later than 90 days after the date of enactment of the Act 
under which Congress has authorized continuation of the 
program. 
SEC. 215. OFFSHORE PERFORMANCE OF CONTRACTS FOR 
THE PROCUREMENT OF GOODS AND SERV-
ICES. 
(a) LIMITATIONS.— 
(1) CONVERSIONS TO CONTRACTOR PERFORM-
ANCE OF ADMINISTRATION ACTIVITIES.—Except as 
provided in paragraph (3), an activity or function of 
the Administration that is converted to contractor 
performance under Office of Management and Budg-
et Circular A-76 may not be performed by the con-
tractor or any subcontractor at a location outside 
the United States. 
(2) CONTRACTS
FOR
THE
PROCUREMENT
OF 
SERVICES.— 
(A) Except as provided in paragraph (3), 
a contract for the procurement of goods or serv-
ices that is entered into by the Administrator 
may not be performed outside the United 
States unless it is to meet a requirement of the 
Administration for goods or services specifically 
at a location outside the United States. 
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(B) The President may waive the prohibi-
tion in subparagraph (A) in the case of any 
contract for which the President determines in 
writing that it is necessary in the national secu-
rity interests of the United States for goods or 
services under the contract to be performed out-
side the United States. 
(C) The Administrator may waive the pro-
hibition in subparagraph (A) in the case of any 
contract for which the Administrator deter-
mines in writing that essential goods or services 
under the contract are only available from a 
source outside the United States. 
(3) EXCEPTION.—Paragraphs (1) and (2)(A) 
shall not apply to the extent that the activity or 
function under the contract was previously per-
formed by Federal Government employees outside 
the United States. 
(4) 
CONSISTENCY
WITH
INTERNATIONAL 
AGREEMENTS.—The provisions of this section shall 
not apply to the extent that they are inconsistent 
with obligations of the United States under inter-
national agreements. 
(b) RECORDKEEPING
AND REPORTING REQUIRE-
MENT.—The Administrator shall transmit to Congress, 
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not later than 120 days after the end of each fiscal year 
beginning with the first fiscal year after the date of enact-
ment of this Act, a report on the contracts and sub-
contracts performed overseas and the amount of purchases 
directly or indirectly by the Administration from foreign 
entities in that fiscal year. The report shall separately in-
dicate— 
(1) the contracts and subcontracts and their 
dollar values for which the Administrator determines 
that essential goods or services under the contract 
are available only from a source outside the United 
States; and 
(2) the items and their dollar values for which 
the Buy American Act was waived pursuant to obli-
gations of the United States under international 
agreements. 
TITLE 
III—NATIONAL 
OCEAN 
LEADERSHIP AND COORDINA-
TION 
SEC. 301. NATIONAL OCEANS ADVISOR. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—There is established in the 
Executive Office of the President a National Oceans 
Advisor, who shall be appointed by the President, by 
and with the advice and consent of the Senate. 
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(2) COMPENSATION.—The Advisor shall be paid 
at a rate specified by the President not to exceed the 
rate payable for Level V of the Executive Schedule 
under section 5136 of title 5, United States Code. 
(b) FUNCTIONS.—The Advisor shall— 
(1) advise the President on implementation of 
this Act, activities of the Committee on Ocean Pol-
icy, section 302, and other covered actions relating 
to United States ocean and coastal waters and ma-
rine ecosystem health; 
(2) serve as the Executive Director and Chair 
of the Committee on Ocean Policy established by 
section 302; and 
(3) in consultation with the Administrator, co-
ordinate Federal agency covered actions related to 
United States ocean waters and marine ecosystem 
health. 
(c) STAFFING.— 
(1) The Advisor, without regard to the civil 
service laws and regulations governing employment 
in the competitive service, may employ such officers 
and employees as may be necessary to carry out the 
functions of the National Oceans Advisor under this 
Act. 
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(2) The Advisor may accept, employ, and termi-
nate voluntary and uncompensated services in fur-
therance of the purposes of the Advisor. 
SEC. 302. COMMITTEE ON OCEAN POLICY. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established in the 
Executive Office of the President a Committee on Ocean 
Policy (in this title referred to as the ‘‘Committee’’), which 
succeeds the Committee on Ocean Policy established on 
December 17, 2004, by Executive Order 13366 and shall 
continue the activities of that committee as it was in exist-
ence on the day before the date of enactment of this Act. 
(b) FUNCTIONS.—The Committee shall— 
(1) facilitate interagency coordination on Fed-
eral agency covered actions related to United States 
ocean waters and marine ecosystem health and the 
implementation of this Act; 
(2) review and appraise the various programs 
and activities of the Federal Government for consist-
ency with the policy and standards set forth in sec-
tion 101 and make recommendations to the Presi-
dent with respect thereto no later than 18 months 
after the date of enactment of this Act; 
(3) resolve interagency disputes regarding ma-
rine ecosystem health and in particular the imple-
mentation of this Act; 
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(4) coordinate and certify agency ocean budgets 
regarding their sufficiency to achieve the policy and 
standards set forth in section 101; 
(5) in coordination with the Administrator, sub-
mit to the President and publish at least once every 
3 years a report on the condition of United States 
ocean waters; and 
(6) obtain and provide information to facilitate 
and advance ecosystem-based management of Re-
gional Ocean Partnerships in accordance with title 
IV. 
(c) CHAIR.—The National Oceans Advisor shall be a 
non-voting member and the chair of the committee as set 
forth in section 301(b)(2), and shall, in this capacity, be 
responsible for— 
(1) regularly convening and presiding at meet-
ings of the Committee; 
(2) directing the work of the Committee; and 
(3) establishing and directing subcommittees of 
the Committee, as appropriate. 
(d) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Committee shall have 
the following voting members: 
(A) The Secretary of Commerce. 
(B) The Secretary of State. 
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(C) The Secretary of the Interior. 
(D) The Secretary of Defense. 
(E) The Secretary of Agriculture. 
(F) The Secretary of Transportation. 
(G) The Secretary of Homeland Security. 
(H) The Secretary of Education. 
(I) The Secretary of Energy. 
(J) The Secretary of Health and Human 
Services. 
(K) The Secretary of Labor 
(L) The Attorney General 
(M) The Administrator of the Environ-
mental Protection Agency. 
(N) The Director of the Office of Manage-
ment and Budget. 
(O) The Director of the National Science 
Foundation. 
(P) Six State Governors appointed by the 
National Governors Association, who shall rep-
resent State and local interests. 
(Q) The Administrator of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. 
(R) The Chair of the National Research 
Council Governing Board. 
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(S) The Chair of the Council on Environ-
mental Quality. 
(2) DELEGATION.—A member of the Com-
mittee may designate, to perform the Committee or 
subcommittee functions of the member, any person 
who is within such member’s department, agency, or 
office and who is— 
(A) an officer of the United States ap-
pointed by the President; 
(B) a member of the Senior Executive 
Service; or 
(C) an officer or employee within the Exec-
utive Office of the President. 
(3) STATE GOVERNOR MEMBERS.— 
(A) TERMS.—Of the members appointed 
under paragraph (1)(P)— 
(i) their term as a member shall be 4 
years, with eligibility for reappointment; 
(ii) at least 4 shall be Governors of 
coastal States; and 
(iii) any that cannot serve the full 
length of their term shall be replaced by 
the new Governor or acting Governor of 
that State to carry out the remainder of 
that term. 
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(B) LIMITATION
ON
APPOINTMENT.—A 
Governor of a State may not be appointed 
under paragraph (1)(P) to a term on the Com-
mittee that begins before the end of the 4-year 
period that begins upon the expiration of a 
prior term on the Committee served by the Gov-
ernor. 
(e) SUBCOMMITTEES.—The Chair of the Committee, 
with consultation with the Administrator, has the author-
ity to create such subcommittees of the Committee as nec-
essary to help carry out the functions of the Committee. 
(f) COORDINATION.—The Chair of the Council on 
Environmental Quality and the National Oceans Advisor 
shall ensure appropriate coordination of the activities of 
the Committee and other policy coordination structures re-
lating to ocean or maritime issues. 
(g) FUNDING.—Consistent with applicable law and 
subject to the availability of appropriations, the Council 
on Environmental Quality shall provide the funding, in-
cluding through the Office of Environmental Quality and 
administrative support for the Committee necessary to im-
plement this section. 
(h) STAFF.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Chair, without regard 
to the civil service laws and regulations, may employ 
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and terminate such employees as may be necessary 
to carry out its function under this Act. 
(2) VOLUNTARY AND UNCOMPENSATED SERV-
ICES.—The Chair may accept, employ, and termi-
nate voluntary and uncompensated services in fur-
therance of the purposes of the Committee. 
(i) RESOURCES.—In carrying out its functions under 
this Act, the Committee may secure directly from any 
Federal agency or department any information it con-
siders to be necessary to carry out its functions under this 
Act. Each such agency or department may cooperate with 
the Committee and, to the extent permitted by law, shall 
furnish such information (other than information de-
scribed in section 552(b)(1)(A) of title 5, United States 
Code) to the Committee, upon request of the Committee. 
(j) FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Federal Advisory Com-
mittee Act (5 App. U.S.C.) shall not apply to the 
Committee on Ocean Policy, or any of its sub-
committees formed in accordance with section 
302(e). 
(2) COMPLIANCE.—Notwithstanding paragraph 
(1), the Committee and its subcommittees shall be 
appointed and operate in a manner consistent with 
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all provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act 
with respect to— 
(A) the balance of its of the Committee; 
(B) provision of public notice regarding its 
activities; 
(C) open meetings; and 
(D) public access to documents created by 
the Committee. 
SEC. 303. ESTABLISHING A COORDINATED MANAGEMENT 
REGIME FOR ACTIVITIES IN FEDERAL WA-
TERS. 
The Committee shall submit to the Congress by not 
later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this 
Act recommendations with justifications, a plan, and pro-
posed schedule for creating a balanced, efficient, and effec-
tive ecosystem-based management regime for activities in 
Federal waters that— 
(1) consider the use of ocean zoning and cumu-
lative impacts of multiple uses; 
(2) designate a lead Federal agency for each ex-
isting activity and new activity in Federal waters; 
(3) ensure that each such lead Federal agency 
coordinates with other applicable authorities, includ-
ing States and Regional Ocean Partnerships estab-
lished under title IV of this Act; 
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(4) consider possible consolidation of oceanic or 
atmospheric programs, functions, services, or re-
sources within or among Federal agencies, if their 
consolidation would not undermine policy goals set 
forth in this Act; 
(5) fully consider the public interest; and 
(6) are consistent with the national ocean policy 
and standards as set forth in section 101 of this 
Act. 
SEC. 304. COUNCIL OF ADVISORS ON OCEANS POLICY. 
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established the 
Council of Advisors on Oceans Policy (in this section re-
ferred to as the ‘‘Council’’), which shall advise the Presi-
dent, the National Oceans Advisor, and the Committee on 
Ocean Policy on policies to protect, maintain, and restore 
the health of marine ecosystems on a regional and national 
basis. 
(b) MEMBERSHIP.—The Council shall have at least 
15 members appointed by the president, in consultation 
with the National Ocean Advisor established in section 
301. Members of the Council shall— 
(1) be appointed based on their knowledge and 
experience in coastal, ocean, and atmospheric 
science, policy, and other related areas; and 
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(2) include at least 1 representative of each of 
the following: 
(A) State governments; 
(B) Local governments; 
(C) Indian tribes; 
(D) The marine science research commu-
nity; 
(E) The marine science education commu-
nity; 
(F) Fisheries; 
(G) Non-fishing marine activities; 
(H) Agriculture, which may include timber; 
(I) Watershed organizations (other than 
organizations represented under subparagraph 
(J)), which may include resource conservation 
districts; and 
(J) Nongovernmental organizations (other 
than organizations represented under subpara-
graph (I)), including groups interested in ma-
rine conservation. 
(c) TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), the term of a member of the Council shall 
be 4 years. 
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(2) INITIAL APPOINTEES.—Of the members ini-
tially appointed to the Council— 
(A) at least one-half shall be appointed to 
a 4-year term that ends in a Federal election 
year in which there occurs an election of the 
President; and 
(B) at least one-half shall be appointed to 
a 4-year term that ends in a Federal election 
year in which there does not occur an election 
of the President. 
(3) VACANCIES.—Any member appointed to fill 
a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the 
term for which the member’s predecessor was ap-
pointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of 
that term. 
(4) LIMITATION.—An individual may not serve 
more than 2 terms as a member of the Council. 
(d) MEETINGS.—The Council shall meet at least 2 
times each year and more often at the President’s discre-
tion. 
(e) COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES.—A member of 
the Council shall not receive compensation for service on 
the Council, but upon request by the member may be al-
lowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of sub-
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sistence, in accordance with subchapter I of chapter 57 
of title 5, United States Code. 
(f) FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Federal Advisory Com-
mittee Act (5 App. U.S.C.) shall not apply to the 
Council of Advisors on Oceans Policy. 
(2) COMPLIANCE.—Notwithstanding paragraph 
(1), the Council shall be appointed and operate in a 
manner consistent with all provisions of the Federal 
Advisory Committee Act with respect to 
(A) the balance of its membership; 
(B) provision of public notice regarding its 
activities; 
(C) open meetings; and 
(D) public access to documents created by 
the Council. 
TITLE 
IV—REGIONAL 
COORDI-
NATION 
AND 
ECOSYSTEM 
PLANNING 
SEC. 401. FINDINGS. 
The Congress finds the following: 
(1) Establishing a national network of govern-
ance planning bodies at the regional level is essential 
for solving many pressing United States ocean and 
coastal issues. 
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(2) Several States and regions have developed 
ocean management strategies that can be used as 
templates for coordinating among various govern-
ment entities. A new national framework is needed 
to extend, integrate, and support these efforts. 
(3) Large marine ecosystems are biogeographi-
cally distinct ecosystem units and provide an appro-
priate spatial scale for ecosystem-based regional 
ocean governance. 
(4) Because ecosystems do not align with polit-
ical jurisdictions, regional ocean governance mecha-
nisms must provide for cooperation and collaboration 
within and among multiple levels of government, in-
cluding local, State, tribal, and Federal govern-
ments. 
(5) Effective regional ocean governance requires 
transparency and must include ample opportunities 
for input and participation by stakeholders and the 
public. 
(6) Important ecological areas within each large 
marine ecosystem need to be identified and mon-
itored. 
(7) Additional funding and other resources are 
necessary to promote regional coordination and col-
laboration and to implement regional solutions to 
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current and future ocean and coastal management 
challenges. 
SEC. 402. REGIONAL OCEAN PARTNERSHIPS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Within 1 year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator and appro-
priate States, in consultation with the Committee on 
Ocean Policy, shall establish a Regional Ocean Partner-
ship (in this title referred to as ‘‘Partnership’’) for each 
of the ocean regions established by this section, and in 
accordance with the policies and standards in section 101, 
in order to— 
(1) provide for more systematic communication, 
collaboration, and integration of Federal and State 
coastal and ocean environmental and resource man-
agement efforts; 
(2) provide for regional ecosystem assessment 
and information programs to guide management de-
cisions; 
(3) provide for the identification and moni-
toring of important ecological areas; 
(4) provide for the creation of a strategic plan 
for and implement adaptive, ecosystem-based man-
agement of coastal and ocean resources within ocean 
regions, building on and complementing local, State, 
and regional efforts; and 
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(5) provide for improved citizen and community 
stewardship of coastal and ocean resources. 
(b) REGIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—There are hereby designated 
the following ocean regions: 
(A) NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN REGION.—The 
North Pacific Ocean Region, which shall consist 
of the coastal zone (as defined in section 304 
of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 
(16 U.S.C. 1453)) and watershed areas of the 
State of Alaska that have a significant impact 
on coastal waters of the State of Alaska sea-
ward to the extent of the Exclusive Economic 
Zone as specified in Presidential Proclamation 
Number 5030, dated March 10, 1983. 
(B) PACIFIC OCEAN REGION.—The Pacific 
Ocean Region, which shall consist of the coastal 
zone (as defined in section 304 of the Coastal 
Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 
1453)) and watershed areas of the States that 
have a significant impact on coastal waters of 
the States of Washington, Oregon, and Cali-
fornia seaward to the extent of the Exclusive 
Economic Zone as specified in Presidential 
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Proclamation Number 5030, dated March 10, 
1983. 
(C) WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN REGION.— 
The Western Pacific Ocean Region, which shall 
consist of the coastal zone (as defined in section 
304 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 
1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453)) and watershed areas of 
the States that have a significant impact on 
coastal waters of the States of Hawaii, Guam, 
American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana 
Islands seaward to the extent of the Exclusive 
Economic Zone as specified in Presidential 
Proclamation Number 5030, dated March 10, 
1983, including the territorial waters of the 
Commonwealths, territories, and possessions of 
the United States in the Pacific Ocean. 
(D) GULF OF MEXICO OCEAN REGION.— 
The Gulf of Mexico Ocean Region, which shall 
consist of the coastal zone (as defined in section 
304 of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 
1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453)) and watershed areas of 
the States that have a significant impact on 
coastal waters of the States of Texas, Lou-
isiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida sea-
ward to the extent of the Exclusive Economic 
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Zone as specified in Presidential Proclamation 
Number 5030, dated March 10, 1983. 
(E) CARIBBEAN
OCEAN
REGION.—The 
Caribbean Ocean Region, which shall consist of 
the coastal zone (as defined in section 304 of 
the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 
U.S.C. 1453)) and watershed areas of the 
States that have a significant impact on coastal 
waters of the Virgin Islands and the Common-
wealth of Puerto Rico seaward to the extent of 
the Exclusive Economic Zone as specified in 
Presidential Proclamation Number 5030, dated 
March 10, 1983, including the territorial waters 
of the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean. 
(F) SOUTHEAST
ATLANTIC
OCEAN
RE-
GION.—The Southeast Atlantic Ocean Region, 
which shall consist of the coastal zone (as de-
fined in section 304 of the Coastal Zone Man-
agement Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453)) and 
watershed areas of the States that have a sig-
nificant impact on coastal waters of the States 
of Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North 
Carolina seaward to the extent of the Exclusive 
Economic Zone as specified in Presidential 
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ccoleman on PRODPC75 with BILLS
Proclamation Number 5030, dated March 10, 
1983. 
(G) NORTHEAST
ATLANTIC
OCEAN
RE-
GION.—The Northeast Atlantic Ocean Region, 
which shall consist of the coastal zone (as de-
fined in section 304 of the Coastal Zone Man-
agement Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 1453)) and 
watershed areas of the States that have a sig-
nificant impact on coastal waters of the States 
of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, 
Rhode Island, and Connecticut seaward to the 
extent of the Exclusive Economic Zone as speci-
fied in Presidential Proclamation Number 
5030, dated March 10, 1983. 
(H) MID-ATLANTIC OCEAN REGION.—The 
Mid-Atlantic Ocean Region, which shall consist 
of the coastal zone (as defined in section 304 
of the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 
(16 U.S.C. 1453)) and watershed areas of the 
States that have a significant impact on coastal 
waters of the States of New York, New Jersey, 
Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Vir-
ginia seaward to the extent of the Exclusive 
Economic Zone as specified in Presidential 
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ccoleman on PRODPC75 with BILLS
Proclamation Number 5030, dated March 10, 
1983. 
(I) GREAT
LAKES
REGION.—The Great 
Lakes Region, which shall consist of the coastal 
zone (as defined in section 304 of the Coastal 
Zone Management Act of 1972 (16 U.S.C. 
1453)) and watershed areas of the States that 
have a significant impact on coastal waters of 
the States of Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan, 
Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, New York, and Pennsyl-
vania to the extent of the territorial waters of 
the United States in the Great Lakes. 
(2) SUBREGIONS.—Each Partnership may es-
tablish such subregions, or geographically specified 
management areas, as necessary for efficient and ef-
fective management of region-specific ecosystem 
issues. 
(c) MEMBERSHIP.— 
(1) FEDERAL REPRESENTATIVES.— 
(A) IN GENERAL.—Within 90 days after 
the date of the enactment of this Act, the Ad-
ministrator, in consultation with the Committee 
on Ocean Policy, shall coordinate representa-
tives of the Federal Government to form each 
Partnership. Such representatives shall be offi-
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cers or employees of Federal agencies and de-
partments that have expertise in and oversee 
ocean and coastal policy or resource manage-
ment. Each Federal agency or department shall 
select and appoint their representatives to each 
Partnership. The Administrator, or his or her 
designated representative, shall serve as the 
chairperson of each Partnership. 
(B) INCLUDED ENTITIES.—The represent-
atives appointed to each Partnership under this 
paragraph shall include one or more officers or 
employees of the Administration, the Depart-
ment of the Interior, the Environmental Protec-
tion Agency, the Department of Agriculture, the 
Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of 
Defense, the Department of Homeland Secu-
rity, the Department of Commerce, and other 
Federal agencies and departments as necessary. 
(2) STATE AND TRIBAL REPRESENTATIVES.— 
(A) COASTAL STATE APPOINTMENTS.—The 
Governor of each Coastal State within the 
ocean region of a Partnership shall appoint an 
officer or employee of the State agency with 
primary responsibility for overseeing ocean and 
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coastal policy or resource management to that 
Partnership. 
(B) 
INLAND
STATE
APPOINTMENT.— 
Where appropriate, the Administrator shall re-
ceive nominations and select one representative 
from each of two of the inland States that, ac-
cording to maps and data of the United States 
Geological Survey, have jurisdiction over waters 
that feed into the ocean region for which a 
Partnership must prepare a Regional Ocean 
Strategic Plan. 
(C) WESTERN
PACIFIC
AND
CARIBBEAN 
REGIONAL
OCEAN
PARTNERSHIPS.—The Gov-
ernors of American Samoa, Guam, and the 
Northern Mariana Islands shall each appoint an 
officer or employee of the agency with primary 
responsibility for overseeing ocean and coastal 
policy or resource management to the Western 
Pacific Regional Ocean Partnership. The Gov-
ernors of the Virgin Islands and the Common-
wealth of Puerto Rico shall each appoint an of-
ficer or employee of the agency with primary re-
sponsibility for overseeing ocean and coastal 
policy or resource management to the Carib-
bean Regional Ocean Partnership. 
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(D) NORTH
PACIFIC
REGIONAL
OCEAN 
PARTNERSHIP.—The Governor of the State of 
Washington shall appoint an officer or employee 
of the Washington State agency with primary 
responsibility for overseeing ocean and coastal 
policy or resource management to the North 
Pacific Regional Ocean Partnership. 
(3) 
INTERNATIONAL
REPRESENTATIVES.— 
Where appropriate, each Partnership shall foster 
nonbinding relationships with foreign governments, 
agencies, States, provinces, and other entities as ap-
propriate, at scales appropriate to the region under 
the authority of a Partnership, including by pro-
viding opportunities for nonvoting participation by 
foreign representatives at meetings of the Partner-
ship, its advisory committees, and other working 
groups. 
(4) REGIONAL FISHERIES MANAGEMENT COUN-
CIL
REPRESENTATIVE.—The executive director of 
each Regional Fishery Management Council having 
jurisdiction over the ocean region of a Partnership 
shall serve as a voting member of the Partnership, 
and shall be considered a non-federal representative 
for the purposes of section 402(c)(6)(A). 
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(5) LOCAL GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE.— 
Where appropriate, the Administrator will receive 
nominations and select one representative from a 
coastal political subdivision to represent the interests 
of local and county governments on the Partnership. 
(6) ADDITIONAL APPOINTMENTS.— 
(A) TOTALS.—The Administrator shall de-
termine the total number of additional rep-
resentatives of Indian tribes, Coastal States, 
and local governments within an ocean region 
of a Partnership as is necessary to ensure that 
the combined number of non-Federal voting 
representatives equals the number of Federal 
voting representatives on each Partnership. 
(B) SOLICITING NOMINATIONS.—The Ad-
ministrator shall solicit nominations for quali-
fied governmental officers or employees from 
Indian tribes, States, Commonwealths, terri-
tories, and possessions of the United States 
within an ocean region of a Partnership and se-
lect nominees to fill any vacant seats on that 
Partnership. 
(C) SELECTING
NOMINEES.—In selecting 
among nominees to serve on each Regional 
Ocean Partnership, the Administrator shall 
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strive to ensure a balanced representation 
among these governmental entities. 
(d) ADVISORY COMMITTEES.— 
(1) AUTHORITY.—Each Partnership may estab-
lish and appoint members of advisory committees 
and working groups as necessary for preparation of 
a Regional Ocean Strategic Plan under this title. 
(2) CITIZENS
ADVISORY
COMMITTEE.—Each 
Partnership shall establish and appoint members of 
a Citizens Advisory Committee comprised of non-
governmental members of the public, including a 
wide range of citizens interested in multiple uses of 
United States ocean waters and ocean resources. 
(3) ADVICE
AND
INPUT.—Each Partnership 
shall take the advice and input of any Advisory 
Committee into consideration in the development of 
a Regional Ocean Strategic Plan. 
(e) COORDINATION.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Immediately following the 
appointment of representatives to each Partnership, 
the representatives shall take steps to identify oppor-
tunities and better coordinate and integrate existing 
programs or activities with the other governmental 
entities in the ocean region of the Partnership. 
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(2) EXISTING
PROGRAMS.—Each Partnership 
shall not supplant the functions or authorities of ex-
isting regional entities and shall, to the maximum 
extent possible, build upon current State, multi- 
state, and regional capacity and governance and in-
stitutional mechanisms to manage ocean and coastal 
resources. This shall include mechanisms to— 
(A) conduct coastal and ocean monitoring, 
mapping, assessment, and observations; 
(B) provide for ecologically sustainable 
growth; 
(C) restore and conserve habitat; 
(D) manage State and Federal fisheries; 
(E) maintain and improve the quality of 
coastal and ocean waters; and 
(F) protect and restore the resources of 
the Nation’s coastal zone. 
(3) INLAND REGIONS.—Each Partnership shall 
collaborate and coordinate as necessary and appro-
priate with inland States that may significantly im-
pact the health of marine ecosystems in the ocean 
region. 
(f) PROCEDURES.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in para-
graph (2), each Partnership shall operate in accord-
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ance with procedures established by the Partnership 
and approved by the Administrator. 
(2) INTERIM PROCEDURES.—Each Partnership 
shall operate in accordance with interim procedures 
prescribed by the Administrator until such time as 
the Administrator approves procedures established 
by the Partnership under paragraph (1). 
(3) REQUIRED
PROCEDURES.—The Adminis-
trator shall prescribe requirements for approval of 
procedures under paragraph (1), and interim proce-
dures for purposes of paragraph (2), including such 
requirements and interim procedures that provide 
for— 
(A) transparency in decision-making; 
(B) opportunities for public input and par-
ticipation; and 
(C) the use of science, local government, 
and citizen advisory committees. 
(g) STAFF.— 
(1) HIRING
AUTHORITY.—Each Partnership 
may hire such staff as is necessary to perform the 
functions of the Partnership. 
(2) TREATMENT.—Staff hired by a Partnership 
shall be treated as employees of the Administration. 
(h) FEDERAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ACT.— 
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(1) IN GENERAL.—The Federal Advisory Com-
mittee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the 
Regional Ocean Partnerships or to any advisory 
committees established under this title. 
(2) COMPLIANCE.—Notwithstanding paragraph 
(1), the Partnerships and any advisory committees 
of the Partnerships shall be appointed and operate 
in a manner consistent with all provisions of the 
Federal Advisory Committee Act with respect to— 
(A) the balance of their membership; 
(B) provision of public notice regarding 
their activities; 
(C) open meetings; and 
(D) public access to documents created by 
the Partnerships or advisory committees of the 
Partnerships. 
SEC. 403. REGIONAL OCEAN STRATEGIC PLANS. 
(a) REQUIREMENT.—Each Regional Ocean Partner-
ship shall, within 3 years after establishment of the Part-
nership, prepare and submit to the Administrator and the 
Committee on Ocean Policy for review and consultation 
and approval by the Administration, pursuant to this sec-
tion, a Regional Ocean Strategic Plan (referred to in this 
title as ‘‘Plan’’) for the ocean region of the Partnership. 
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