Source: http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=(title:16%20section:6401%20edition:prelim)
Timestamp: 2019-01-19 07:56:37
Document Index: 306122143

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 6401', '§202', '§201', '§1', '§144', '§6']

[USC07] 16 USC 6401: Purposes
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16 USC 6401: Purposes Text contains those laws in effect on January 18, 2019
( Pub. L. 106–562, title II, §202, Dec. 23, 2000, 114 Stat. 2800 .)
Pub. L. 106–562, title II, §201, Dec. 23, 2000, 114 Stat. 2800 , provided that: "This title [enacting this chapter] may be cited as the 'Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000'."
Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(4) [div. B, title I, §144(f)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763 , 2763A-249, provided that:
"(2) Upon the designation of a reserve under paragraph (1) by the President, the Secretary shall-
Substantially identical provisions were contained in Pub. L. 106–513, §6(g), Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2385 .
Section 1. Preamble. The world's coral reefs-the rain forests of the sea-are in serious decline. These important and sensitive areas of biodiversity warrant special protection. While United States waters contain approximately 3 percent of the world's coral reefs, approximately 70 percent of U.S. coral reefs are in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. The 3.5 million acres of coral reefs around the remote, mostly uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands are spectacular and almost undisturbed by humans. The approximately 1,200 mile stretch of coral islands, seamounts, banks, and shoals are unquestionably some of the healthiest and most extensive coral reefs in the United States. In their own right, the spectacular coral reefs and lands provide an amazing geological record of volcanic and erosive powers that have shaped this area. This vast area supports a dynamic reef ecosystem that supports more than 7,000 marine species, of which approximately half are unique to the Hawaiian Island chain. This incredibly diverse ecosystem is home to many species of coral, fish, birds, marine mammals, and other flora and fauna including the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, the threatened green sea turtle, and the endangered leatherback and hawksbill sea turtles. In addition, this area has great cultural significance to Native Hawaiians as well as linkages to early Polynesian culture-making it additionally worthy of protection and understanding. This is truly a unique and special place, a coral reef ecosystem like no place on earth, and a source of pride, inspiration, and satisfaction for all Americans, especially the people of Hawaii. It is fully worthy of our best efforts to preserve a legacy of America's natural wonders for future generations. Due to the special significance of this area, I have determined that it is in the best interest of our Nation, and of future generations, to provide strong and lasting protection for the coral reef ecosystem of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.
(1) Bottomfishing-the annual aggregate level for each permitted bottomfisher shall be that permittee's individual average taken over the 5 years preceding December 4, 2000, as determined by the Secretary, provided that the Secretary, in furtherance of the principles of the reserve, may make a one-time reasonable increase to the total aggregate to allow for the use of two Native Hawaiian bottomfishing permits;
(2) All other commercial fishing-the annual aggregate level shall be the permittee's individual take in the year preceding December 4, 2000, as determined by the Secretary.