Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2020

To reauthorize and amend the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, and for other purposes. 1. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This Act may be cited as the Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2020 (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. Title I—Amendments to Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 Sec. 101. Revisions to purposes of Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000. Sec. 102. Revisions to national coral reef action strategy. Sec. 103. Revisions to Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program. Sec. 104. Coral reef public-private partnership. Sec. 105. Revisions to emergency assistance. Sec. 106. Revisions to national program. Sec. 107. Revisions to effectiveness reports. Sec. 108. Revisions to authorization of appropriations. Sec. 109. Revisions to definitions. Sec. 110. Establishment of United States Coral Reef Task Force. Sec. 111. Agreements. Sec. 112. Permits. Sec. 113. Regulations. Sec. 114. Use of recovered amounts. Sec. 115. Prize competitions to promote innovation in coral reef research and conservation. Sec. 116. Conforming and clerical amendments. Title II—Department of the Interior Coral Reef Authorities Sec. 201. Coral reef conservation and assistance. Sec. 202. United States Geological Survey Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies Program. Sec. 203. Use of recovered amounts. Sec. 204. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 205. Definitions. Title III—National Coral Reef Management Fellowship Sec. 301. Short title. Sec. 302. Definitions. Sec. 303. Fellowship program. Sec. 304. Fellowship awards. Title IV—Assessing the Threats and Values of Coral Reef Ecosystems Sec. 401. Definitions. Sec. 402. Study examining the impact of ultraviolet filters on coral reef ecosystems. Sec. 403. Study to determine the economic, societal, and ecological value of coral reef ecosystems in the United States and territories of the United States. Title V—Miscellaneous Provisions Sec. 501. Stock assessments under Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Sec. 502. Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program. I Amendments to Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 101. Revisions to purposes of Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 Section 202 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6401 (1) in paragraph (5), by striking and (2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (7) to ensure healthy and resilient coral reefs for the benefit of island and coastal communities and the United States. . 102. Revisions to national coral reef action strategy (a) In general Section 203 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6402 (1) in subsection (a)— (A) by inserting Natural Resources (B) by inserting , in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, shall periodically review and revise (C) by striking this national strategy the national coral reef action strategy or any review or revision to such strategy (D) by striking may consult shall consult (E) by striking Executive Order 13089 (June 11, 1998) section 209 (2) in subsection (b)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking goals and objectives as well as an implementation plan goals, objectives, and an implementation plan (B) in paragraph (7), by striking including regional fishery management councils; and (C) by amending paragraph (8) to read as follows: (8) conservation, including how the use of marine protected areas to serve as replenishment zones will be 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 (D) by adding at the end the following: (9) the condition of coral reefs located within maritime areas and zones subject to the jurisdiction or control of the United States; (10) emerging threats to coral health, including changes in ocean temperature and chemistry and threats identified under section 204(d)(3); (11) adaptive management approaches with clearly identifiable, measurable, and science-based goals; and (12) restoration efforts, including improving coral reef resiliency. . (b) Deadline Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall review and revise the national coral reef action strategy developed under such section. 103. Revisions to Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program Section 204 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6403 (1) in the heading, by inserting Grant Program (2) in subsection (d)— (A) in the heading, by striking Geographic and biological diversity Distribution of grants (B) in the language preceding paragraph (1), by striking subsection (b) subsection (a) (C) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows: (3) Remaining funds shall be awarded for projects that address— (A) bleaching; (B) mortality events; (C) disease outbreaks; (D) harmful algal blooms; (E) invasive or nuisance species outbreaks; (F) land-based sources of pollution; (G) overfishing; (H) ocean acidification; (I) coral reef restoration efforts; (J) regional or international priorities or threats; (K) physical impacts; (L) thermal events; and (M) such other priorities or emerging threats as the Secretary, in consultation with the United States Coral Reef Task Force, may identify. (4) To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall prioritize grants to a natural resource management authority of a State that is represented on the United States Coral Reef Task Force. ; (3) in subsection (f), by adding at the end the following: (3) Applicants seeking emergency consideration (A) Request An applicant for assistance under this section may request emergency consideration of such applicant’s proposal under this subsection. (B) Consideration The Secretary shall, not later than 15 days after the date of receipt of a request under subparagraph (A), conduct a preliminary review of the proposed project. The Secretary may issue not more than 50 percent of the total amount of assistance for which the Secretary estimates the project will qualify. ; (4) in subsection (g)— (A) in paragraph (1), by inserting and resilient coral reef ecosystems coral reefs (B) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows: (4) developing sound scientific information on the condition of coral reef ecosystems, threats to such ecosystems or the biodiversity of such ecosystems, the impacts of such threats, and potential interventions to address such threats; ; (C) in paragraph (5), by striking to implement the implementation of (D) in paragraph (6), by inserting , including how coral reefs function to protect island and coastal communities conservation (E) by amending paragraph (7) to read as follows: (7) mapping the location, distribution, and biodiversity, including taxonomic classification and related research, of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems; ; (F) in paragraph (8), by inserting and coral reef ecosystems reefs (G) in paragraph (9), by striking or (H) by amending paragraph (10) to read as follows: (10) preventing or minimizing the likelihood of vessel impacts on coral reefs, particularly those areas and any at-risk reefs identified under section 207(d), including by promoting ecologically sound navigation and anchorages near coral reefs; ; and (I) by adding at the end the following: (11) responding to, or taking action to mitigate the effects of, coral bleaching, disease, harmful algal blooms, ocean acidification, or other changes in ocean temperature and chemistry; (12) developing and implementing innovative ecological interventions to build or maintain coral reef resistance and resilience to stressors; (13) developing and implementing innovative invasive or nuisance species capture, collection, removal, or trapping methods for use around coral reefs; (14) developing and implementing cost-effective methods to restore degraded native coral reef ecosystems with an emphasis on techniques to advance coral recovery, growth, or resiliency; (15) research on coral diseases, including the prevention and treatment of such diseases; (16) understanding and cataloging coral genetic diversity, including research into traits that promote resilience and applying such research to coral reef restoration efforts; (17) developing in situ native coral propagation sites for use in coral reef restoration projects; (18) developing networks of ex situ coral propagation nurseries for conservation, including holding coral in aquarium systems and genetic banking, captive breeding of rare species, and captive breeding of resilient coral populations for use in coral reef restoration projects; (19) developing networks of improved, real-time water quality monitoring along coral reefs, especially reefs impacted by land-based sources of pollution including coastal runoff, sediment erosion and turbidity, and harmful algal blooms; (20) implementing research and restoration projects that help ensure the population viability of coral species listed pursuant to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1531 16 U.S.C. 1531 (21) supporting community-based planning and management initiatives for the protection of coral reef ecosystems identified by the States, scientific experts, or the United States Coral Reef Task Force as a high priority that— (A) support attainment of criteria described in paragraphs (1) through (20); (B) use, where applicable, watershed-based or ecosystem-based approaches; (C) provide for coordination with Federal and State experts and managers; (D) build upon local approaches or models, including traditional resource management concepts; and (E) complement local action strategies or regional plans for coral reef conservation efforts, as applicable. ; and (5) in subsection (j), by striking this Act Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2020 104. Coral reef public-private partnership Section 205 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6404 (1) in the heading, by striking Coral Reef Conservation Fund Coral Reef Public-Private Partnership (2) in subsection (a)— (A) by striking Fund Public-Private partnership (B) by striking , hereafter referred to as the Fund, (C) by striking organization solely organization— (A) to support public-private partnerships that further the purposes of this title and are consistent with the national coral reef action strategy under section 203; (B) to address emergency response actions undertaken or authorized under section 206; and (C) to support activities that prevent damage to coral reefs, including any at-risk reefs identified under section 207(d). ; and (3) in subsection (b); (A) by striking Fund separate interest bearing account (B) by adding at the end the following: The organization is encouraged to solicit donations, funding, and in-kind services from the private sector, including nongovernmental organizations, for emergency response actions under section 206 and for activities to prevent damage to coral reefs, including any at-risk reefs identified under section 207(d). 105. Revisions to emergency assistance Section 206 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6405 206. Coral event of national significance (a) Relief (1) In general Upon a determination under subsection (b) that there is an event of national significance, the appropriate Federal official is authorized to provide support, including emergency grants and contracts, equipment, and technical assistance, to any State, or local government agency with jurisdiction over a coral reef, or any entity contracted to act on behalf of a State or local government agency, for the purposes of— (A) assessing and mitigating the detrimental environmental, economic, subsistence use, and public health effects of the event; (B) respond rapidly to assess, stabilize, repair, recover, or restore a coral reef that is damaged, or that has lost the ability to function as an independent ecosystem; (C) remove or stabilize a vessel grounded on or in the vicinity of a coral reef; and (D) otherwise provide for rapid response to, assessment of, or monitoring of an event of national significance pertaining to a coral reef or coral reef ecosystem. (2) Matching requirement (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (C), the Federal share of the costs of an activity conducted under this section shall not exceed 75 percent of the costs for such activity. (B) In-kind contributions In making a calculation of the non-Federal share of the costs of an activity under subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall include in such calculation the fair market value of property and services used for the activity. (C) Waiver of requirements The Secretary may waive the application of subparagraph (A) if the Secretary finds that such waiver is necessary to support a project that the Secretary has identified as high priority. (3) Written agreements The Secretary may enter into written agreements with any State in which a coral reef is located regarding the manner in which the activities authorized under this section shall be conducted within the affected State’s waters. (4) Cooperative enforcement agreements All cooperative enforcement agreements in place between the Secretary and a State affected by this title shall be updated to include enforcement of this title where appropriate. (5) Damage and cost assessment In carrying out this section, the Secretary shall assess damages to coral reefs and applicable response and restoration costs in consultation with State officials regarding response and damage assessment actions undertaken for coral reefs within State waters. The Secretary shall make such assessments, including any related data and information, readily available to the public on a public website upon completion of such assessments. (6) Determinations (A) In general At the discretion of the Secretary, or at the request of the Governor of an affected State, an appropriate Federal official shall determine whether a coral event is an event of national significance. (B) Considerations In making a determination under paragraph (1), the appropriate Federal official shall consider the severity of the event or disease outbreak or bleaching, its potential to spread, the economic impact, and the geographic scope, including the potential to affect several municipalities, to affect more than one State, or to cross an international boundary. (b) Definitions In this section: (1) Event of national significance The term event of national significance (A) a coral disease outbreak or coral bleaching event that has had or will likely have a significant detrimental environmental, economic, subsistence use, or public health impact on an affected State; (B) a vessel collision that severely negatively impacts a coral reef ecosystem; (C) an unforeseen or disaster-related circumstance that negatively impacts a coral reef ecosystem, including as a result of human activities; (D) a harmful algal bloom or invasive or nuisance species outbreak that negatively impacts a coral reef ecosystem; or (E) the presence of an unexploded ordnance or similar underwater munitions that harms a coral reef ecosystem. (2) Coral disease outbreak or coral bleaching event The term coral disease outbreak or coral bleaching event . 106. Revisions to national program Section 207 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6406 (1) in subsection (b)— (A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as follows: (2) enhancing public awareness, education, understanding, and appreciation of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems, including the benefits healthy and resilient coral reefs provide to island and coastal communities and to the United States; ; (B) by amending paragraph (3) to read as follows: (3) removing or otherwise addressing, and providing assistance to States in removing or otherwise addressing, derelict fishing gear, marine debris, and abandoned vessels from coral reef ecosystems to conserve living marine resources; ; (C) by amending paragraph (4) to read as follows: (4) cooperative conservation, research, restoration, and management of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems with local, regional, or international programs and partners, including research institutions located in a State; ; and (D) by adding at the end the following: (5) improving and promoting the resilience of corals, coral reefs, and coral reef ecosystems; (6) activities designed to prevent or minimize the likelihood of vessel impacts or other physical damage to coral reefs, including any at-risk reefs identified under section 207(d); and (7) centrally archiving, managing, and distributing data sets and coral reef ecosystem assessments and making such information readily available on public websites, including, at the discretion of the Administrator, on the public websites of local, regional, or international programs and partners. ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (c) Vessel grounding inventory The Secretary, in coordination with other Federal agencies, shall establish and maintain an inventory of all vessel grounding incidents involving coral reefs, including a description of— (1) the impacts to such coral reefs and related natural resources; (2) vessel and ownership information; (3) an estimate of the costs for— (A) removal of the vessel; or (B) restoration of the impacted reef; (4) to the extent practicable, the actual costs, including costs estimated under section 206(e), that were incurred by each party that participated in any— (A) removal of the vessel; or (B) restoration of the impacted reef; (5) the response action taken by the vessel owner, the Secretary, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, or other Federal or State agencies; (6) the status of the response action, including the dates of vessel removal and coral reef restoration, and any actions taken to prevent future grounding incidents; and (7) any other pertinent information the Secretary determines appropriate. (d) At-Risk reefs (1) Inventory The Secretary shall establish and maintain a nationwide inventory of at-risk reefs, including proposed remediation to address threats or damage to at-risk reefs identified under this subsection. (2) Identification The Secretary shall use data and information collected or compiled under this title or any other available information source to identify at-risk reefs to be included in the inventory under paragraph (1). (3) Remediation The Secretary shall identify appropriate measures, including measures taken by other agencies, to remediate at-risk reefs, including— (A) recommendations to prevent, reduce the likelihood, or otherwise address negative impacts and incidents; (B) cooperative actions with other Federal, State, and local agencies and nongovernmental partners; and (C) a strategy and timetable to implement such measures and recommendations. (4) Measures taken To the extent practicable, the Secretary shall track any measures taken to remediate at-risk reefs identified under paragraph (2), including any measures identified and taken under paragraph (3). (5) Publication The Secretary shall make any inventory established and maintained under this subsection, a description of the remediation measures identified under paragraph (3), and a description of any actions tracked under paragraph (4), readily available to the public on a government website. (e) Data stewardship and accessibility (1) In general The Secretary, in coordination with similar efforts at other Departments and agencies, shall provide for the long-term stewardship and public accessibility of all environmental data and information collected under this title. (2) Activities The Secretary shall— (A) archive environmental data, research, and similar information collected under this title with the use of Federal funds; (B) to the greatest extent practicable, make such environmental data and information readily available to the public on a government website; (C) develop standards, protocols, and procedures for sharing Federal data with non-Federal partner agencies and the private sector or academia; and (D) develop metadata standards for coral reef ecosystems in accordance with Federal Geographic Data Committee guidelines. . 107. Revisions to effectiveness reports Section 208 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6407 208. Effectiveness reports Not less than once every 5 years, the Secretary, in cooperation with the United States Coral Reef Task Force, shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives a report, with respect to the 5 fiscal years preceding the year in which the report is submitted, that— (1) describes the funds obligated by each Federal agency to implement the national coral reef action strategy; (2) summarizes all actions taken by Federal and non-Federal entities under the national coral reef action strategy; (3) provides a State-by-State summary of Federal and non-Federal contributions toward the costs of each project for which a grant was awarded under the coral reef conservation grant program under section 204; (4) provides an accounting of Federal funds transferred to a nonprofit organization and non-Federal matching funds provided by such nonprofit organization under the coral reef public-private partnership under section 205; (5) summarizes emergency response actions undertaken or authorized under section 206; (6) summarizes the information contained in any vessel grounding inventory under section 207(c) and any additional authorization or funding needed for response and removal of vessels listed in such inventory; (7) provides a summary of any at-risk reefs identified under section 207(d) and any remediation actions recommended, underway, or taken under such section; (8) assesses the conditions of coral reefs in the United States, accomplishments under this title, and the effectiveness of management actions to address threats to coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems; and (9) any other pertinent information the Secretary determines appropriate. . 108. Revisions to authorization of appropriations Section 209 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6408 (1) by amending subsection (a) to read as follows: (a) In general There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Commerce to carry out this title the following amounts, which shall remain available until expended: (1) $38,000,000 for fiscal year 2021. (2) $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2022. (3) $42,000,000 for fiscal year 2023. (4) $44,000,000 for fiscal year 2024. (5) $45,000,000 for fiscal year 2025. ; (2) in subsection (b), by striking $1,000,000 $2,000,000 (3) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows: (c) Coral reef conservation grant program From the amounts appropriated under subsection (a) for a fiscal year, there shall be made available to the Secretary of Commerce not less than $14,000,000 for the coral reef conservation grant program under section 204. ; and (4) by amending subsection (d) to read as follows: (d) National program From the amounts appropriated under subsection (a) for a fiscal year, there shall be made available to the Secretary of Commerce not less than $16,000,000 for activities conducted under section 207. . 109. Revisions to definitions Section 210 of the of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6409 210 Definitions In this Act: (1) Administrator The term Administrator (2) At-risk reef The term at-risk reef (3) Bona fide research The term bona fide research (A) to be eligible for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal; (B) to contribute to the basic knowledge of coral biology or coral reef ecology; (C) to improve management of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems; or (D) to identify, evaluate, or resolve conservation issues or decisions. (4) Conservation The term conservation (A) all activities associated with resource management, such as assessment, research, protection, restoration, sustainable use, and management of habitat; (B) mapping, observation, or monitoring of coral reef ecosystems; (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 16 U.S.C. 1801 (D) law enforcement; (E) conflict resolution initiatives; (F) community outreach and education; and (G) activities that promote safe and ecologically sound navigation. (5) Coral The term coral (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 families Milleporidae (fire corals) and Stylasteridae (stylasterid hydrocorals), of the class Hydrozoa. (6) Coral reef The term coral reef (7) Coral reef component The term coral reef component (8) Coral reef ecosystem The term coral reef ecosystem (9) Coral products The term coral products (10) Damages The term damages (A) compensation for— (i) (I) the cost of replacement, restoration, remediation, or acquisition of the equivalent of a coral or coral reef resource; and (II) the value of the lost use or services of a coral or coral reef resource pending the replacement, restoration, remediation, or acquisition of the equivalent coral or coral reef resource; or (ii) the value of a coral or coral reef resource if the coral or coral reef resource cannot be replaced, restored, or remediated or if the equivalent of such resource cannot be acquired; and (B) the reasonable cost of monitoring appropriate to the injured, replaced, restored, or remediated coral or coral reef resource. (11) National coral reef action strategy The term national coral reef action strategy (12) Resilience The term resilience (13) Response costs The term response costs (A) minimize destruction, loss, or taking of, or injury to a coral reef or component thereof; (B) prevent or minimize the imminent risks of such destruction, loss, or taking of, or injury to; (C) assess the reasonable costs of damage as determined under section 206(e); and (D) respond to or otherwise address an emergency pertaining a coral reef or coral reef ecosystem. (14) Restoration The term restoration (15) United states coral reef task force The term United States Coral Reef Task Force . 110. Establishment of United States Coral Reef Task Force (a) In general The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6401 (1) by redesignating sections 209 and 210, as amended by this Act, as sections 215 and 216, respectively; and (2) by inserting after section 208 the following: 209. United States Coral Reef Task Force (a) Establishment There is hereby established the United States Coral Reef Task Force. (b) Duties The duties of the United States Coral Reef Task Force shall be to coordinate and strengthen Federal, State, international, and local actions to conserve and restore coral reef ecosystems by— (1) supporting, in cooperation with non-Federal partners as appropriate, activities regarding the mapping, monitoring, research, conservation, mitigation, and restoration of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems; (2) implementing the policy and Federal agency responsibilities set forth in Executive Order 13089 (63 Fed. Reg. 32701; relating to coral reef protection) (as in effect on June 11, 1998), the national coral reef action strategy, and activities authorized by this title; (3) analyzing the United States role in international trade and protection of coral species; (4) enhancing public awareness, education, understanding, and appreciation of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems, including the benefits healthy and resilient coral reefs provide to island and coastal communities and the United States; (5) supporting coral reef ecosystem research, including on the ecological and economic benefits of coral reefs, both extramurally and across government agencies; and (6) encouraging implementation of strategies and actions for the conservation and sustainable use of coral reef resources worldwide. (c) Leadership The Secretary of Commerce, represented ex officio by the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the Secretary of the Interior shall lead the United States Coral Reef Task Force as co-chairs. (d) Voting membership The voting members of the United States Coral Reef Task Force shall be comprised of— (1) the co-chairs designated under subsection (c); (2) the Federal agency members specified by Executive Order 13089 (63 Fed. Reg. 32701; relating to coral reef protection) (as in effect on June 11, 1998); (3) the Secretary of the Army, represented ex officio by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works of the Corps of Engineers; (4) the Secretary of Homeland Security represented by the United States Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency; and (5) the Governor, if such Governor elects to participate in the United States Coral Reef Task Force, of— (A) the State of Florida; (B) the State of Hawaii; (C) American Samoa; (D) Guam; (E) the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands; (F) Puerto Rico; and (G) the Virgin Islands of the United States. (e) Non-Voting membership The non-voting members of the United States Coral Reef Task Force shall be comprised of the President or a representative of the President, if such President elects to participate, of each of the Freely Associated States of— (1) the Federated States of Micronesia; (2) the Republic of the Marshall Islands; and (3) the Republic of Palau. (f) Responsibilities of federal agency members The Federal members of the United States Coral Reef Task Force shall— (1) identify actions by their agencies that may affect coral reef ecosystems; (2) use the authorities and programs of their agencies to carry out the duties of the United States Coral Reef Task Force as defined by subsection (b); and (3) implement the national coral reef action strategy and any other coordinated efforts approved by the United States Coral Reef Task Force. (g) Working groups The co-chairs of the United States Coral Reef Task Force may establish working groups as necessary to advance the purposes of this title, including— (1) at the request of members of the United States Coral Reef Task Force; and (2) working groups for which vested stakeholders, including nongovernmental organizations and research institutions, such as marine laboratories and coral reef institutes, are participants. (h) Nonapplication of FACA The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the United States Coral Reef Task Force or working groups established by the United States Coral Reef Task Force. . (b) Conforming amendment The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6401 United States Coral Reef Task Force United States Coral Reef Task Force 111. Agreements (a) In general The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6401 210. Agreements (a) In general The Secretary may execute and perform such contracts, leases, grants, cooperative agreements, or other transactions as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this title. (b) Funding Under an agreement entered into under subsection (a), the Secretary may fulfill the terms of the agreement by reimbursing or providing appropriated funds to, and may receive funds or reimbursements from— (1) Federal agencies, instrumentalities and laboratories; (2) State and local governments; (3) Federally recognized Indian Tribes and Indian Tribal organizations; (4) international organizations; (5) foreign governments; (6) research institutions, including marine laboratories and coral reef institutes; (7) nongovernmental organizations; (8) nonprofit organizations; (9) commercial organizations; and (10) other public and private persons or entities, as necessary for purposes identified in section 202 and actions taken under section 206. (c) Cooperative institute (1) Establishment Subject to paragraph (2), the Secretary shall establish a cooperative institute or cooperative institutes for the purpose of advancing and sustaining essential capability in coral reef research. (2) Membership To be eligible to designed as a cooperative institute under paragraph (1), an institution shall include a coral research center, designated by the administrator, that— (A) is operated by an institution of higher education (as such term is defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001(a) (B) has established management-driven national or regional coral reef research or restoration programs; (C) is located in a State; (D) has demonstrated the ability to coordinate closely with appropriate Federal and State agencies, as well as other academic and nonprofit organizations; and (E) maintains significant local community engagement and outreach programs related to coral reef ecosystems. (3) Functions The cooperative institute or institutes established under this section shall— (A) conduct bona fide research, observation, and monitoring of coral reef ecosystems aimed at building capacity for more effective resource management and coral reef restoration; and (B) through agreements with centers referred to in paragraph (1)— (i) collaborate directly with governmental resource management agencies, nonprofit organizations, academic research institutions, and other research organizations; (ii) build capacity within resource management agencies to establish research priorities, plan interdisciplinary research projects, and make effective use of research results; and (iii) conduct public education and awareness programs for policymakers, resource managers, and the general public on coral reef ecosystems, best practices for coral reef and ecosystem management, conservation, and restoration, their value, and threats to their sustainability. (d) Multiyear cooperative agreements The Secretary may enter into, extend, or renegotiate multiyear cooperative agreements with the heads of other Federal, State, and local government agencies and other vested stakeholders, including nongovernmental organizations and research institutions, such as marine laboratories and coral reef institutes, to further the purposes of this title consistent with the national coral reef action strategy developed under section 203. (e) Other use of agencies’ resources For purposes related to the conservation, preservation, protection, restoration, or replacement of coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems and the enforcement of this title, the Secretary is authorized to use, with their consent and with or without reimbursement, the land, services, equipment, personnel, and facilities of any Department, agency, or instrumentality of the United States, or of any State, local government, or Indian tribal government, or of any political subdivision thereof, or of any foreign government or international organization. . 112. Permits The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6401 211. Permits (a) In general The Secretary may, in accordance with this section and regulations promulgated under this title, issue a permit authorizing the conduct of bona fide research or other activities compatible with one or more of the purposes in section 202 of this title. (b) Terms and conditions The Secretary may place any terms and conditions on a permit issued under this section that the Secretary deems reasonable. (c) Fees (1) Assessment and collection Subject to regulations promulgated under this title, the Secretary may assess and collect fees as specified in this subsection. (2) Amount Any fee assessed shall be equal to the sum of— (A) all costs incurred, or expected to be incurred, by the Secretary in processing the permit application, including indirect costs; and (B) if the permit is approved, all costs incurred, or expected to be incurred, by the Secretary as a direct result of the conduct of the activity for which the permit is issued. (3) Use of fees Amounts collected by the Secretary in the form of fees under this section may be used by the Secretary for issuing and administering permits under this section. (4) Waiver or reduction of fees For any fee assessed under paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary may— (A) accept in-kind contributions in lieu of a fee; or (B) waive or reduce the fee. (d) Fishing Nothing in this section shall be considered to require a person to obtain a permit under this section for the conduct of any fishing activities not prohibited by this title or regulations promulgated thereunder. . 113. Regulations The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6401 212. Regulations The Secretary may issue such regulations as are necessary and appropriate to carry out the purposes of this title. This title and any regulations promulgated thereunder shall be applied in accordance with international law. No restrictions shall apply to or be enforced against a person who is not a citizen, national, or resident alien of the United States (including foreign-flag vessels) unless in accordance with international law. . 114. Use of recovered amounts The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6401 213. Use of recovered amounts Any amounts available to the Secretary of Commerce that are attributable to fines, penalties, or forfeitures of property (including proceeds from the sale of such forfeited property) imposed for violations of any marine resource law enforced by such Secretary, or regulations implementing such law, for damages to corals, coral reefs, or coral reef ecosystems shall be used by such Secretary— (1) for the benefit of the coral reef ecosystem impacted by the applicable violation, to the extent practicable; (2) to carry out emergency response activities authorized under section 206, including to reimburse any Federal, State or local government agency for response costs incurred; or (3) to carry out the purposes of this title, including grants of financial assistance for coral reef conservation projects. . 115. Prize competitions to promote innovation in coral reef research and conservation The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6401 214. 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 under Executive Order 13089 issued on June 11, 1998 ( 16 U.S.C. 6401 15 U.S.C. 3719 (b) Purposes Any program carried out under this section shall be for the purpose of stimulating innovation to advance the ability of the United States to understand, research, or monitor coral reef ecosystems, or to develop management or adaptation options to preserve, sustain, and restore coral reef ecosystems. (c) Priority programs Priority shall be given to establish programs under this section that address communities, environments, or industries that are in distress due to the decline or degradation of coral reef ecosystems, including— (1) scientific research and monitoring that furthers the understanding of causes behind coral reef decline and degradation and the generally slow recovery following disturbances, including ocean acidification and its impacts on coral reproduction; (2) the development of monitoring or management options for communities or industries that are experiencing significant financial hardship; (3) the development of adaptation options to alleviate economic harm and job loss caused by damage to coral reef ecosystems; (4) the development of measures to help vulnerable communities or industries, with an emphasis on rural communities and businesses; and (5) the development of adaptation and management options for impacted tourism industries. . 116. Conforming and clerical amendments (a) Conforming amendments The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6401 Administrator Secretary (b) Clerical amendment Section 201 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6401 201. Short title; table of contents (a) Short title This title may be cited as the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (b) Table of contents The table of contents for this title is as follows: Sec. 201. Short title; table of contents. Sec. 202. Purposes. Sec. 203. National coral reef action strategy. Sec. 204. National Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program. Sec. 205. Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program. Sec. 206. Coral Reef Public-Private Partnership. Sec. 207. National Program. Sec. 208. Effectiveness reports. Sec. 209. United States Coral Reef Task Force. Sec. 210. Agreements. Sec. 211. Permits. Sec. 212. Regulations. Sec. 213. Use of recovered amounts. Sec. 214. Coral Reef Prize Competitions Sec. 215. Authorization of appropriations. Sec. 216. Definitions. . II Department of the Interior Coral Reef Authorities 201. Coral reef conservation and assistance (a) In general The Secretary of the Interior may conduct activities to conserve coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems within— (1) any unit of the National Park System; (2) any unit of the National Wildlife Refuge System; (3) any National Monument or Marine National Monument designated by an Act of Congress or under section 320301 of title 54, United States Code, under the administrative jurisdiction of the Secretary; or (4) any other Federal land unit or any territorial waters under the administration of the Secretary. (b) Assistance The Secretary may provide technical assistance, scientific expertise, and financial assistance grants for the conservation of coral reefs in proximity to the Federal land and waters described in paragraph (a) to— (1) entities eligible to receive a grant under section 204 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6403 (2) territories of the United States; and (3) federally recognized Indian Tribes. (c) Requirement The Secretary shall ensure that any action taken by the Secretary under this title is consistent with the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6401 16 U.S.C. 6402 (d) Office of Insular Affairs Coral Reef Initiative The Secretary shall establish within the Office of Insular Affairs a Coral Reef Initiative Program to— (1) provide grant funding to support local management, conservation, and protection of coral reef ecosystems in— (A) insular areas; and (B) freely associated states; (2) complement the other conservation and assistance activities conducted under this title; and (3) provide other technical, scientific, and financial assistance and conduct conservation activities that advance the purposes of this title. 202. United States Geological Survey Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies Program The Secretary shall establish within the United States Geological Survey a program to be known at the Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies Program to— (1) research, monitor, and map coral reef ecosystems to understand coral reef processes and assess coral reef health, including the effects of changes in ocean temperature and chemistry, ocean acidification, land-based sources of pollution including coastal runoff, sediment erosion and turbidity, and harmful algal blooms; (2) develop science and tools to assess and help address the consequences of changing coral reef structure on tourism, recreation, community vulnerability and resilience to storms, erosion, and inundation, and to inform the management of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems; (3) complement the other conservation and assistance activities conducted under this title; (4) provide technical assistance, subject to the availability of appropriations, for research on coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems to— (A) entities eligible to receive a grant under section 204 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6403 (B) territories of the United States; (5) coordinate United States Geological Survey activities relating to coral reefs, including the National Wildlife Health Center; and (6) carry out other scientific and conservation activities that advance the purposes of this title, as considered appropriate by the Secretary. 203. Use of recovered amounts All amounts available to the Secretary of the Interior that are attributable to fines, penalties, and forfeitures of property (or proceeds from the sale of such forfeited property) imposed for violations of any law for which the Secretary of the Interior is an enforcement agency, including the Endangered Species Act of 1973 ( 16 U.S.C. 1531 16 U.S.C. 3371 (1) for the benefit of the coral reef ecosystem impacted by the applicable violation, to the extent practicable; (2) to carry out emergency response activities authorized under section 206 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 ( 16 U.S.C. 6405 (3) to carry out the purposes of this title, including grants of financial assistance for coral reef conservation projects. 204. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of the Interior to carry out this title $12,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, which may remain available until expended. (b) Office of Insular Affairs coral reef initiative program From the amounts appropriated under subsection (a) for a fiscal year, there shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular Areas, not less than $3,000,000 for the grant program under section 201(d). (c) United States Geological Survey coral reef ecosystem studies program From the amounts appropriated under subsection (a) for a fiscal year, there shall be made available to the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the United States Geological Survey, not less than $4,000,000 for the Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies Program under section 203. 205. Definitions In this title: (1) Conservation The term conservation (2) Coral reef The term coral reef (3) Coral reef ecosystem The term coral reef ecosystem 16 U.S.C. 6409 (4) Freely associated state The term Freely Associated State (5) Insular area The term Insular Area (6) Resilience The term resilience III National Coral Reef Management Fellowship 301. Short title This title may be cited as the National Coral Reef Management Fellowship Act of 2020 302. Definitions In this title: (1) Secretary The term Secretary (2) Fellow The term fellow (3) Fellowship The term fellowship 303. Fellowship program (1) In general There is established the National Coral Reef Management Fellowship Program. (2) Purposes The purposes of the Fellowship Program is to encourage future leaders of the United States— (A) to develop additional coral reef management capacity in States and Territories with coral reefs; (B) provide State and Territorial coral reef management agencies with highly qualified candidates whose education and work experience meet the specific needs of each State and territory; and (C) provide the individual fellows with professional experience in coastal and coral reef resources management. (3) Administration The Secretary shall offer to provide a grant to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Ocean Service to administer the Fellowship. 304. Fellowship awards (a) In general The Secretary shall make available National Coral Reef Management Fellowship in accordance with this subsection. (b) Period of fellowship National Coral Reef Management Fellowship awarded under this section shall be for not more than 24 months. (c) Qualifications A successful program applicant shall be an individual who has demonstrated— (1) an intent to pursue a career in marine services and outstanding potential for such a career; (2) leadership potential or actual leadership experience; (3) diverse life experience; (4) proficient writing and speaking skills; and (5) such other attributes as are considered to be appropriate by the Director. (d) Matching requirement (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), the non-Federal share of the costs of a fellowship under this section shall be 25 percent of such costs. (2) Waiver of requirements The Secretary may waive the application of paragraph (1) if the Secretary finds that such waiver is necessary to support a project that the Secretary has identified as of high priority. (e) Authorization of appropriations There are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary such sums as are necessary to carry out this section, to remain available until expended. IV Assessing the Threats and Values of Coral Reef Ecosystems 401. Definitions In this title: (1) Secretary The term Secretary (2) National Academy The term National Academy (3) Appropriate Committees of Congress The term appropriate committees of Congress (A) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and (B) the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives. (4) Coral reef ecosystem The term coral reef ecosystem (5) Ultraviolet filters The term ultraviolet filters 402. Study examining the impact of ultraviolet filters on coral reef ecosystems (a) Agreement The Secretary shall, not more than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study and submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report examining the impact of ultraviolet filters on coral reef ecosystems, including— (1) an assessment of the impacts of common ultraviolet filters on coral reef ecosystems including regional, longitudinal, and long-term chronic impacts; (2) an assessment of the bioconcentration and bioaccumulation potential of ultraviolet filters in coral reef ecosystems; (3) an assessment of the interaction effects of ultraviolet filters between predicted temperature and ocean acidification conditions; (4) considerations of the ecological, conservation, economic, and social factors involved in a ban of specific ultraviolet filters; and (5) recommendations for ultraviolet filters that are safe and ultraviolet filters that pose a threat to healthy coral reef ecosystems. (b) Submission to Congress Not more than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit the final report of the National Academy containing the results of the study carried out under subsection (a) to the appropriate committees. (c) Publication Not more than 30 days after the completion of the report produced pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary shall make such report available on a public website. 403. Study to determine the economic, societal, and ecological value of coral reef ecosystems in the United States and territories of the United States (a) Agreement The Secretary shall, not more than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study evaluating the economic, societal, and ecological value of coral reef ecosystems in the United States and Territories of the United States, including— (1) an assessment of the economic, societal, and ecological value of coral reef ecosystems at national, regional, and site-specific scales with respect to— (A) tourism; (B) fisheries; (C) coastal protection including against storm surge, flooding, and other natural threats; (D) biodiversity; and (E) carbon sequestration; and (2) an assessment of the economic costs of degradation and loss of coral reef with respect to the matter described in paragraph (1) over the next 50 years. (b) Submission to Congress Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit the final report of the National Academy containing the results of the study carried out under subsection (a) to the appropriate committees. (c) Publication Not more than 30 days after the completion of the report produced pursuant to subsection (a), the Secretary shall make such report available on a public website. V Miscellaneous Provisions 501. Stock assessments under Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act Title IV of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1881 409. Stock assessments for fisheries associated with coral reefs In preparing stock assessments under this Act, the Secretary shall, to the extent practicable, place emphasis on such assessments for economically important fisheries associated with coral reefs. . 502. Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology Program (a) In general Section 408(a) of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1884(a) (1) by striking federal Federal (2) by striking subject to the availability of appropriations, (3) by adding at the end the following: (c) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this title $3,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 through 2025, which may remain available until expended. . (b) Clerical amendment The table of contents in the first section of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act ( 16 U.S.C. 1881 Sec. 408. Deep sea coral research and technology program. Sec. 409. Stock assessments for fisheries associated with coral reefs. .

Summary: Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2020 This bill sets forth requirements concerning the conservation and restoration of coral reef ecosystems, including to reauthorize through FY2025 and expand the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, reauthorize through FY2025 the Deep Sea Coral Research and Technology program, and establish the Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies Program.