 
reef ecosystem conservation and restoration projects.
    Section 214. Reports on Administration. This section 
requires a bi-annual report on the implementation of this title 
to the relevant committees of Congress.
    Section 215. Authority to Enter into Agreements. This 
section authorizes NOAA to enter and perform such contracts, 
leases, grants, or cooperative agreements as may be necessary 
to carry out the purposes of this title. It designates an 
Atlantic Coral Reef Institute and a Pacific Coral Reef 
Institute to conduct ecological research and assist in the 
development and implementation of required strategies, action 
plans, and emergency plans, and building capacity within 
governmental resource management agencies.
    Section 216. Coral Reef Prize Competitions. This section 
authorizes the head of any federal agency serving on the U.S. 
Coral Reef Task Force to carry out a program to award prizes 
competitively under section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler 
Technology Innovation Act of 1980.
    Section 217. Authorization of Appropriations. This section 
authorizes $38 million for each fiscal year 2022 through 2026 
for the general coral reef programs authorized by the Coral 
Reef Conservation Act, and an additional $15 million each year 
for block grants and cooperative agreements.
    Section 218. Definitions. This section updates definitions 
in the Coral Reef Conservation Act and establishes a new 
definition for Coral Reef Ecosystem Services.
    Section 102. Modification to Section 204 of the Coral Reef 
Conservation Act of 2000. This section amends section 204 of 
the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 to ensure equity for 
American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana 
Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin 
Islands, allowing for cost-share waivers for the territories 
for Section 213 conservation grants.

Title II--United States Coral Reef Task Force

    Section 201. Establishment. This section establishes a U.S. 
Coral Reef Task Force.
    Section 202. Duties. This section defines the duties of the 
Task Force to include coordination, cooperation, monitoring, 
assessment, and technical assistance in the implementation and 
performance of coral reef management and restoration activities 
under Title I.
    Section 203. Membership. This section defines the 
membership of the Task Force to include representatives from a 
number of federal agencies as well as non-voting members 
appointed by the President of the Federated States of 
Micronesia, the President of the Republic of the Marshall 
Islands, and the President of the Republic of Palau.
    Section 204. Responsibilities of Federal Agency Members. 
This section establishes the responsibilities of federal 
members, including examining the impacts of agency action on 
coral reefs.
    Section 205. Working Groups. This section directs the 
establishment of working groups to carry out the work of the 
Task Force.
    Section 206. Definitions.

Title III--Department of the Interior Coral Reef Authorities

    Section 301. Coral Reef Conservation and Restoration 
Assistance. This section authorizes the Secretary of the 
Interior, in addition to activities authorized under Sec. 203 
as amended by section 101, to provide scientific expertise, 
technical assistance, and financial assistance for management 
and restoration activities consistent with Title I. This 
section also authorizes the Secretary to establish a Coral Reef 
Initiative Program within the Office of Insular Affairs and 
provide financial, technical, or scientific assistance for U.S. 
territories and freely associated states.

Title IV--Susan L. Williams National Coral Reef Management Fellowship

    Section 401. Short Title.
    Section 402. Definitions.
    Section 403. Establishment of Fellowship Program. This 
section establishes a fellowship program for early-career 
scientists and ecosystem managers to develop a coral management 
and restoration workforce.
    Section 404. Fellowship Awards. This section establishes 
the terms and qualifications for fellowship awards under this 
title.
    Section 405. Authorization of Appropriations. This section 
authorizes $1,500,000 for each fiscal year 2022-2026 to remain 
available until expended.

            Committee Oversight Findings and Recommendations

    Regarding clause 2(b)(1) of rule X and clause 3(c)(1) of 
rule XIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives, the 
Committee on Natural Resources' oversight findings and 
recommendations are reflected in the body of this report.

      Compliance With House Rule XIII and Congressional Budget Act

    1. Cost of Legislation and the Congressional Budget Act. 
With respect to the requirements of clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII 
of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 308(a) 
of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 and with respect to 
requirements of clause (3)(c)(3) and clause 3(d) of rule XIII 
of the Rules of the House of Representatives and section 402 of 
the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Committee has 
requested but not received a cost estimate for this bill from 
the Director of Congressional Budget Office. The Committee 
adopts as its own cost estimate the forthcoming cost estimate 
of the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, should such 
cost estimate be made available before House passage of the 
bill.
    The Committee has requested but not received from the 
Director of the Congressional Budget Office a statement as to 
whether this bill contains any new budget authority, spending 
authority, credit authority, or an increase or decrease in 
revenues or tax expenditures.
    2. General Performance Goals and Objectives. As required by 
clause 3(c)(4) of rule XIII, the general performance goals and 
objectives of this bill are to reauthorize the Coral Reef 
Conservation Act of 2000 and to establish the United States 
Coral Reef Task Force.

                           Earmark Statement

    This bill does not contain any Congressional earmarks, 
limited tax benefits, or limited tariff benefits as defined 
under clause 9(e), 9(f), and 9(g) of rule XXI of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives.

                 Unfunded Mandates Reform Act Statement

    An estimate of federal mandates prepared by the Director of 
the Congressional Budget Office pursuant to section 423 of the 
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act was not made available to the 
Committee in time for the filing of this report. The Chair of 
the Committee shall cause such estimate to be printed in the 
Congressional Record upon its receipt by the Committee, if such 
estimate is not publicly available on the Congressional Budget 
Office website.

                           Existing Programs

    This bill does not establish or reauthorize a program of 
the federal government known to be duplicative of another 
program. Such program was not included in any report from the 
Government Accountability Office to Congress pursuant to 
section 21 of Public Law 111-139. The Coral Reef Conservation 
Program (CFDA No.11.482) reauthorized by this bill is related 
and complementary to, but not duplicative of, the following 
programs identified in the most recent Catalog of Federal 
Domestic Assistance published pursuant to 31 U.S.C. Sec. 6104: 
Coastal Zone Management Administration Awards (CFDA No. 
11.419), Financial Assistance for National Centers for Coastal 
Ocean Science (11.426), Regional Fishery Management Councils 
(11.441), and Habitat Conservation (11.463). New programs 
established by the bill are related and complementary to, but 
not duplicative of, the Coral Reef Conservation Program (CFDA 
No.11.482).

                  Applicability to Legislative Branch

    The Committee finds that the legislation does not relate to 
the terms and conditions of employment or access to public 
services or accommodations within the meaning of section 
102(b)(3) of the Congressional Accountability Act.

               Preemption of State, Local, or Tribal Law

    Any preemptive effect of this bill over state, local, or 
tribal law is intended to be consistent with the bill's 
purposes and text and the Supremacy Clause of Article VI of the 
U.S. Constitution.

                        Changes in Existing Law


         Changes in Existing Law Made by the Bill, as Reported

  In compliance with clause 3(e) of rule XIII of the Rules of 
the House of Representatives, changes in existing law made by 
the bill, as reported, are shown as follows (existing law 
proposed to be omitted is enclosed in black brackets, new 
matter is printed in italics, and existing law in which no 
change is proposed is shown in roman):

                  CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000

TITLE II--CORAL REEF CONSERVATION

           *       *       *       *       *       *       *


[SEC. 202. PURPOSES.

   [The purposes of this title are--
          [(1) to preserve, sustain, and restore the condition 
        of coral reef ecosystems;
          [(2) to promote the wise management and sustainable 
        use of coral reef ecosystems to benefit local 
        communities and the Nation;
          [(3) to develop sound scientific information on the 
        condition of coral reef ecosystems and the threats to 
        such ecosystems;
          [(4) to assist in the preservation of coral reefs by 
        supporting conservation programs, including projects 
        that involve affected local communities and 
        nongovernmental organizations;
          [(5) to provide financial resources for those 
        programs and projects; and
          [(6) to establish a formal mechanism for collecting 
        and allocating monetary donations from the private 
        sector to be used for coral reef conservation projects.

[SEC. 203. NATIONAL CORAL REEF ACTION STRATEGY.

  [(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate and to the Committee on 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 shall periodically review and 
revise the strategy as necessary. In developing this national 
strategy, the Secretary may consult with the Coral Reef Task 
Force established under Executive Order 13089 (June 11, 1998).
  [(b) Goals and Objectives.--The action strategy shall include 
a statement of goals and objectives as well as 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;
          [(5) international and regional issues;
          [(6) outreach and education;
          [(7) local strategies developed by the States or 
        Federal agencies, including regional fishery management 
        councils; and
          [(8) conservation, including how the use of marine 
        protected areas to serve as replenishment zones will be 
        developed consistent with local practices and 
        traditions.]

SEC. 202. PURPOSES.

  The purposes of this title are--
          (1) to conserve 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, Pacific Islander, and community-based coral 
        reef management, including monitoring, 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, Tribal, Indigenous, 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 monitor, conserve, 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, including the 
                reef matrix itself, that benefit coastal 
                communities and living marine resources;
                  (D) priority areas for coral reef restoration 
                to enhance biodiversity and ecosystem structure 
                and function, including the reef matrix itself, 
                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.
          (4) The Office of Insular Affairs.

SEC. 204. CORAL REEF CONSERVATION PROGRAM.

  (a) Grants.--The Secretary, through the Administrator and 
subject to the availability of funds, shall provide grants of 
financial assistance for projects for the conservation of coral 
reefs (hereafter in this title referred to as ``coral 
conservation projects''), for proposals approved by the 
Administrator in accordance with [this section] section 213.
  (b) Matching Requirements.--
          (1) Fifty percent.--Except as provided in paragraph 
        (2), Federal funds for any coral conservation project 
        under this section may not exceed 50 percent of the 
        total cost of such project. For purposes of this 
        paragraph, the non-Federal share of project costs may 
        be provided by in-kind contributions and other noncash 
        support.
          (2) Waiver.--The Administrator may waive all or part 
        of the matching requirement under paragraph (1) if the 
        Administrator determines that no reasonable means are 
        available through which applicants can meet the 
        matching requirement and the probable benefit of such 
        project outweighs the public interest in such matching 
        requirement.
  [(c) Eligibility.--Any natural resource management authority 
of a State or other government authority with jurisdiction over 
coral reefs or whose activities directly or indirectly affect 
coral reefs, or coral reef ecosystems, or educational or 
nongovernmental institutions with demonstrated expertise in the 
conservation of coral reefs, may submit to the Administrator a 
coral conservation proposal under subsection (e).
  [(d) Geographic and Biological Diversity.--The Administrator 
shall ensure that funding for grants awarded under subsection 
(b) during a fiscal year are distributed in the following 
manner:
          [(1) No less than 40 percent of funds available shall 
        be awarded for coral conservation projects in the 
        Pacific Ocean within the maritime areas and zones 
        subject to the jurisdiction or control of the United 
        States.
          [(2) No less than 40 percent of the funds available 
        shall be awarded for coral conservation projects in the 
        Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean 
        Sea within the maritime areas and zones subject to the 
        jurisdiction or control of the United States.
          [(3) Remaining funds shall be awarded for projects 
        that address emerging priorities or threats, including 
        international priorities or threats, identified by the 
        Administrator. When identifying emerging threats or 
        priorities, the Administrator may consult with the 
        Coral Reef Task Force.
  [(e) Project Proposals.--Each proposal for a grant under this 
section 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 
        individuals who will conduct the project.
          [(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 in subsection (g).
          [(8) Any other information the Administrator 
        considers to be necessary for evaluating the 
        eligibility of the project for funding under this 
        title.
  [(f) Project Review and Approval.--
          [(1) In general.--The Administrator shall review each 
        coral conservation project proposal to determine if it 
        meets the criteria set forth in subsection (g).
          [(2) Review; approval or disapproval.--Not later than 
        6 months after receiving a project proposal under this 
        section, the Administrator shall--
                  [(A) request and consider written comments on 
                the proposal from each Federal agency, State 
                government, 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, 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;
                  [(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 to the person who 
                submitted the proposal, and each of those 
                States and other government jurisdictions that 
                provided comments under subparagraph (A).
  [(g) Criteria for Approval.--The Administrator may not 
approve a project proposal under this section unless the 
project is consistent with the coral reef action strategy under 
section 203 and will enhance the conservation of coral reefs 
by--
          [(1) implementing coral conservation programs which 
        promote sustainable development and ensure effective, 
        long-term conservation of coral reefs;
          [(2) addressing the conflicts arising from the use of 
        environments near coral reefs or from the use of 
        corals, species associated with coral reefs, and coral 
        products;
          [(3) enhancing 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;
          [(4) developing sound scientific information on the 
        condition of coral reef ecosystems or the threats to 
        such ecosystems, including factors that cause coral 
        disease;
          [(5) promoting and assisting to implement cooperative 
        coral reef conservation projects that involve affected 
        local communities, nongovernmental organizations, or 
        others in the private sector;
          [(6) increasing public knowledge and awareness of 
        coral reef ecosystems and issues regarding their long 
        term conservation;
          [(7) mapping the location and distribution of coral 
        reefs;
          [(8) developing and implementing techniques to 
        monitor and assess the status and condition of coral 
        reefs;
          [(9) developing and implementing cost-effective 
        methods to restore degraded coral reef ecosystems; or
          [(10) promoting ecologically sound navigation and 
        anchorages near coral reefs.
  [(h) Project Reporting.--Each grantee under this section 
shall provide periodic reports as required by the 
Administrator. Each report shall include all information 
required by the Administrator for evaluating the progress and 
success of the project.
  [(i) Coral Reef Task Force.--The Administrator may consult 
with the Coral Reef Task Force to obtain guidance in 
establishing coral conservation project priorities under this 
section.
  [(j) Implementation Guidelines.--Within 180 days after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall 
promulgate necessary guidelines for implementing this section. 
In developing those guidelines, the Administrator shall consult 
with State, regional, and local entities involved in setting 
priorities for conservation of coral reefs and provide for 
appropriate public notice and opportunity for comment.]

[SEC. 205. CORAL REEF CONSERVATION FUND.

  [(a) Fund.--The Administrator may enter into an agreement 
with a nonprofit organization that promotes coral reef 
conservation authorizing such organization to receive, hold, 
and administer funds received pursuant to this section. The 
organization shall invest, reinvest, and otherwise administer 
the funds and maintain such funds and any interest or revenues 
earned in a separate interest bearing account, hereafter 
referred to as the Fund, established by such organization 
solely to support partnerships between the public and private 
sectors that further the purposes of this Act and are 
consistent with the national coral reef action strategy under 
section 203.
  [(b) Authorization To Solicit Donations.--Pursuant to an 
agreement entered into under subsection (a) of this section, an 
organization may accept, receive, solicit, hold, administer, 
and use any gift to further the purposes of this title. Any 
moneys received as a gift shall be deposited and maintained in 
the Fund established by the organization under subsection (a).
  [(c) Review of Performance.--The Administrator shall conduct 
a continuing review of the grant program administered by an 
organization under this section. Each review shall include a 
written assessment concerning the extent to which that 
organization has implemented the goals and requirements of this 
section and the national coral reef action strategy under 
section 203.
  [(d) Administration.--Under an agreement entered into 
pursuant to subsection (a), the Administrator may transfer 
funds appropriated to carry out this title to an organization. 
Amounts received by an organization under this subsection may 
be used for matching, in whole or in part, contributions 
(whether in money, services, or property) made to the 
organization by private persons and State and local government 
agencies.

[SEC. 206. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.

  [The Administrator may make grants to any State, local, or 
territorial government agency with jurisdiction over coral 
reefs for emergencies to address unforeseen or disaster-related 
circumstance pertaining to coral reefs or coral reef 
ecosystems.

[SEC. 207. NATIONAL PROGRAM.

  [(a) In General.--Subject to the availability of 
appropriations, the Secretary may conduct activities to 
conserve coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems, that are 
consistent with this title, the National Marine Sanctuaries 
Act, the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, the Magnuson-
Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 
1972.
  [(b) Authorized Activities.--Activities authorized under 
subsection (a) include--
          [(1) mapping, monitoring, assessment, restoration, 
        and scientific research that benefit the understanding, 
        sustainable use, and long-term conservation of coral 
        reefs and coral reef ecosystems;
          [(2) enhancing public awareness, education, 
        understanding, and appreciation of coral reefs and 
        coral reef ecosystems;
          [(3) providing assistance to States in removing 
        abandoned fishing gear, marine debris, and abandoned 
        vessels from coral reefs to conserve living marine 
        resources; and
          [(4) cooperative conservation and management of coral 
        reefs and coral reef ecosystems with local, regional, 
        or international programs and partners.

[SEC. 208. EFFECTIVENESS REPORTS.

  [(a) Grant Program.--Not later than 3 years after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of 
Representatives a report that documents the effectiveness of 
the grant program under section 204 in meeting the purposes of 
this title. The report shall include a State-by-State summary 
of Federal and non-Federal contributions toward the costs of 
each project.
  [(b) National Program.--Not later than 2 years after the date 
on which the Administrator publishes the national coral reef 
strategy under section 203 and every 2 years thereafter, the 
Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on 
Resources of the House of Representatives a report describing 
all activities undertaken to implement that strategy, under 
section 203, including a description of the funds obligated 
each fiscal year to advance coral reef conservation.

[SEC. 209. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

  [(a) In General.--There are authorized to be appropriated to 
the Secretary to carry out this title $16,000,000 for each of 
fiscal years 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, which may remain 
available until expended.
  [(b) Administration.--Of the amounts appropriated under 
subsection (a), not more than the lesser of $1,000,000 or 10 
percent of the amounts appropriated, 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 Conservation Program.--From the amounts 
appropriated under subsection (a), there shall be made 
available to the Secretary $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 for coral reef conservation 
activities under section 204.
  [(d) National Coral Reef Activities.--From the amounts 
appropriated under subsection (a), there shall be made 
available to the Secretary $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004 for activities under section 207.

[SEC. 210. DEFINITIONS.

   [In this title:
          [(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means 
        the Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
        Atmospheric Administration.
          [(2) Conservation.--The term ``conservation'' means 
        the use of methods and procedures necessary to preserve 
        or sustain corals and associated species as diverse, 
        viable, and self-perpetuating coral reef ecosystems, 
        including all activities associated with resource 
        management, such as assessment, conservation, 
        protection, restoration, sustainable use, and 
        management of habitat; mapping; habitat monitoring; 
        assistance in the development 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.); law enforcement; conflict resolution 
        initiatives; community outreach and education; and that 
        promote safe and ecologically sound navigation.
          [(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), Alcyanacea (soft 
                corals), and Coenothecalia (blue coral), of the 
                class Anthozoa; and
                  [(B) all species of the order Hydrocorallina 
                (fire corals and hydrocorals) of the class 
                Hydrozoa.
          [(4) Coral reef.--The term ``coral reef'' means any 
        reefs or shoals composed primarily of corals.
          [(5) Coral reef ecosystem.--The term ``coral reef 
        ecosystem'' means coral and other species of reef 
        organisms (including reef plants) associated with coral 
        reefs, and the nonliving environmental factors that 
        directly affect coral reefs, that together function as 
        an ecological unit in nature.
          [(6) 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 (3).
          [(7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the 
        Secretary of Commerce.
          [(8) State.--The term ``State'' means any State of 
        the United States that contains a coral reef ecosystem 
        within its seaward boundaries, American Samoa, Guam, 
        the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the 
        Virgin Islands, and 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.]

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 2021, 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 2021, 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 the impacts of 
        pollution, diminished water quality, temperature 
        fluctuations, acidification, overfishing, disease, and 
        other disturbances 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 identification of coral reefs 
and 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 for review and approval by the Administrator.
  (b) Identification of Coral 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 Coral 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.
          (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 Coral 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 
                coral 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. BLOCK GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.

  (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.--
          (1) In general.--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.
          (2) Waiver.--In any fiscal year before fiscal year 
        2025, the Administrator shall waive the requirement to 
        qualify for and receive additional grant amounts 
        described in paragraph (1).
  (c) Funding Formula.--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 during the 
                previous fiscal year, and
                  (B) an additional amount, from any funds 
                appropriated for activities under this section 
                that remain after distribution under 
                subparagraph (A), paragraph (1), and subsection 
                (g)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) Cooperative Agreements.--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.
  (h) Unexpended Amounts.--Any amounts available for activities 
under this section that are not expended shall be transferred 
to the Coral Reef Stewardship Fund under section 208(b).

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 2021 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), 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 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 
        Administrator 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.--There shall be deposited into 
the Fund--
          (1) amounts appropriated for the Fund; and
          (2) other amounts appropriated to the Administrator 
        for use with respect to coral reef emergencies.
  (d) Acceptance of Donations.--
          (1) In general.--For purposes of carrying out this 
        title, the Administrator 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 Administrator 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 
                Administrator 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 Administrator 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 
                Administrator 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 Administrator may extend 
                the deadline provided for under subparagraph 
                (A) by not more than 15 days.
          (4) Appeal.--If the Administrator 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 
        Administrator. Not later than 15 days after receiving 
        an appeal under this paragraph, the Administrator shall 
        grant or deny the appeal.
          (5) Revocation.--The Administrator 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) Financial Assistance Authority.--
          (1) In general.--Upon the declaration of a coral reef 
        emergency under subsection (a), the Administrator 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 Administrator 
                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 
        Administrator 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 Administrator 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, 
        remediation, 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) remediation 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.--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).
          (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;
                  (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; or
                  (M) maintaining the structure and function of 
                coral reefs, including the reef matrix itself.
  (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.
  (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 2021, 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.--
          (1) Designation.--The Administrator shall designate 
        two 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;
                          (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) 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;
          (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 is authorized to be appropriated to 
the Administrator $38,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 
through 2026 to carry out this title, which shall remain 
available until expended.
  (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) 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 
Administrator not less than $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 
2022 through 2026 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 designated 
        under section 215(c).
  (d) Block Grants and Cooperative Agreements.--There is 
authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator, $15,000,000 
for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026, which shall remain 
available until expended, to carry out section 207.

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 geographically appropriate 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 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).
          (6) Coral reef.--The term ``coral reef'' means 
        calcium carbonate 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.
          (7) 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 affect coral physiology, coral-
                algal symbiosis, and biodiversity in such 
                habitat.
          (8) Coral reef ecosystem services.--The term ``coral 
        reef ecosystem services'' means the attributes and 
        benefits provided by coral reef ecosystems including--
                  (A) protection of coastal beaches, 
                structures, and infrastructure;
                  (B) habitat for organisms of economic, 
                ecological, biomedical, medicinal, and cultural 
                value;
                  (C) serving as centers for the promulgation, 
                performance, and training of cultural practices 
                representative of traditional ecological 
                knowledge; and
                  (D) aesthetic value.
          (9) 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.
          (10) 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.
          (11) 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).
          (12) 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).
          (13) 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.
          (14) 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.
          (15) 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.
          (16) Resilience.--The term ``resilience'' means the 
        capacity for corals within their native range, coral 
        reefs, or coral reef ecosystems to resist and recover 
        from natural and human disturbances, and maintain 
        structure and function to provide coral reef ecosystem 
        services as determined by clearly identifiable, 
        measurable, and science-based standards.
          (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 
        2021.
          (20) Tribal organization.--The term ``Tribal 
        organization'' has the meaning given the term ``tribal 
        organization'' in section 3765 of title 38, United 
        States Code.
                              ----------                              


                NATIONAL OCEANS AND COASTAL SECURITY ACT

DIVISION O--OTHER MATTERS

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                                TITLE IX

NATIONAL OCEANS AND COASTAL SECURITY

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  Sec. 905. ELIGIBLE USES.
  (a) In General.--Amounts in the Fund may be allocated by the 
Foundation to support programs and activities intended to 
better understand and utilize ocean and coastal resources [and 
coastal infrastructure], coastal infrastructure, and ecosystem 
services provided by natural systems such as coral reefs, 
including baseline scientific research, ocean observing, and 
other programs and activities carried out in coordination with 
Federal and State departments or agencies.
  (b) Prohibition on Use of Funds for Litigation or Other 
Purposes.--No funds made available under this title may be used 
to--
          (1) fund litigation against the Federal Government; 
        or
          (2) fund the creation of national marine monuments 
        and marine protected areas, marine spatial planning, or 
        the National Ocean Policy.

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        Supplemental, Minority, Additional, or Dissenting Views

    None.

                                  [all]