shall oversee the programs and activities of the 
Administration relating to general management 
of personnel, programs, facilities (including all 
vessels and aircraft), and financial matters, in-
cluding—
(i) program management and direc-
tion; 
(ii) budget formulation, guidance, and 
execution; 
(iii) resource requirements determina-
tion and allocation; 
(iv) environment, safety, and health 
operations; and 
(v) administration of contracts, real 
property, and facilities. 
(F) A Chief Scientist, who shall be the 
chair of the Science Advisory Board of the Ad-
ministration. 
(G) A General Counsel, who shall—
(i) be the chief legal officer of the Ad-
ministration for all legal matters that arise 
in connection with the conduct of the func-
tions of the Administration; and
(ii) perform such other functions and 
exercise such powers as the Administrator 
may prescribe. 
(2) PAY.—The Chief Scientist, General Coun-
sel, and each Assistant Administrator is a Senior 
Executive Service general position. 
SEC. 304. QUALIFICATIONS OF ADMINISTRATION OFFICERS. 
The Chief Scientist, General Counsel, Assistant Ad-
ministrators, and Regional Administrators of the Adminis-
tration shall be appointed from among individuals who are 
qualified by reason of background and experience to direct 
the implementation and administration of the functions 
for which they are responsible. 
SEC. 305. TRANSFER OF MARINE MAMMALS MANAGEMENT 
FUNCTIONS TO THE ADMINISTRATOR. 
There is hereby transferred to the Administrator the 
function of marine mammals management authorized by 
the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 and under 
the jurisdiction of the United States Fish and Wildlife 
Service immediately before the date of enactment of this 
Act. 
SEC. 306. SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—There shall be in the Administra-
tion a Science Advisory Board, which shall report to the 
Administrator.
(b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the Science Advisory 
Board is to advise the Administrator on long-range and 
short-range strategies for research, education, and appli-
cation of science to ocean resource management and envi-
ronmental assessment and prediction. 
(c) MEMBERS.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Science Advisory Board 
shall consist of not less than 11 members, and not 
more than 15 members, appointed by the Adminis-
trator to assure a balanced representation among 
scientists, engineers, educators, and science policy 
experts who are preeminent in their field and have 
demonstrated experience reflecting the full breadth 
of the Administration’s areas of responsibility. 
(2) TERMS.—Members of the Science Advisory 
Board—
(A) shall be appointed for a 3-year term; 
(B) may be reappointed once; and 
(C) shall serve at the discretion of the Ad-
ministrator. 
(d) COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES.—A member of 
the Science Advisory Board shall not receive compensation 
for service on such board, but upon request by the member 
may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu
of subsistence, in accordance with subchapter I of chapter 
57 of title 5, United States Code. 
(e) ETHICAL STANDARDS.—Members of the Science 
Advisory Board are subject to the ethical standards appli-
cable to special Government employees. 
(f) CHAIR.—The Chief Scientist is the chair of the 
Science Advisory Board. 
(g) MEETINGS.—The Science Advisory Board shall 
meet at least twice a year, and at other times at the call 
of the Administrator or the chair of the Board. 
(h) ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT.—The Administrator 
shall provide administrative support to the Science Advi-
sory Board. 
SEC. 307. REPORT OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REORGA-
NIZATION TO ESTABLISH A DEPARTMENT OF 
NATURAL RESOURCES. 
The President shall submit to the Congress by not 
later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this 
Act recommendations for reorganizing functions and com-
ponents of existing Federal departments and agencies for 
the purpose of establishing a Department of Natural Re-
sources having authority for Federal programs relating to 
land, air, and water resources, including freshwater and 
ocean resources.
TITLE IV—NATIONAL OCEANS 
ADVISOR 
SEC. 401. EXECUTIVE ADVISOR; MISSION. 
(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. 
(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) DUTIES.—The Advisor shall—
(1) advise the President on implementation of 
this Act, activities of the National Oceans Council, 
section 501, and other covered actions relating to 
United States ocean waters and marine ecosystem 
health; 
(2) serve as the Executive Director of the Na-
tional Oceans Council established by section 501; 
and 
(3) in consultation with the Administrator, co-
ordinate Federal agency covered actions related to 
United States ocean waters and marine ecosystem 
health.