I 
116TH CONGRESS 
2D SESSION 
H. R. 6738 
To reauthorize and amend the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, and 
for other purposes. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MAY 8, 2020 
Mr. CASE (for himself, Mr. HASTINGS, Ms. GABBARD, Mr. HUFFMAN, Mr. 
SABLAN, Mrs. RADEWAGEN, Mr. YOHO, Ms. CASTOR of Florida, Mr. 
CRIST, and Mr. POSEY) introduced the following bill; which was referred 
to the Committee on Natural Resources, and in addition to the Com-
mittee on Science, Space, and Technology, for a period to be subsequently 
determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provi-
sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned 
A BILL 
To reauthorize and amend the Coral Reef Conservation Act 
of 2000, and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representa-
tives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. 
(a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as the 
‘‘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. 
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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 Pro-
gram. 
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 eco-
systems. 
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. 
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TITLE 
I—AMENDMENTS 
TO 
CORAL REEF CONSERVATION 
ACT OF 2000 
SEC. 101. REVISIONS TO PURPOSES OF CORAL REEF CON-
SERVATION ACT OF 2000. 
Section 202 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 
2000 (16 U.S.C. 6401) is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘and’’ at the 
end; 
(2) in paragraph (6), by striking the period at 
the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(7) to ensure healthy and resilient coral 
reefs for the benefit of island and coastal com-
munities and the United States.’’. 
SEC. 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) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by inserting ‘‘Natural’’ before ‘‘Re-
sources’’; 
(B) by inserting ‘‘, in consultation with the 
Secretary of the Interior,’’ before ‘‘shall periodi-
cally review and revise’’; 
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(C) by striking ‘‘this national strategy’’ 
and inserting ‘‘the national coral reef action 
strategy or any review or revision to such strat-
egy’’; 
(D) by striking ‘‘may consult’’ and insert-
ing ‘‘shall consult’’; and 
(E) by striking ‘‘Executive Order 13089 
(June 11, 1998)’’ and inserting ‘‘section 209’’; 
and 
(2) in subsection (b)— 
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), 
by striking ‘‘goals and objectives as well as an 
implementation plan’’ and inserting ‘‘goals, ob-
jectives, and an implementation plan’’; 
(B) in paragraph (7), by striking ‘‘includ-
ing regional fishery management councils; and’’ 
at the end; 
(C) by amending paragraph (8) to read as 
follows: 
‘‘(8) conservation, including how the use of ma-
rine 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 exper-
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tise 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, includ-
ing 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. 
SEC. 103. REVISIONS TO CORAL REEF CONSERVATION 
GRANT PROGRAM. 
Section 204 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 
2000 (16 U.S.C. 6403) is amended— 
(1) in the heading, by inserting ‘‘GRANT’’ be-
fore ‘‘PROGRAM’’; 
(2) in subsection (d)— 
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(A) in the heading, by striking ‘‘GEO-
GRAPHIC AND BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY’’ and in-
serting ‘‘DISTRIBUTION OF GRANTS’’; 
(B) in the language preceding paragraph 
(1), by striking ‘‘subsection (b)’’ and inserting 
‘‘subsection (a)’’; and 
(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 out-
breaks; 
‘‘(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 
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‘‘(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 manage-
ment 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 CON-
SIDERATION.— 
‘‘(A) REQUEST.—An applicant for assist-
ance 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)— 
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(A) in paragraph (1), by inserting ‘‘and re-
silient coral reef ecosystems’’ after ‘‘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 eco-
systems, the impacts of such threats, and potential 
interventions to address such threats;’’; 
(C) in paragraph (5), by striking ‘‘to im-
plement’’ and inserting ‘‘the implementation 
of’’; 
(D) in paragraph (6), by inserting ‘‘, in-
cluding how coral reefs function to protect is-
land and coastal communities’’ after ‘‘conserva-
tion’’; 
(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 eco-
systems;’’; 
(F) in paragraph (8), by inserting ‘‘and 
coral reef ecosystems’’ after ‘‘reefs’’; 
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(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 miti-
gate 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, re-
moval, or trapping methods for use around coral 
reefs; 
‘‘(14) developing and implementing cost-effec-
tive methods to restore degraded native coral reef 
ecosystems with an emphasis on techniques to ad-
vance coral recovery, growth, or resiliency; 
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‘‘(15) research on coral diseases, including the 
prevention and treatment of such diseases; 
‘‘(16) understanding and cataloging coral ge-
netic diversity, including research into traits that 
promote resilience and applying such research to 
coral reef restoration efforts; 
‘‘(17) developing in situ native coral propaga-
tion sites for use in coral reef restoration projects; 
‘‘(18) developing networks of ex situ coral prop-
agation nurseries for conservation, including holding 
coral in aquarium systems and genetic banking, cap-
tive breeding of rare species, and captive breeding of 
resilient coral populations for use in coral reef res-
toration projects; 
‘‘(19) developing networks of improved, real- 
time water quality monitoring along coral reefs, es-
pecially reefs impacted by land-based sources of pol-
lution 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 Spe-
cies Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.) in United 
States waters as detailed in the population-based re-
covery criteria included in species-specific recovery 
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plans developed under the Endangered Species Act 
of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.); or 
‘‘(21) supporting community-based planning 
and management initiatives for the protection of 
coral reef ecosystems identified by the States, sci-
entific experts, or the United States Coral Reef Task 
Force as a high priority that— 
‘‘(A) support attainment of criteria de-
scribed 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 mod-
els, including traditional resource management 
concepts; and 
‘‘(E) complement local action strategies or 
regional plans for coral reef conservation ef-
forts, as applicable.’’; and 
(5) in subsection (j), by striking ‘‘this Act’’ and 
inserting ‘‘Coral Reef Conservation Reauthorization 
Act of 2020’’. 
SEC. 104. CORAL REEF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP. 
Section 205 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 
2000 (16 U.S.C. 6404) is amended— 
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(1) in the heading, by striking ‘‘CORAL REEF 
CONSERVATION
FUND’’ and inserting ‘‘CORAL 
REEF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP’’; 
(2) in subsection (a)— 
(A) by striking ‘‘FUND’’ and inserting 
‘‘PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP’’; 
(B) by striking ‘‘, hereafter referred to as 
the Fund,’’; and 
(C) by striking ‘‘organization solely’’ and 
all that follows and inserting ‘‘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 ac-
tions 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’’ and inserting 
‘‘separate interest bearing account’’; and 
(B) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘The organization is encouraged to solicit dona-
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tions, funding, and in-kind services from the 
private sector, including nongovernmental orga-
nizations, for emergency response actions under 
section 206 and for activities to prevent damage 
to coral reefs, including any at-risk reefs identi-
fied under section 207(d).’’. 
SEC. 105. REVISIONS TO EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE. 
Section 206 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 
2000 (16 U.S.C. 6405) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 206. CORAL EVENT OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE. 
‘‘(a) RELIEF.— 
‘‘(1) IN
GENERAL.—Upon a determination 
under subsection (b) that there is an event of na-
tional significance, the appropriate Federal official is 
authorized to provide support, including emergency 
grants and contracts, equipment, and technical as-
sistance, to any State, or local government agency 
with jurisdiction over a coral reef, or any entity con-
tracted to act on behalf of a State or local govern-
ment agency, for the purposes of— 
‘‘(A) assessing and mitigating the detri-
mental 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 
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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 mak-
ing a calculation of the non-Federal share of 
the costs of an activity under subparagraph 
(A), the Secretary shall include in such calcula-
tion the fair market value of property and serv-
ices used for the activity. 
‘‘(C) WAIVER
OF
REQUIREMENTS.—The 
Secretary may waive the application of subpara-
graph (A) if the Secretary finds that such waiv-
er is necessary to support a project that the 
Secretary has identified as high priority. 
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‘‘(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
AGREE-
MENTS.—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 car-
rying 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 of-
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ficial shall determine whether a coral event is 
an event of national significance. 
‘‘(B) CONSIDERATIONS.—In making a de-
termination under paragraph (1), the appro-
priate 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 poten-
tial to affect several municipalities, to affect 
more than one State, or to cross an inter-
national boundary. 
‘‘(b) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
‘‘(1) EVENT OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE.—The 
term ‘event of national significance’ means— 
‘‘(A) a coral disease outbreak or coral 
bleaching event that has had or will likely have 
a significant detrimental environmental, eco-
nomic, subsistence use, or public health impact 
on an affected State; 
‘‘(B) a vessel collision that severely nega-
tively impacts a coral reef ecosystem; 
‘‘(C) an unforeseen or disaster-related cir-
cumstance that negatively impacts a coral reef 
ecosystem, including as a result of human ac-
tivities; 
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‘‘(D) a harmful algal bloom or invasive or 
nuisance species outbreak that negatively im-
pacts a coral reef ecosystem; or 
‘‘(E) the presence of an unexploded ord-
nance or similar underwater munitions that 
harms a coral reef ecosystem. 
‘‘(2) CORAL
DISEASE
OUTBREAK
OR
CORAL 
BLEACHING EVENT.—The term ‘coral disease out-
break or coral bleaching event’ means the occurrence 
of a coral disease outbreak or coral bleaching as a 
result of a natural, anthropogenic, or undetermined 
cause.’’. 
SEC. 106. REVISIONS TO NATIONAL PROGRAM. 
Section 207 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 
2000 (16 U.S.C. 6406) is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)— 
(A) by amending paragraph (2) to read as 
follows: 
‘‘(2) enhancing public awareness, education, un-
derstanding, 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: 
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‘‘(3) removing or otherwise addressing, and pro-
viding assistance to States in removing or otherwise 
addressing, derelict fishing gear, marine debris, and 
abandoned vessels from coral reef ecosystems to con-
serve living marine resources;’’; 
(C) by amending paragraph (4) to read as 
follows: 
‘‘(4) cooperative conservation, research, restora-
tion, and management of coral reefs and coral reef 
ecosystems with local, regional, or international pro-
grams 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 distrib-
uting 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, re-
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gional, or international programs and partners.’’; 
and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(c) VESSEL GROUNDING INVENTORY.—The Sec-
retary, 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 restora-
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tion, and any actions taken to prevent future 
grounding incidents; and 
‘‘(7) any other pertinent information the Sec-
retary determines appropriate. 
‘‘(d) AT-RISK REEFS.— 
‘‘(1) INVENTORY.—The Secretary shall estab-
lish 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 iden-
tify appropriate measures, including measures taken 
by other agencies, to remediate at-risk reefs, includ-
ing— 
‘‘(A) recommendations to prevent, reduce 
the likelihood, or otherwise address negative im-
pacts and incidents; 
‘‘(B) cooperative actions with other Fed-
eral, State, and local agencies and nongovern-
mental partners; and 
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‘‘(C) a strategy and timetable to imple-
ment such measures and recommendations. 
‘‘(4) MEASURES TAKEN.—To the extent prac-
ticable, 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 meas-
ures identified under paragraph (3), and a descrip-
tion 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 coordina-
tion 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; 
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‘‘(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 pro-
cedures for sharing Federal data with non-Fed-
eral partner agencies and the private sector or 
academia; and 
‘‘(D) develop metadata standards for coral 
reef ecosystems in accordance with Federal Ge-
ographic Data Committee guidelines.’’. 
SEC. 107. REVISIONS TO EFFECTIVENESS REPORTS. 
Section 208 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 
2000 (16 U.S.C. 6407) is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘SEC. 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 Com-
mittee on Natural Resources of the House of Representa-
tives 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 Fed-
eral agency to implement the national coral reef ac-
tion strategy; 
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‘‘(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 Fed-
eral and non-Federal contributions toward the costs 
of each project for which a grant was awarded under 
the coral reef conservation grant program under sec-
tion 204; 
‘‘(4) provides an accounting of Federal funds 
transferred to a nonprofit organization and non-Fed-
eral matching funds provided by such nonprofit or-
ganization under the coral reef public-private part-
nership 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 in-
ventory; 
‘‘(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; 
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‘‘(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 Sec-
retary determines appropriate.’’. 
SEC. 108. REVISIONS TO AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIA-
TIONS. 
Section 209 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 
2000 (16 U.S.C. 6408) is amended— 
(1) by amending subsection (a) to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—There are authorized to be ap-
propriated 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’’ 
and inserting ‘‘$2,000,000’’; 
(3) by amending subsection (c) to read as fol-
lows: 
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‘‘(c) CORAL REEF CONSERVATION GRANT PRO-
GRAM.—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 fol-
lows: 
‘‘(d) NATIONAL PROGRAM.—From the amounts ap-
propriated 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 sec-
tion 207.’’. 
SEC. 109. REVISIONS TO DEFINITIONS. 
Section 210 of the of the Coral Reef Conservation 
Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6409) is amended to read as fol-
lows: 
‘‘SEC. 210 DEFINITIONS. 
‘‘In this Act: 
‘‘(1) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘Adminis-
trator’ means the Administrator of the National 
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, unless 
otherwise specified. 
‘‘(2) AT-RISK REEF.—The term ‘at-risk reef’ 
means a coral reef that has a high exposure to vessel 
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impacts, marine debris, harmful algal blooms, over-
fishing, land-based or marine-based pollution, coast-
al development, and changes in ocean temperature 
and chemistry. 
‘‘(3) BONA FIDE RESEARCH.—The term ‘bona 
fide research’ means scientific research on corals or 
coral reefs, the results of which are likely— 
‘‘(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 con-
servation issues or decisions. 
‘‘(4) CONSERVATION.—The term ‘conservation’ 
means the use of any methods and procedures nec-
essary to preserve, restore, or sustain corals, coral 
reefs, and associated marine species as resilient, di-
verse, viable, and self-perpetuating coral reef eco-
systems, including— 
‘‘(A) all activities associated with resource 
management, such as assessment, research, 
protection, restoration, sustainable use, and 
management of habitat; 
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‘‘(B) mapping, observation, or monitoring 
of coral reef ecosystems; 
‘‘(C) scientific expertise and technical as-
sistance 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 Fish-
ery Conservation and Management Act (16 
U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), and with respect for the 
scientific, technical, and management expertise 
and responsibilities of State fish and wildlife 
management agencies; 
‘‘(D) law enforcement; 
‘‘(E) conflict resolution initiatives; 
‘‘(F) community outreach and education; 
and 
‘‘(G) activities that promote safe and eco-
logically sound navigation. 
‘‘(5) 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 
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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’ 
means limestone structures in the form of a reef or 
shoal, comprised in whole or in part by living coral, 
skeletal remains of coral, and other associated sessile 
invertebrates and marine plants. 
‘‘(7) CORAL
REEF
COMPONENT.—The term 
‘coral reef component’ means any part of a coral 
reef, including individual living coral, skeletal re-
mains of coral, and other associated sessile inverte-
brates or marine plants. 
‘‘(8) CORAL
REEF
ECOSYSTEM.—The term 
‘coral reef ecosystem’ means the system of coral and 
other geographically and ecologically associated ma-
rine species, habitats, and environment and the 
processes that control its dynamics. 
‘‘(9) CORAL PRODUCTS.—The term ‘coral prod-
ucts’ means any living or dead specimens, parts, or 
derivatives, or any product containing specimens, 
parts, or derivatives, of any species referred to in 
paragraph (5). 
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reef ecosystems to resist and recover from natural 
and human disturbance and maintain structure and 
function to allow the continued provision of eco-
system goods and services, as determined by clearly 
identifiable, measurable, and science-based stand-
ards. 
‘‘(13) RESPONSE COSTS.—The term ‘response 
costs’ means the costs of actions that would be nec-
essary to— 
‘‘(A) minimize destruction, loss, or taking 
of, or injury to a coral reef or component there-
of; 
‘‘(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’ 
means the use of methods and procedures necessary 
to enhance, rescue, hold in aquarium systems, reha-
bilitate, recreate, or create a functioning coral reef 
or coral reef ecosystem, in whole or in part, within 
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suitable waters of the historical range of such eco-
systems, to benefit native populations of coral reef 
organisms. 
‘‘(15) UNITED
STATES
CORAL
REEF
TASK 
FORCE.—The term ‘United States Coral Reef Task 
Force’ means the task force established under sec-
tion 209.’’. 
SEC. 110. ESTABLISHMENT OF UNITED STATES CORAL 
REEF TASK FORCE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Coral Reef Conservation Act 
of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.) is amended— 
(1) by redesignating sections 209 and 210, as 
amended by this Act, as sections 215 and 216, re-
spectively; and 
(2) by inserting after section 208 the following: 
‘‘SEC. 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-Fed-
eral partners as appropriate, activities regarding the 
mapping, monitoring, research, conservation, mitiga-
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tion, and restoration of coral reefs and coral reef 
ecosystems; 
‘‘(2) implementing the policy and Federal agen-
cy responsibilities set forth in Executive Order 
13089 (63 Fed. Reg. 32701; relating to coral reef 
protection) (as in effect on June 11, 1998), the na-
tional coral reef action strategy, and activities au-
thorized by this title; 
‘‘(3) analyzing the United States role in inter-
national trade and protection of coral species; 
‘‘(4) enhancing public awareness, education, un-
derstanding, 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 govern-
ment 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 Sec-
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retary 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 com-
prised of— 
‘‘(1) the co-chairs designated under subsection 
(c); 
‘‘(2) the Federal agency members specified by 
Executive Order 13089 (63 Fed. Reg. 32701; relat-
ing 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 rep-
resented 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; 
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‘‘(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 MEM-
BERS.—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. 
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‘‘(g) WORKING
GROUPS.—The co-chairs of the 
United States Coral Reef Task Force may establish work-
ing 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 stake-
holders, including nongovernmental organizations 
and research institutions, such as marine labora-
tories and coral reef institutes, are participants. 
‘‘(h) NONAPPLICATION OF FACA.—The Federal Ad-
visory 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 et seq.) is 
amended by inserting ‘‘United States’’ before ‘‘Coral Reef 
Task Force’’ each place it appears where ‘‘United States’’ 
does not precede ‘‘Coral Reef Task Force’’. 
SEC. 111. AGREEMENTS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—The Coral Reef Conservation Act 
of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.) is further amended by 
inserting after section 209, as added by this Act, the fol-
lowing: 
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‘‘SEC. 210. AGREEMENTS. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may execute and 
perform such contracts, leases, grants, cooperative agree-
ments, 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 appro-
priated funds to, and may receive funds or reimburse-
ments from— 
‘‘(1) Federal agencies, instrumentalities and 
laboratories; 
‘‘(2) State and local governments; 
‘‘(3) Federally recognized Indian Tribes and In-
dian Tribal organizations; 
‘‘(4) international organizations; 
‘‘(5) foreign governments; 
‘‘(6) research institutions, including marine lab-
oratories and coral reef institutes; 
‘‘(7) nongovernmental organizations; 
‘‘(8) nonprofit organizations; 
‘‘(9) commercial organizations; and 
‘‘(10) other public and private persons or enti-
ties, as necessary for purposes identified in section 
202 and actions taken under section 206. 
‘‘(c) COOPERATIVE INSTITUTE.— 
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‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—Subject to paragraph 
(2), the Secretary shall establish a cooperative insti-
tute or cooperative institutes for the purpose of ad-
vancing 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, des-
ignated 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 res-
toration programs; 
‘‘(C) is located in a State; 
‘‘(D) has demonstrated the ability to co-
ordinate 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. 
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‘‘(3) FUNCTIONS.—The cooperative institute or 
institutes established under this section shall— 
‘‘(A) conduct bona fide research, observa-
tion, and monitoring of coral reef ecosystems 
aimed at building capacity for more effective re-
source management and coral reef restoration; 
and 
‘‘(B) through agreements with centers re-
ferred to in paragraph (1)— 
‘‘(i) collaborate directly with govern-
mental resource management agencies, 
nonprofit organizations, academic research 
institutions, and other research organiza-
tions; 
‘‘(ii) build capacity within resource 
management agencies to establish research 
priorities, plan interdisciplinary research 
projects, and make effective use of re-
search results; and 
‘‘(iii) conduct public education and 
awareness programs for policymakers, re-
source managers, and the general public on 
coral reef ecosystems, best practices for 
coral reef and ecosystem management, con-
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servation, 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 de-
veloped under section 203. 
‘‘(e) OTHER USE OF AGENCIES’ RESOURCES.—For 
purposes related to the conservation, preservation, protec-
tion, 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 with-
out reimbursement, the land, services, equipment, per-
sonnel, and facilities of any Department, agency, or in-
strumentality of the United States, or of any State, local 
government, or Indian tribal government, or of any polit-
ical subdivision thereof, or of any foreign government or 
international organization.’’. 
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SEC. 112. PERMITS. 
The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 
6401 et seq.) is further amended by inserting after section 
210, as added by this Act, the following: 
‘‘SEC. 211. PERMITS. 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may, in accord-
ance 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 Sec-
retary 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 in-
curred, or expected to be incurred, by the Sec-
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