(3) strengthening and expanding the field of 
marine taxonomy, including use of genomics and 
proteomics; 
(4) facilitating and encouraging the use of new 
technological advances, predictive models, and his-
torical perspectives to investigate marine biodiver-
sity; 
(5) using new understanding gained through 
the program to improve predictions of the impacts of 
human activities on the health of the marine envi-
ronment, and of the impacts of changes in the 
health of the marine environment on human well-
being; and 
(6) enhancing formal and informal outreach 
and education efforts through research-generated 
knowledge, information, and tools. 
(c) PROGRAM ELEMENTS.—The research program 
established under this section shall provide for, but not 
be limited to, the following: 
(1) Dynamic access to biological data through 
an ocean biogeographic information system that 
links marine databases, manages data generated by 
the program, and supports analysis of biodiversity 
and related physical and ecological parameters.
(2) Integrated regional studies of marine eco-
systems that focus on appropriate scales to support 
ecosystem-based management. 
(3) Improved biological sensors for ocean ob-
serving systems. 
(4) Investment in exploration and taxonomy to 
study little known areas and describe new species. 
(5) Studies of earlier changes in marine popu-
lations to trace information on biological abundance, 
distribution, function, and diversity to the earliest 
historical periods of minimum human impact. 
(6) Improved predictive capability to enhance 
the effectiveness of ecosystem-based management 
and minimize adverse impacts of human activities on 
United States ocean waters and ocean resources. 
(d) SCIENTIFIC ASSESSMENT.—The Administrator, 
through the Committee, shall prepare and submit to the 
President and the Congress a biennial assessment that—
(1) integrates, evaluates, and interprets the 
findings of the program and discusses the scientific 
uncertainties associated with such findings; and 
(2) analyzes current trends in marine and 
coastal ecosystems, both human-induced and nat-
ural, including marine ecosystem health, and 
projects major trends for the subsequent decade.
SEC. 806. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
(a) PARTNERSHIP
PROJECTS
AND
ADMINISTRA-
TION.—There are authorized to be appropriated annually 
to the Department of the Navy, the National Science 
Foundation, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Ad-
ministration, and the National Aeronautics and Space Ad-
ministration for fiscal year 2005 through fiscal year 
2010—
(1) $25,000,000 for each agency for the Na-
tional Ocean Partnership Program projects under 
section 803; and 
(2) at least $600,000 or 3 percent of the 
amount appropriated for the National Oceano-
graphic Partnership Program, whichever is greater, 
shall be available for operations of the partnership 
program office established under section 803. 
(b) MARINE ECOSYSTEMS RESEARCH.—For develop-
ment and implementation of the research program under 
section 805, there are authorized to be appropriated 
$50,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2005 through 2010. 
(c) AVAILABILITY.—Sums appropriated under this 
section shall remain available until expended. 
TITLE IX—OCEAN EDUCATION 
SEC. 901. SUBCOMMITTEE ON OCEAN EDUCATION. 
(a) MEMBERSHIP.—The Committee shall establish a 
Subcommittee on Ocean Education (in this title referred
to as the ‘‘Subcommittee’’). Each member of the Com-
mittee may designate a senior representative with exper-
tise in education to serve on the Subcommittee. The Com-
mittee shall select a Chair and 1 or more Vice Chairs for 
the Subcommittee from the membership of the Sub-
committee. 
(b) RESPONSIBILITIES.—The Subcommittee shall—
(1) support and advise the Committee and the 
National Oceans Council on matters related to ocean 
and coastal education for the purpose of increasing 
the overall effectiveness and productivity of Federal 
education and outreach efforts; 
(2) provide recommendations on education goals 
and priorities for and implementation of the Na-
tional Strategy for Ocean and Coastal Science devel-
oped under section 802 and guidance for educational 
investments; 
(3) coordinate Federal ocean and coastal edu-
cation activities for students at all levels, including 
funding for educational opportunities at the under-
graduate, graduate; and postdoctoral levels; 
(4) identify and work to establish linkages 
among Federal programs and those of States, aca-
demic institutions, museums and aquaria, industry,