To approve a governing international fishery agreement between the United States and the Russian Federation.
PL 106-562 (H.R.1653), enacted 12/23/2000

114 STAT. 2794 
PUBLIC LAW 106-562—DEC. 23, 2000 
Public Law 106-562 
106th Congress 
An Act 
Dec. 23, 2000 
To complete the orderly withdrawal of the NOAA from the civil administration 
[H.R. 1653] 
o^ ^ ^ Pribilof Islands, Alaska, and to assist in the conservation of coral reefs, 
and for other purposes. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 
of 
the United States of America in Congress assembled, 
TSUOS 
TITLE I—PRIBILOF ISLANDS 
16 use 1151 
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE. 
This title may be referred to as the "Pribilof Islands Transition 
Act". 
16 use 1161 
SEC. 102. PURPOSE. 
The purpose of this title is to complete the orderly withdrawal 
of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration from the 
civil administration of the Pribilof Islands, Alaska. 
SEC. 103. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR PRIBILOF ISLANDS UNDER FUR 
SEAL ACT OF 1966. 
Public Law 89-702 (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.), popularly known 
and referred to in this title as the Fur Seal Act of 1966, is amended 
by amending section 206 (16 U.S.C. 1166) to read as follows: 
"SEC. 206. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. 
"(a) GRANT AUTHORITY.— 
"(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the availability of appropria-
tions, the Secretary shall provide financial assistance to any 
city government, village corporation, or tribal council of St. 
George, Alaska, or St. Paul, Alaska. 
"(2) USE FOR MATCHING.—Notwithstanding any other provi-
sion of law relating to matching funds, funds provided by the 
Secretary as assistance under this subsection may be used 
by the entity as non-Federal matching funds under any Federal 
program that requires such matching funds. 
"(3) RESTRICTION ON USE.—The Secretary may not use 
financial assistance authorized by this Act— 
"(A) to settle any debt owed to the United States; 
"(B) for administrative or overhead expenses; or 
"(C) for contributions sought or required from any per-
son for costs or fees to clean up any matter that was 
caused or contributed to by such person on or after March 
15, 2000. 
"(4) FUNDING INSTRUMENTS AND PROCEDURES.—In pro-
viding assistance under this subsection the Secretary shall 
PUBLIC LAW 106-562—DEC. 23, 2000 
114 STAT. 2795 
transfer any funds appropriated to carry out this section to 
the Secretary of the Interior, who shall obligate such funds 
through instruments and procedures that are equivalent to 
the instruments and procedures required to be used by the 
Bureau of Indian Affairs pursuant to title IV of the Indian 
Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 
450 et seq.). 
"(5) PRO RATA DISTRIBUTION OF ASSISTANCE.—In any fiscal 
year for which less than all of the funds authorized under 
subsection (c)(1) are appropriated, such funds shall be distrib-
uted under this subsection on a pro rata basis among the 
entities referred to in subsection (c)(1) in the same proportions 
in which amounts are authorized by that subsection for grants 
to those entities. 
"(b) SOLID WASTE ASSISTANCE.— 
"(1) IN GENERAL.^^ubject to the availability of appropria-
tions, the Secretary shall provide assistance to the State of 
Alaska for designing, locating, constructing, redeveloping, 
permitting, or certifying solid waste management facilities on 
the Pribilof Islands to be operated under permits issued to 
the City of St. George and the City of St. Paul, Alaska, by 
the State of Alaska under section 46.03.100 of the Alaska 
Statutes. 
"(2) TRANSFER.—^The Secretary shall transfer any appro-
priations received under paragraph (1) to the State of Alaska 
for the benefit of rural and Native villages in Alaska for obliga-
tion under section 303 of Public Law 104—182, except that 
subsection (b) of that section shall not apply to those funds. 
"(3) LIMITATION.—In order to be eligible to receive financial Deadline, 
assistance under this subsection, not later than 180 days after Contracts, 
the date of the enactment of this paragraph, each of the Cities 
of St. Paul and St. George shall enter into a written agreement 
with the State of Alaska under which such City shall identify 
by its legal boundaries the tract or tracts of land that such 
City has selected as the site for its solid waste management 
facility and any supporting infrastructure. 
"(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—There are authorized 
to be appropriated to the Secretary for fiscal years 2001, 2002, 
2003,2004, and 2005— 
"(1) for assistance under subsection (a) a total not to 
exceed 
"(A) $9,000,000, for grants to the City of St. Paul; 
"(B) $6,300,000, for grants to the Tanadgusix Corpora-
tion; 
"(C) $1,500,000, for grants to the St. Paul Tribal 
Council; 
"(D) $6,000,000, for grants to the City of St. George; 
"(E) $4,200,000, for grants to the St. George Tanaq 
Corporation; and 
"(F) $1,000,000, for grants to the St. George Tribal 
Council; and 
"(2) for assistance under subsection (b), for fiscal years 
2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005 a total not to exceed— 
"(A) $6,500,000 for the City of St. Paul; and 
"(B) $3,500,000 for the City of St. George. 
"(d) LIMITATION ON USE OF ASSISTANCE FOR LOBBYING ACTIVI-
TIES.—^None of the funds authorized by this section may be available 
114 STAT. 2796 
PUBLIC LAW 106-562—DEC. 23, 2000 
for any activity a purpose of which is to influence legislation pending 
before the Congress, except that this subsection shall not prevent 
officers or employees of the United States or of its departments, 
agencies, or commissions from communicating to Members of Con-
gress, through proper channels, requests for legislation or appro-
priations that they consider necessary for the efficient conduct 
of public business. 
"(e) IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY.—^Neither the United States nor 
any of its agencies, officers, or employees shall have any liability 
under this Act or any other law associated with or resulting from 
the designing, locating, contracting for, redeveloping, permitting, 
certifying, operating, or maintaining any solid waste management 
facility on the Pribilof Islands as a consequence of— 
"(1) having provided assistance to the State of Alaska under 
subsection (b); or 
"(2) providing funds for, or planning, constructing, or oper-
ating, any interim solid waste management facilities that may 
be required by the State of Alaska before permanent solid 
waste management facilities constructed with assistance pro-
vided under subsection (b) are complete and operational. 
"(f) REPORT ON EXPENDITURES.—Each entity which receives 
assistance authorized under subsection (c) shall submit an audited 
statement listing the expenditure of that assistance to the Com-
mittee on Appropriations and the Committee on Resources of the 
House of Representatives and the Committee on Appropriations 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate, on the last day of fiscal years 2002, 2004, and 2006. 
"(g) CONGRESSIONAL INTENT.—Amounts authorized under sub-
section (c) are intended by Congress to be provided in addition 
to the base funding appropriated to the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration in fiscal year 2000.". 
SEC. 104. DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY. 
Section 205 of the Fur Seal Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 1165) 
is amended— 
(1) by amending subsection (c) to read as follows: 
Deadline. 
"(c) Not later than 3 months after the date of the enactment 
of the Pribilof Islands Transition Act, the Secretary shall submit 
to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of 
the Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of Rep-
resentatives a report that includes— 
"(1) a description of all property specified in the document 
referred to in subsection (a) that has been conveyed under 
that subsection; 
"(2) a description of all Federal property specified in the 
document referred to in subsection (a) that is going to be 
conveyed under that subsection; and 
"(3) an identification of all Federal property on the Pribilof 
Islands that will be retained by the Federal CJovemment to 
meet its responsibilities under this Act, the Convention, and 
any other applicable law."; and 
(2) by striking subsection (g). 
16 use 1161 
SEC. 105. TERMINATION OF RESPONSIBILITIES. 
°° ^' 
(a) FUTURE OBLIGATION.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—^The Secretary of Commerce shall not 
be considered to have any obligation to promote or otherwise 
provide for the development of any form of an economy not 
PUBLIC LAW 106-562—DEC. 23, 2000 
114 STAT. 2797 
dependent on sealing on the Pribilof Islands, Alaska, including 
any obligation under section 206 of the Fur Seal Act of 1966 
(16 U.S.C. 1166) or section 3(c)(1)(A) of Public Law 104^91 
(16 U.S.C. 1165 note). 
(2) SAVINGS.—^This subsection shall not affect any cause 
of action under section 206 of the Fur Seal Act of 1966 (16 
U.S.C. 1166) or section 3(c)(1)(A) of Public Law 104-91 (16 
U.S.C. 1165 note)— 
(A) that arose before the date of the enactment of 
this title; and 
(B) for which a judicial action is filed before the expira-
tion of the 5-year period beginning on the date of the 
enactment of this title. 
(3) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.—^Nothing in this title shall 
be construed to imply that— 
(A) any obligation to promote or otherwise provide 
for the development in the Pribilof Islands of any form 
of an economy not dependent on sealing was or was not 
established by section 206 of the Fur Seal Act of 1966 
(16 U.S.C. 1166), section 3(c)(1)(A) of Public Law 104-
91 (16 U.S.C. 1165 note), or any other provision of law; 
or 
(B) any cause of action could or could not arise with 
respect to such an obligation. 
(4) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—Section 3(c)(1) of Public 
Law 104^91 (16 U.S.C. 1165 note) is amended by striking 
subparagraph (A) and redesignating subparagraphs (B) through 
(D) in order as subparagraphs (A) through (C). 
(b) PROPERTY CONVEYANCE AND CLEANUP.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to paragraph (2), there are termi-
nated all obligations of the Secretary of Commerce and the 
United States to— 
(A) convey property under section 205 of the Fur Seal 
Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 1165); and 
(B) carry out cleanup activities, including assessment, 
response, 
remediation, 
and monitoring, 
except 
for 
postremedial measures such as monitoring and operation 
and maintenance activities, related to National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration administration of the 
Pribilof Islsmds, Alaska, under section 3 of Public Law 
104^91 (16 U.S.C. 1165 note) and the Pribilof Islands 
Environmental 
Restoration 
Agreement 
between 
the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the 
State of Alaska, signed January 26, 1996. 
(2) APPLICATION.—Paragraph (1) shall apply on and after 
the date on which the Secretary of Commerce certifies that— 
(A) the State of Alaska has provided written confirma-
tion that no further corrective action is required at the 
sites and operable units covered by the Pribilof Islands 
Environmental 
Restoration 
Agreement 
between 
the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the 
State of Alaska, signed January 26, 1996, with the excep-
tion of postremedial measures, such as monitoring and 
operation and maintenance activities; 
(B) the cleanup required under section 3(a) of Public 
Law 104-91 (16 U.S.C. 1165 note) is complete; 
114 STAT. 2798 
PUBLIC LAW 106-562—DEC. 23, 2000 
(C) the properties specified in the document referred 
to in subsection (a) of section 205 of the Fur Seal Act 
of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 1165(a)) can be unconditionally offered 
for conveyance under that section; and 
(D) all amounts appropriated under section 206(c)(1) 
of the Fur Seal Act of 1966, as amended by this title, 
have been obligated. 
(3) FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS FOR CLEANUP COSTS.—(A) 
On and after the date on which section 3(b)(5) of Public Law 
104-91 (16 U.S.C. 1165 note) is repealed pursuant to subsection 
(c), the Secretary of Commerce may not seek or require financial 
contribution by or from any local governmental entity of the 
Pribilof Islands, any official of such an entity, or the owner 
of land on the Pribilof Islands, for cleanup costs incurred pursu-
ant to section 3(a) of Public Law 104-91 (as in effect before 
such repeal), except as provided in subparagraph (B). 
(B) Subparagraph (A) shall not limit the authority of the 
Secretary of Commerce to seek or require financial contribution 
from any person for costs or fees to clean up any matter 
that was caused or contributed to by such person on or after 
March 15, 2000. 
(4) CERTAIN RESERVED RIGHTS NOT CONDITIONS.—^For pur-
poses of paragraph (2)(C), the following requirements shall 
not be considered to be conditions on conveyance of property: 
(A) Any requirement that a potential transferee must 
allow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra-
tion continued access to the property to conduct environ-
mental monitoring following remediation activities. 
(B) Any requirement that a potential transferee must 
allow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administra-
tion access to the property to continue the operation, and 
eventual closure, of treatment facilities. 
(C) Any requirement that a potential transferee must 
comply with institutional controls to ensure that an 
environmental cleanup remains protective of human health 
or the environment that do not unreasonably affect the 
use of the property. 
(D) Valid existing rights in the property, including 
rights granted by contract, permit, right-of-way, or ease-
ment. 
(E) The terms of the documents described in subsection 
(d)(2). 
Effective date. 
(c) REPEALS.—Effective on the date on which the Secretary 
of Commerce makes the certification described in subsection (b)(2), 
the following provisions are repealed: 
(1) Section 205 of the Fur Seal Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 
1165). 
(2) Section 3 of PubHc Law 104^91 (16 U.S.C. 1165 note), 
(d) SAVINGS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—^Nothing in this title shall affect any 
obligation of the Secretary of Commerce, or of any Federal 
department or agency, under or with respect to any document 
described in paragraph (2) or with respect to any lands subject 
to such a document. 
(2) DOCUMENTS DESCRIBED.—^The documents referred to 
in paragraph (1) are the following: 
PUBLIC LAW 106-562—DEC. 23, 2000 
114 STAT. 2799 
(A) The Transfer of Property on the Pribilof Islands: 
Description, Terms, and Conditions, dated February 10, 
1984, between the Secretary of Commerce and various 
Pribilof Island entities. 
(B) The Settlement Agreement between Tanadgusix 
Corporation and the City of St. Paul, dated January 11, 
1988, and approved by the Secretary of Commerce on Feb-
ruary 23, 1988. 
(C) The Memorandum of Understanding between 
Tanadgusix Corporation, Tanaq Corporation, and the Sec-
retary of Commerce, dated December 22, 1976. 
(e) DEFINITIONS.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—^Except as provided in paragraph (2), the 
definitions set forth in section 101 of the Fur Seal Act of 
1966 (16 U.S.C. 1151) shall apply to this section. 
(2) NATIVES OF THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS.—For purposes of 
this section, the term "Natives of the Pribilof Islands" includes 
the Tanadgusix Corporation, the St. George Tanaq Corporation, 
and the city governments £ind tribal councils of St. Paul and 
St. George, Alaska. 
SEC. 106. TECHNICAL AND CLARIFYING AMENDMENTS. 
(a) Section 3 of Public Law 104-91 (16 U.S.C. 1165 note) 
and the Fur Seal Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.) are amended 
b y -
(1) striking "(d)" and all that follows through the heading 
for subsection (d) of section 3 of Public Law 104-91 and 
inserting "SEC. 212."; and 
(2) moving and redesignating such subsection so as to 
16 USC 1169b. 
appear as section 212 of the Fur Seal Act of 1966. 
(b) Section 201 of the Fur Seal Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 1161) 
is amended by striking "on such Islands" and inserting "on such 
property. 
(c) The Fur Seal Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.) is amended 
by inserting before title I the following: 
"SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. 
16 USC 1151 
"This Act may be cited as the 'Fur Seal Act of 1966'.". 
°°*^' 
SEC. 107. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
Section 3 of Public Law 104r-91 (16 U.S.C. 1165 note) is 
amended— 
(1) by striking subsection (f) and inserting the following: 
"(f) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRL\TIONS.— 
"(1) IN GENERAL.—^There are authorized to be appropriated 
$10,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 
and 2005 for the purposes of carrying out this section. 
"(2) LIMITATION.—^None of the funds authorized by this 
subsection may be expended for the purpose of cleaning up 
or remediating any landfills, wastes, dumps, debris, storage 
tanks, property, hazardous or unsafe conditions, or contami-
nants, including petroleum products and their derivatives, left 
by the Department of Defense or any of its components on 
lands on the Pribilof Islands, Alaska."; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
"(g) LOW-INTEREST LOAN PROGRAM.— 
"(1) CAPITALIZATION OF REVOLVING FUND.—Of amounts 
authorized under subsection (f) for each of fiscal years 2001, 
114 STAT. 2800 
PUBLIC LAW 106-562—DEC. 23, 2000 
2002, 2003, 2004, and 2005, the Secretary may provide to 
the State of Alaska up to $2,000,000 per fiscal year to capitalize 
a revolving fund to be used by the State for loans under 
this subsection. 
"(2) LOW-INTEREST LOANS.—^The Secretary shall require 
that any revolving fund established with amounts provided 
under this subsection shall be used only to provide low-interest 
loans to Natives of the Pribilof Islands to assess, respond to, 
remediate, and monitor contamination 
from 
lead 
paint, 
asbestos, and petroleum from underground storage tanks. 
"(3) 
NATIVES OF THE PRIBILOF ISLANDS DEFINED.—^The 
definitions set forth in section 101 of the Fur Seal Act of 
1966 (16 U.S.C. 1151) shall apply to this section, except that 
the term 'Natives of the Pribilof Islands' includes the 
Tanadgusix and Tanaq Corporations. 
"(4) REVERSION OF FUNDS.—Before the Secretary may pro-
vide any funds to the State of Alaska under this section, the 
State of Alaska and the Secretary must agree in writing that, 
on the last day of fiscal year 2011, and of each fiscal year 
thereafter until the full amount provided to the State of Alaska 
by the Secretary under this section has been repaid to the 
United States, the State of Alaska shall transfer to the Treasury 
of the United States monies remaining in the revolving fund, 
including principal and interest paid into the revolving fimd 
as repayment of loans.". 
Coral Reef 
TITLE II—CORAL REEF CONSERVATION 
Conservation Act 
of 2000. 
16 use 6401 
SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE. 
This title may be cited as the "Coral Reef Conservation Act 
of 2000". 
note. 
16 use 6401. 
SEC. 202. PURPOSES. 
The purposes of this title are— 
(1) to preserve, sustain, and restore the condition of coral 
reef ecosystems; 
(2) to promote the wise management and sustainable use 
of coral reef ecosystems to benefit local communities and the 
Nation; 
(3) to develop sound scientific information on the condition 
of coral reef ecosystems and the threats to such ecosystems; 
(4) to assist in the preservation of coral reefs by supporting 
conservation programs, including projects that involve affected 
local communities and nongovernmental organizations; 
(5) to provide financial resources for those programs and 
projects; and 
(6) to establish a formal mechanism for collecting and 
allocating monetary donations from the private sector to be 
used for coral reef conservation projects. 
16 use 6402. 
SEC. 203. NATIONAL CORAL REEF ACTION STRATEGY. 
Deadline. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 180 days after the date of 
Federal Register, the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the 
publication. 
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
and to the Committee on Resources of the House of Representatives 
and publish in the Federal Register a national coral reef action 
PUBLIC LAW 106-562—DEC. 23, 2000 
114 STAT. 2801 
strategy, consistent with the purposes of this title. The Adminis-
trator shall periodically review and revise the strategy as necessary. 
In developing this national strategy, the Secretary may consult 
with the Coral Reef Task Force established under Executive Order 
13089 (June 11, 1998). 
(b) GOALS AND OBJECTIVES.—^The action strategy shall include 
a statement of goals and objectives as well as an implementation 
plan, including a description of the funds obligated each fiscal 
year to advance coral reef conservation. The action strategy and 
implementation plan shall include discussion of— 
(1) coastal uses and management; 
(2) water and air quality; 
(3) mapping and information management; 
(4) research, monitoring, and assessment; 
(5) international and regional issues; 
-
(6) outreach and education; 
(7) local strategies developed by the States or Federal agen-
j 
cies, including regional fishery management councils; and 
(8) conservation, including how the use of marine protected 
areas to serve as replenishment zones will be developed con-
sistent with local practices and traditions. 
SEC. 204. CORAL REEF CONSERVATION PROGRAM. 
16USC6403. 
(a) GRANTS.—^The Secretary, through the Administrator and 
subject to the availability of funds, shall provide grants of financial 
assistance for projects for the conservation of coral reefs (here£ifter 
in this title referred to as "coral conservation projects"), for pro-
posals approved by the Administrator in accordance with this sec-
tion. 
(b) MATCHING REQUIREMENTS.— 
(1) FIFTY PERCENT.—^Except as provided in paragraph (2), 
Federal funds for any coral conservation project under this 
section may not exceed 50 percent of the total cost of such 
project. For purposes of this paragraph, the non-Federal share 
of project costs may be provided by in-kind contributions and 
other noncash support. 
(2) WAIVER.—^The Administrator may waive all or part 
of the matching requirement under paragraph (1) if the 
Administrator determines that no reasonable means are avail-
able through which applicants can meet the matching require-
ment and the probable benefit of such project outweighs the 
public interest in such matching requirement. 
(c) ELIGIBILITY.—^Any natural resource management authority 
of a State or other government authority with jurisdiction over 
coral reefs or whose activities directly or indirectly affect coral 
reefs, or coral reef ecosystems, or educational or nongovernmental 
institutions with demonstrated expertise in the conservation of 
coral reefs, may submit to the Administrator a coral conservation 
proposal under subsection (e). 
(d) GEOGRAPHIC AND BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY.—^The Adminis-
trator shall ensure that funding for grants awarded under sub-
section (b) during a fiscal year are distributed in the following 
manner: 
(1) No less than 40 percent of funds available shall be 
awarded for coral conservation projects in the Pacific Ocean 
within the maritime areas and zones subject to the jurisdiction 
or control of the United States. 
114 STAT. 2802 
PUBLIC LAW 106-562—DEC. 23, 2000 
(2) No less than 40 percent of the funds available shall 
be awarded for coral conservation projects in the Atlantic 
Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea within the 
maritime areas and zones subject to the jurisdiction or control 
of the United States. 
(3) Remaining funds shall be awarded for projects that 
address emerging priorities or threats, including international 
priorities or threats, identified by the Administrator. When 
identifying emerging threats or priorities, the Administrator 
may consult with the Coral Reef Task Force. 
(e) PROJECT PROPOSALS.—Each proposal for a grant under this 
section shall include the following: 
(1) The name of the individual or entity responsible for 
conducting the project. 
(2) A description of the qualifications of the individuals 
who will conduct the project. 
(3) A succinct statement of the purposes of the project. 
(4) An estimate of the funds and time required to complete 
the project. 
(5) Evidence of support for the project by appropriate rep-
resentatives of States or other government jurisdictions in 
which the project will be conducted. 
(6) Information regarding the source and amount of 
matching funding available to the applicant. 
(7) A description of how the project meets one or more 
of the criteria in subsection (g). 
(8) Any other information the Administrator considers to 
be necessary for evaluating the eligibility of the project for 
funding under this title. 
(f) PROJECT REVIEW AND APPROVAL.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—^The Administrator shall review each coral 
conservation project proposal to determine if it meets the cri-
teria set forth in subsection (g). 
Deadline. 
(2) REVIEW; APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL.—^Not later t h a n 
6 months after receiving a project proposal under this section, 
the Administrator shall— 
(A) request and consider written comments on the pro-
posal from each Federal agency. State government, or other 
government jurisdiction, including the relevant regional 
fishery management councils established under the Magnu-
son-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act 
(16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.), or any National Marine Sanctuary, 
with jurisdiction or management authority over coral reef 
ecosystems in the area where the project is to be conducted, 
including the extent to which the project is consistent with 
locally-established priorities; 
(B) provide for the merit-based peer review of the 
proposal and require standardized documentation of that 
peer review; 
(C) after considering any written comments and rec-
ommendations based on the reviews under subparagraphs 
(A) and (B), approve or disapprove the proposal; and 
(D) provide written notification of that approval or 
disapproval to the person who submitted the proposal, and 
each of those States and other government jurisdictions 
that provided comments under subparagraph (A). 
PUBLIC LAW 106-562—DEC. 23, 2000 
114 STAT. 2803 
(g) CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL.—^The Administrator may not 
approve a project proposal under this section unless the project 
is consistent with the coral reef action strategy under section 203 
and will enhance the conservation of coral reefs by— 
(1) implementing coral conservation programs which pro-
mote sustainable development and ensure effective, long-term 
conservation of coral reefs; 
(2) addressing the conflicts arising from the use of environ-
ments near coral reefs or from the use of corals, species associ-
ated with coral reefs, and coral products; 
(3) enhancing compliance with laws that prohibit or regu-
late the taking of coral products or species associated with 
coral reefs or regulate the use and management of coral reef 
ecosystems; 
(4) developing sound scientific information on the condition 
of coral reef ecosystems or the threats to such ecosystems, 
including factors that cause coral disease; 
; 
(5) promoting and assisting to implement cooperative coral 
reef conservation projects that involve Eiffected local commu-
nities, nongovernmental organizations, or others in the private 
sector; 
(6) increasing public knowledge and awareness of coral 
reef ecosystems and issues regarding their long term conserva-
tion; 
(7) mapping the location and distribution of coral reefs; 
(8) developing £ind implementing techniques to monitor 
and assess the status and condition of coral reefs; 
(9) developing and implementing cost-effective methods to 
restore degraded coral reef ecosystems; or 
(10) promoting ecologically sound navigation and anchor-
ages near coral reefs. 
(h) PROJECT REPORTING.—^Each grantee under this section shall 
provide periodic reports as required by the Administrator. Each 
report shall include all information required by the Administrator 
for evaluating the progress and success of the project. 
(i) CORAL REEF TASK FORCE.—The Administrator may consult 
with the Coral Reef Task Force to obtain guidance in establishing 
coral conservation project priorities under this section. 
(j) IMPLEMENTATION GUIDELINES.—-Within 180 days after the Deadiuie. 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall promul-
gate necessary guidelines for implementing this section. In devel-
oping those guidelines, the Administrator shall consult with State, 
regional, and local entities involved in setting priorities for con-
servation of cored reefs and provide for appropriate public notice 
and opportunity for comment. 
SEC. 205. CORAL REEF CONSERVATION FUND. 
16USC6404. 
(a) FUND.—^The Administrator may enter into an agreement 
with a nonprofit organization that promotes coral reef conservation 
authorizing such organization to receive, hold, and administer funds 
received pursuant to this section. The organization shall invest, 
reinvest, and otherwise administer the funds and maintain such 
funds and any interest or revenues earned in a separate interest 
bearing account, hereafter referred to as the Fund, established 
by such organization solely to support partnerships between the 
public and private sectors that further the purposes of this Act 
114 STAT. 2804 
PUBLIC LAW 106-562—DEC. 23, 2000 
and are consistent with the national coral reef action strategy 
under section 203. 
(b) AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT DONATIONS.—Pursuant to an 
agreement entered into under subsection (a) of this section, an 
organization may accept, receive, solicit, hold, administer, and use 
any gift to further the purposes of this title. Any moneys received 
as a gift shall be deposited and maintained in the Fund established 
by the organization under subsection (a). 
(c) REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE.—^The Administrator shall conduct 
a continuing review of the grant program administered by an 
organization under this section. Each review shall include a written 
assessment concerning the extent to which that organization has 
implemented the goals and requirements of this section and the 
national coral reef action strategy under section 203. 
(d) ADMINISTRATION.—^Under an agreement entered into pursu-
ant to subsection (a), the Administrator may transfer funds appro-
griated to carry out this title to an organization. Amounts received 
y an organization under this subsection may be used for matching, 
in whole or in part, contributions (whether in money, services, 
or property) made to the organization by private persons and State 
and local government agencies. 
16 use 6405. 
SEC. 206. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE. 
The Administrator may make grants to any State, local, or 
territorial government agency with jurisdiction over coral reefs for 
emergencies to address unforeseen or disaster-related circumstance 
pertaining to coral reefs or coral reef ecosystems. 
16 use 6406. 
SEC. 207. NATIONAL PROGRAM. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the availability of appropriations, 
the Secretary may conduct activities to conserve coral reefs and 
coral reef ecosystems, that are consistent with this title, the 
National Marine Sanctuaries Act, the Coastal Zone Management 
Act of 1972, the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act, the Endangered Species Act of 1973, and the 
Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. 
(b) AUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES.—Activities authorized under sub-
section (a) include— 
(1) mapping, monitoring, assessment, restoration, and sci-
entific research that benefit the understanding, sustainable 
use, and long-term conservation of coral reefs and coral reef 
ecosystems; 
(2) enhancing public awareness, education, understanding, 
and appreciation of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems; 
(3) providing assistance to States in removing abandoned 
fishing gear, marine debris, and abandoned vessels from coral 
reefs to conserve living marine resources; and 
(4) cooperative conservation and management of coral reefs 
and coral reef ecosystems with local, regional, or international 
programs and partners. 
16 use 6407. 
SEC. 208. EFFECTIVENESS REPORTS. 
Deadline. 
(a) GRANT PROGRAM.—^Not later than 3 years after the date 
of the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the 
Senate and the Committee on Resources of the House of Representa-
tives a report that documents the effectiveness of the grant program 
under section 204 in meeting the purposes of this title. The report 
PUBLIC LAW 106-562—DEC. 23, 2000 
114 STAT. 2805 
shall include a State-by-State summary of Federal and non-Federal 
contributions toward the costs of each project. 
(b) NATIONAL PROGRAM.—^Not later than 2 years after the date Deadline. 
on which the Administrator publishes the national coral reef Reports, 
strategy under section 203 and every 2 years thereafter, the 
Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, 
and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Resources 
of the House of Representatives a report describing all activities 
undertaken to implement that strategy, under section 203, including 
a description of the funds obligated each fiscal year to advance 
coral reef conservation. 
SEC. 209. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. 
16 USC 6408. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—^There are authorized to be appropriated to 
the Secretary to carry out this title $16,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2001, 2002, 2003, and 2004, which may remain available 
until expended. 
(b) ADMINISTRATION.—Of the amounts appropriated under sub-
section (a), not more than the lesser of $1,000,000 or 10 percent 
of the amounts appropriated, may be used for program administra-
tion or for overhead costs incurred by the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration or the Department of Commerce and 
assessed as an administrative charge. 
(c) CORAL REEF CONSERVATION PROGRAM.—From the amounts 
appropriated under subsection (a), there shall be made avgdlable 
to the Secretary $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001, 2002, 
2003, and 2004 for coral reef conservation activities under section 
204. 
(d) NATIONAL CORAL REEF ACTIVITIES.—From the amounts 
appropriated under subsection (a), there shall be made available 
to the Secretary $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2001, 2002, 
2003, and 2004 for activities under section 207. 
SEC. 210. DEFINITIONS. 
16 USC 6409. 
In this title: 
(1) ADMINISTRATOR.—^The term "Administrator" means the 
Administrator of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric 
Administration. 
(2) CONSERVATION.—^The term "conservation" means the 
use of methods and procedures necessary to preserve or sustain 
corals and associated species as diverse, viable, and self-perpet-
uating coral reef ecosystems, including all activities associated 
with resource management, such as assessment, conservation, 
protection, restoration, sustainable use, and management of 
habitat; mapping; habitat monitoring; assistance in the develop-
ment 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 Fishery Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 
1801 et seq.); law enforcement; conflict resolution initiatives; 
community outreach and education; and that promote safe and 
ecologically sound navigation. 
(3) CORAL.—^The term "coral" means species of the phylum 
Cnidaria, including— 
(A) all species of the orders Antipatharia (black corals), 
Scleractinia (stony corals), Gorgonacea (homy corals), 
Stolonifera (organpipe corals and others), Alcyanacea (soft 
114 STAT. 2806 
PUBLIC LAW 106-562—DEC. 23, 2000 
corals), and Coenothecalia (blue coral), of the class 
Anthozoa; and 
(B) all species of the order Hydrocorallina (fire corals 
and hydrocorals) of the class Hydrozoa. 
(4) CORAL REEF.—^The term "coral reef" means any reefs 
or shoals composed primarily of corals. 
(5) CORAL REEF ECOSYSTEM.—^The term "coral reef eco-
system" means coral and other species of reef organisms 
(including reef plants) associated with coral reefs, and the 
nonliving environmental factors that directly affect coral reefs, 
that together function as an ecological unit in nature. 
(6) CORAL PRODUCTS.—^The term "coral products" means 
any living or dead specimens, parts, or derivatives, or any 
product containing specimens, parts, or derivatives, of any spe-
cies referred to in paragraph (3). 
(7) SECRETARY.—^The term "Secretary" means the Secretary 
of Commerce. 
(8) STATE.—^The term "State" means any State of the 
United States that contains a coral reef ecosystem within its 
seaward boundaries, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern 
Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, and 
any other territory or possession of the United States, or sepa-
rate sovereign in free association with the United States, that 
contains a coral reef ecosystem within its seaward boundaries. 
TITLE III—MISCELLANEOUS 
SEC. 
301. 
GREAT 
LAKES 
FISHERY 
ACT 
OF 1
9
5
6
. 
Section 3(a) of the Great Lakes Fishery Act of 1956 (16 U.S.C. 
932(a)) is amended by adding at the end the following: 
"(3) Individuals serving as such Commissioners shall not be 
considered to be Federal employees while performing such service, 
except for purposes of injury compensation or tort claims liability 
as provided in chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, and 
chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code.". 
SEC. 302. TUNA CONVENTIONS ACT OF 1950. 
Section 3 of the Tuna Conventions Act of 1950 (16 U.S.C. 
952) is amended by inserting before "Of such Commissioners— 
" the following: "Individuals serving as such Commissioners shall 
not be considered to be Federal employees while performing such 
service, except for purposes of injury compensation or tort claims 
liability as provided in chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, 
and chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code.". 
SEC. 303. ATLANTIC TUNAS CONVENTION ACT OF 1975. 
Section 3(a)(1) of the Atlantic Tunas Convention Act of 1975 
(16 U.S.C. 971a(a)(l)) is amended by inserting before 'The Commis-
sioners" the following: "Individuals serving as such Commissioners 
shall not be considered to be Federal employees while performing 
such service, except for purposes of injury compensation or tort 
claims liability as provided in chapter 81 of title 5, United States 
Code, and chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code.". 
SEC. 304. NORTH PACIFIC ANADROMOUS STOCKS ACT OF 1992. 
(a) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—^Public Law 102-587 is amended 
16 use 5001 et 
by striking title VIII (106 Stat. 5098 et seq.). 
seq. 
PUBLIC LAW 106-562—DEC. 23, 2000 
114 STAT. 2807 
(b) TREATMENT COMMISSIONERS.—Section 804(a) of the North 
Pacific Anadromous Stocks Act of 1992 (16 U.S.C. 5003(a)) is 
amended by inserting before "Of the Commissioners—" the fol-
lowing: "Individuals serving as such Commissioners shall not be 
considered to be Federal employees while performing such service, 
except for purposes of injury compensation or tort claims liability 
as provided in chapter 81 of title 5, United States Code, and 
chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code.". 
SEC. 305. fflGH SEAS FISHING COMPLIANCE ACT OF 1995. 
Section 103(4) of the High Seas Fishing Compliance Act of 
1995 (16 U.S.C. 5502(4)) is amended by inserting "or subject to 
the jurisdiction of the United States" after "United States". 
SEC. 306. REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES. 
Notwithstanding section 3302(b) and (c) of title 31, United 
States Code, all amounts received by the United States in settle-
ment of, or judgment for, damage claims arising from the October 
9, 1992, allision of the vessel ZACHARY into the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration research vessel DISCOVERER, 
and from the disposal of marine assets, and all amounts received 
by the United States from the disposal of marine assets of the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration— 
(1) shall be retained as an offsetting collection in the Oper-
ations, Research and Facilities account of the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration; 
(2) shall be deposited into that account upon receipt by 
the United States Government; and 
(3) shall be available only for obligation for National Oce-
anic and Atmospheric Administration hydrographic and fish-
eries vessel operations. 
SEC. 307. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO NATIONAL MARINE SANC-
TUARIES ACT. 
(a) CROSS REFERENCE CORRECTION.—Section 304(f)(2) of the 
National Marine Sanctuaries Act (16 U.S.C. 1434(f)(2)) is amended 
by striking "paragraph (2)" and inserting "subparagraphs (A) and 
(B) of paragraph (1)". 
(b) SHORT TITLE CORRECTION.—Section 317 of such Act (16 
I6usci43i 
U.S.C. 1445 note) is amended by striking "The" and inserting note, 
"the'". 
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—Subsection (a) shall take effect January 
16 use 1434 
1,2001. 
note. 
TITLE IV—STUDY OF EASTERN GRAY 
WHALE POPULATION 
SEC. 401. STUDY OF THE EASTERN GRAY WHALE POPULATION. 
16 USC 917a 
(a) STUDY.—^Not later than 180 days after the date of the Deadline, 
enactment of this Act and subject to the availability of appropria-
tions, the Secretary of Commerce shall initiate a study of the 
environmental and biological factors responsible for the significant 
increase in mortality events of the eastern gray whale population, 
and the other potential impacts these factors may be having on 
the eastern gray whale population. 
114 STAT. 2808 
PUBLIC LAW 106-562—DEC. 23, 2000 
(b) CONSIDERATION OF WESTERN POPULATION INFORMATION.— 
The Secretary should ensure that, to the greatest extent practicable, 
information from current and future studies of the western gray 
whale population is considered in the study under this section, 
so as to better understand the d)mamics of each population and 
to test different hypotheses that may lead to an increased under-
standing of the mechanism driving their respective population 
d3aiamics. 
(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—In addition to other 
amounts authorized under this title, there are authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this section— 
(1) $290,000 for fiscal year 2001; and 
(2) $500,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 through 2004. 
TITLE V—MISCELLANEOUS 
SEC. 501. TREATMENT OF VESSEL AS AN EUGIBLE VESSEL. 
Notwithstanding paragraphs (1) through (3) of sections 208(a) 
of the American Fisheries Act (title II of division C of the Omnibus 
Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 
1999 (Public Law 105-277; 112 Stat. 2681-624)), the catcher vessel 
HAZEL LORRAINE (United States Official Number 592211) and 
the catcher vessel PROVIDIAN (United States Official Number 
1062183) shall be considered to be vessels that are eligible to 
harvest the directed fishing allowance under section 206(b)(1) of 
that Act pursuant to a Federal fishing permit in the same manner 
as, and subject to the same requirements and limitations on that 
harvesting as apply to, catcher vessels that are eligible to harvest 
that directed fishing allowance under section 208(a) of that Act. 
Approved December 23, 2000. 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY—H.R. 1653: 
HOUSE REPORTS: No. 106-195 (Comm. on Resources). 
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD, Vol. 146 (2000): 
Oct. 30, 31, considered and passed House. 
Dec. 14, considered and passed Senate.