Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021
This bill addresses the conservation and sustainability of coral reef ecosystems.
Among other things, the bill
To reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 and to establish 
    the United States Coral Reef Task Force, and for other purposes.


 


    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 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 ``Restoring 
Resilient Reefs Act of 2021''.
    (b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as 
follows:

Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

    TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000

Sec. 101. Reauthorization of Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000.
Sec. 102. Modification to section 204 of the Coral Reef Conservation 
                            Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6403).

             TITLE II--UNITED STATES CORAL REEF TASK FORCE

Sec. 201. Establishment.
Sec. 202. Duties.
Sec. 203. Membership.
Sec. 204. Responsibilities of Federal agency members.
Sec. 205. Working groups.
Sec. 206. Definitions.

      TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CORAL REEF AUTHORITIES

Sec. 301. Coral reef conservation and restoration assistance.

 TITLE IV--SUSAN L. WILLIAMS NATIONAL CORAL REEF MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP

Sec. 401. Short title.
Sec. 402. Definitions.
Sec. 403. Establishment of fellowship program.
Sec. 404. Fellowship awards.
Sec. 405. Matching requirement.

    TITLE I--REAUTHORIZATION OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000

SEC. 101. REAUTHORIZATION OF CORAL REEF CONSERVATION ACT OF 2000.

    (a) Purposes; Federal Coral Reef Management and Restoration 
Activities.--The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6401 et 
seq.) is amended by striking sections 202 and 203 and inserting the 
following:

``SEC. 202. PURPOSES.

    ``The purposes of this title are--
            ``(1) to conserve and restore the condition of United 
        States coral reef ecosystems challenged by natural and human-
        accelerated changes, including increasing ocean temperatures, 
        ocean acidification, coral bleaching, coral diseases, water 
        quality degradation, invasive species, and illegal, unreported, 
        and unregulated fishing;
            ``(2) to promote the science-based management and 
        sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems to benefit local 
        communities and the Nation, including through improved 
        integration and cooperation among Federal, State, and locally 
        managed jurisdictions with coral reef equities;
            ``(3) to develop sound scientific information on the 
        condition of coral reef ecosystems, continuing and emerging 
        threats to such ecosystems, and the efficacy of innovative 
        tools, technologies, and strategies to mitigate stressors and 
        restore such ecosystems, including evaluation criteria to 
        determine the effectiveness of management interventions, and 
        accurate mapping for coral reef restoration;
            ``(4) to assist in the preservation of coral reefs by 
        supporting science-based, consensus-driven State, Tribal, 
        Pacific Islander, and community-based coral reef management, 
        including monitoring, conservation, and restoration projects 
        that empower local communities, small businesses, and 
        nongovernmental organizations;
            ``(5) to provide financial resources, technical assistance, 
        and scientific expertise to supplement and strengthen State, 
        Tribal, Indigenous, and community-based management programs and 
        conservation and restoration projects;
            ``(6) to establish a formal mechanism for collecting and 
        allocating monetary donations from the private sector to be 
        used for coral reef conservation and restoration projects;
            ``(7) to support the rapid and effective, science-based 
        assessment and response to emergencies that imminently threaten 
        coral reefs, such as coral disease outbreaks, invasive species, 
        hurricanes, marine heat waves, coral bleaching, and other 
        natural disasters, vessel groundings or chemical spills, and 
        other exigent circumstances; and
            ``(8) to serve as a model for advancing similar 
        international efforts to monitor, conserve, and restore coral 
        reef ecosystems in the jurisdictions of United States allies 
        and trading partners.

``SEC. 203. FEDERAL CORAL REEF MANAGEMENT AND RESTORATION ACTIVITIES.

    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator or the Secretary of the 
Interior may conduct activities described in subsection (b) to conserve 
and restore coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems that are consistent 
with--
            ``(1) all applicable laws governing resource management in 
        Federal and State waters, including this Act;
            ``(2) the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect 
        under section 204A;
            ``(3) coral reef action plans in effect under section 205, 
        as applicable; and
            ``(4) coral reef emergency plans in effect under section 
        209, as applicable.
    ``(b) Activities Described.--Activities described in this 
subsection are activities to conserve, research, monitor, assess, and 
restore coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems in waters managed under 
the jurisdiction of a Federal agency specified in subsection (c) or in 
coordination with a State in waters managed under the jurisdiction of 
such State, including--
            ``(1) developing, including through the collection of 
        requisite data, high-quality and digitized maps reflecting--
                    ``(A) current and historical live coral cover data;
                    ``(B) coral reef habitat quality data;
                    ``(C) priority areas for coral reef conservation to 
                maintain biodiversity and ecosystem structure and 
                function, including the reef matrix itself, that 
                benefit coastal communities and living marine 
                resources;
                    ``(D) priority areas for coral reef restoration to 
                enhance biodiversity and ecosystem structure and 
                function, including the reef matrix itself, to benefit 
                coastal communities and living marine resources; and
                    ``(E) areas of concern that may require enhanced 
                monitoring of coral health and cover;
            ``(2) enhancing compliance with Federal laws that prohibit 
        or regulate--
                    ``(A) the taking of coral products or species 
                associated with coral reefs; or
                    ``(B) the use and management of coral reef 
                ecosystems;
            ``(3) long-term ecological monitoring of coral reef 
        ecosystems;
            ``(4) implementing species-specific recovery plans for 
        listed coral species consistent with the Endangered Species Act 
        of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
            ``(5) restoring degraded coral reef ecosystems;
            ``(6) promoting ecologically sound navigation and 
        anchorages, including mooring buoy systems to promote enhanced 
        recreational access, near coral reefs;
            ``(7) monitoring and responding to severe bleaching or 
        mortality events, disease outbreaks, invasive species 
        outbreaks, and significant maritime accidents, including 
        chemical spill cleanup and the removal of grounded vessels;
            ``(8) conducting scientific research that contributes to 
        the understanding, sustainable use, and long-term conservation 
        of coral reefs;
            ``(9) enhancing public awareness, understanding, and 
        appreciation of coral reefs and coral reef ecosystems;
            ``(10) preventing or minimizing the likelihood of vessel 
        impacts or other physical damage to coral reefs through 
        navigational aids and expansion of reef-safe anchorages; and
            ``(11) centrally archiving, managing, and distributing data 
        sets and coral reef ecosystem assessments and publishing such 
        information on publicly available internet websites of--
                    ``(A) the Coral Reef Conservation Program of the 
                National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
                    ``(B) the Task Force.
    ``(c) Federal Agencies Specified.--A Federal agency specified in 
this subsection is one of the following:
            ``(1) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
            ``(2) The National Park Service.
            ``(3) The United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
            ``(4) The Office of Insular Affairs.''.
    (b) Additional Provisions.--The Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 
(16 U.S.C. 6401 et seq.) is amended by striking sections 205 through 
210 and inserting the following:

``SEC. 204A. NATIONAL CORAL REEF RESILIENCE STRATEGY.

    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall--
            ``(1) develop a national coral reef resilience strategy; 
        and
            ``(2) periodically, but not less frequently than every 15 
        years, review and revise the strategy.
    ``(b) Elements.--The strategy required by subsection (a) shall 
include the following:
            ``(1) A discussion addressing--
                    ``(A) continuing and emerging threats to the 
                resilience of United States coral reef ecosystems;
                    ``(B) remaining gaps in coral reef ecosystem 
                research, monitoring, and assessment;
                    ``(C) the status of management cooperation and 
                integration among Federal, State, Tribal, and locally 
                managed jurisdictions with coral reef equities;
                    ``(D) the status of efforts to manage and 
                disseminate critical information, and enhance 
                interjurisdictional data sharing, related to research, 
                reports, datasets, and maps;
                    ``(E) areas of special focus, which may include--
                            ``(i) improving natural coral recruitment;
                            ``(ii) preventing avoidable losses of 
                        corals and their habitat;
                            ``(iii) enhancing the resilience of coral 
                        populations;
                            ``(iv) supporting a resilience-based 
                        management approach;
                            ``(v) developing, coordinating, and 
                        implementing watershed management plans;
                            ``(vi) building and sustaining watershed 
                        management capacity at the local level;
                            ``(vii) providing data essential for coral 
                        reef fisheries management;
                            ``(viii) building capacity for coral reef 
                        fisheries management;
                            ``(ix) increasing understanding of coral 
                        reef ecosystem services;
                            ``(x) educating the public on the 
                        importance of coral reefs, threats and 
                        solutions; and
                            ``(xi) evaluating intervention efficacy;
                    ``(F) the status of conservation efforts, including 
                the use of marine protected areas to serve as 
                replenishment zones developed consistent with local 
                practices and traditions and in cooperation with, and 
                with respect for the scientific, technical, and 
                management expertise and responsibilities of, State 
                fish and wildlife management agencies; and
                    ``(G) science-based adaptive management and 
                restoration efforts.
            ``(2) A statement of national goals and objectives designed 
        to guide--
                    ``(A) future Federal coral reef management and 
                restoration activities authorized under section 203;
                    ``(B) conservation and restoration priorities for 
                grants awarded under section 213; and
                    ``(C) research priorities for the cooperative 
                institutes established under section 215(c).
            ``(3) General templates for use by covered reef managers to 
        guide the development of--
                    ``(A) coral reef action plans under section 205; 
                and
                    ``(B) coral reef emergency plans under section 209.
    ``(c) Consultations.--In developing all elements of the strategy 
required by subsection (a), the Administrator shall--
            ``(1) consult with the Secretary of the Interior, the Task 
        Force, covered States, and Tribal organizations;
            ``(2) engage stakeholders, including coral reef stewardship 
        partnerships, coral reef institutes and research centers 
        described in section 215(c), and coral reef conservation grant 
        awardees; and
            ``(3) solicit public review and comment regarding scoping 
        and the draft strategy.
    ``(d) Submission to Congress; Publication.--The Administrator 
shall--
            ``(1) submit the strategy required by subsection (a) and 
        any revisions to the strategy to the appropriate congressional 
        committees; and
            ``(2) publish the strategy and any such revisions on 
        publicly available internet websites of--
                    ``(A) the Coral Reef Conservation Program of the 
                National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
                    ``(B) the Task Force.
    ``(e) Transition Rule.--On and after the date of the enactment of 
the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021, the 2018 Coral Reef 
Conservation Program Strategic Plan of the National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration shall be considered to be the national coral 
reef resilience strategy in effect under this section until the earlier 
of--
            ``(1) September 30, 2033; or
            ``(2) the date on which the Administrator develops a 
        national coral reef resilience strategy under this section.

``SEC. 205. CORAL REEF ACTION PLANS.

    ``(a) Coral Reef Action Plans.--Except as provided in subsection 
(h), not later than 3 years after the date of the enactment of the 
Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021, and not later than 2 years after 
the publication of a revised national coral reef resilience strategy 
under section 204A, each covered reef manager shall prepare and submit 
to the Task Force a coral reef action plan to guide management and 
restoration activities to be undertaken within the responsibilities and 
jurisdiction of the manager.
    ``(b) Requirements.--A covered reef manager preparing a coral reef 
action plan under subsection (a) shall--
            ``(1) ensure that the plan is consistent with all elements 
        of the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect; and
            ``(2) revise the plan not less frequently than once every 5 
        years.
    ``(c) Plan Elements.--A coral reef action plan under subsection (a) 
shall include a discussion of the following elements:
            ``(1) Short- and mid-term coral reef conservation and 
        restoration objectives within the applicable jurisdiction.
            ``(2) An updated adaptive management framework to inform 
        research, monitoring, and assessment needs.
            ``(3) The status of any coral reef emergency plans in 
        effect under section 209 covering coral reef ecosystems within 
        the applicable jurisdiction.
            ``(4) Tools, strategies, and partnerships necessary to 
        identify, monitor, and redress the impacts of pollution, 
        diminished water quality, temperature fluctuations, 
        acidification, overfishing, disease, and other disturbances to 
        coral reef ecosystems within the applicable jurisdiction.
            ``(5) The status of efforts to improve coral reef ecosystem 
        management cooperation and integration among neighboring 
        Federal, State, Tribal, or locally managed jurisdictions, 
        including the identification of existing research and 
        monitoring activities that can be leveraged for coral reef 
        status and trends assessments within the applicable 
        jurisdiction.
            ``(6) An accounting of annual expenditures on coral reef 
        management and restoration activities within the applicable 
        jurisdiction while the preceding action plan, if any, was in 
        effect.
            ``(7) Estimated budgetary and resource considerations 
        necessary to carry out the proposed action plan.
    ``(d) Technical Assistance.--The Administrator and the Task Force 
shall make all reasonable efforts to provide technical assistance upon 
request by a covered reef manager developing a coral reef action plan 
under subsection (a).
    ``(e) Adoption of Coral Reef Action Plans.--A covered reef manager 
may adopt a coral reef action plan developed by another covered reef 
manager, in full or in part, as relevant to the adopting manager's 
applicable jurisdiction.
    ``(f) Public Review.--The development of a coral reef action plan 
by a covered reef manager under subsection (a), and the adoption of a 
plan under subsection (e), shall be subject to public review and 
comment.
    ``(g) Publication.--The Administrator shall publish each coral reef 
action plan prepared and submitted to the Task Force under this section 
on publicly available internet websites of--
            ``(1) the Coral Reef Conservation Program of the National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
            ``(2) the Task Force.
    ``(h) Applicability to Covered States and Coral Reef Stewardship 
Partnerships.--A covered State or non-Federal coral reef stewardship 
partnership is not required to develop a coral reef action plan under 
subsection (a), but may do so in its own discretion. In developing a 
coral reef action plan, a covered State or non-Federal coral reef 
stewardship partnership is encouraged, but not mandated, to comply with 
the requirements of this section.
    ``(i) Plan in Effect.--A coral reef action plan shall be deemed to 
be in effect if the plan was submitted to the Task Force under this 
section during the preceding 6 years.

``SEC. 206. CORAL REEF STEWARDSHIP PARTNERSHIPS.

    ``(a) Coral Reef Stewardship Partnerships.--The Administrator shall 
establish standards for the identification of coral reefs and the 
formation of partnerships among government and community members for 
the stewardship of coral reefs (in this title referred to as `coral 
reef stewardship partnerships') in accordance with this section, 
including guidance for preparation and submission of coral reef action 
plans under section 205 for review and approval by the Administrator.
    ``(b) Identification of Coral Reefs.--Each coral reef stewardship 
partnership shall identify with particularity the coral reef or 
ecologically significant component of a coral reef that will be the 
subject of its stewardship activities.
    ``(c) Membership for Federal Coral Reefs.--A coral reef stewardship 
partnership that has identified, as the subject of its stewardship 
activities, a coral reef or ecologically significant component of a 
coral reef that is fully or partially under the management jurisdiction 
of any Federal agency specified in section 203(c) shall, at a minimum, 
include the following:
            ``(1) That Federal agency, a representative of which shall 
        serve as chair of the coral reef stewardship partnership.
            ``(2) A State, county, or Tribal organization's resource 
        management agency.
            ``(3) A coral reef research center described in section 
        215(c)(4) or another institution of higher education.
            ``(4) A nongovernmental organization.
            ``(5) Such other members as the partnership considers 
        appropriate, such as interested stakeholder groups.
    ``(d) Membership for Non-Federal Coral Reefs.--
            ``(1) In general.--A coral reef stewardship partnership 
        that has identified, as the subject of its stewardship 
        activities, a coral reef or ecologically significant component 
        of a coral reef that is not under the management jurisdiction 
        of any Federal agency specified in section 203(c) shall, at a 
        minimum, include the following:
                    ``(A) A State, county, or Tribal organization's 
                resource management agency, a representative of which 
                shall serve as the chair of the coral reef stewardship 
                partnership.
                    ``(B) A coral reef research center described in 
                section 215(c)(4) or another institution of higher 
                education.
                    ``(C) A nongovernmental organization.
                    ``(D) Such other members as the partnership 
                considers appropriate, such as interested stakeholder 
                groups.
            ``(2) Additional members.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraph (B), a 
                coral reef stewardship partnership described in 
                paragraph (1) may also include representatives of one 
                or more Federal agencies that have management 
                responsibility in the coral reef that is the subject of 
                the partnership's stewardship activities.
                    ``(B) Requests; approval.--A representative of a 
                Federal agency described in subparagraph (A) may become 
                a member of a coral reef stewardship partnership 
                described in paragraph (1) if--
                            ``(i) the representative submits a request 
                        to become a member to the chair of the 
                        partnership referred to in paragraph (1)(A); 
                        and
                            ``(ii) the chair consents to the request.
    ``(e) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The 
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to coral 
reef stewardship partnerships.

``SEC. 207. BLOCK GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS.

    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator shall provide block grants of 
financial assistance to covered States to support management and 
restoration activities and further the implementation of coral reef 
action plans in effect under section 205 by covered States and non-
Federal coral reef stewardship partnerships.
    ``(b) Eligibility for Additional Amounts.--
            ``(1) In general.--A covered State shall qualify for and 
        receive additional grant amounts beyond the base award 
        specified in subsection (c)(1) if there is at least one coral 
        reef action plan in effect within the jurisdiction of the 
        covered State developed by that covered State or a non-Federal 
        coral reef stewardship partnership.
            ``(2) Waiver.--In any fiscal year before fiscal year 2025, 
        the Administrator shall waive the requirement to qualify for 
        and receive additional grant amounts described in paragraph 
        (1).
    ``(c) Funding Formula.--The amount of each block grant awarded to a 
covered State under this section shall be the sum of--
            ``(1) a base award of $100,000; and
            ``(2) if the State is eligible under subsection (b)--
                    ``(A) an amount that is equal to non-Federal 
                expenditures of up to $3,000,000 on coral reef 
                management and restoration activities within the 
                jurisdiction of the State during the previous fiscal 
                year, and
                    ``(B) an additional amount, from any funds 
                appropriated for activities under this section that 
                remain after distribution under subparagraph (A), 
                paragraph (1), and subsection (g)based on the 
                proportion of the State's share of total non-Federal 
                expenditures on coral reef management and restoration 
                activities, as reported within the previous fiscal 
                year, in excess of $3,000,000, relative to other 
                covered States.
    ``(d) Exclusions.--For the purposes of calculating block grant 
amounts under subsection (c), Federal funds provided to a covered State 
or non-Federal coral reef stewardship partnership shall not be 
considered as qualifying non-Federal expenditures, but non-Federal 
matching funds used to leverage Federal awards may be considered as 
qualifying non-Federal expenditures.
    ``(e) Responsibilities of the Administrator.--The Administrator is 
responsible for--
            ``(1) providing guidance on qualifying non-Federal 
        expenditures and the proper documentation of such expenditures;
            ``(2) issuing annual solicitations to covered States for 
        additional awards under this section; and
            ``(3) determining the appropriate allocation of additional 
        amounts among covered States in accordance with this section.
    ``(f) Responsibilities of Covered States.--Each covered State is 
responsible for documenting non-Federal expenditures within the 
jurisdiction of the State and formally reporting those expenditures for 
review in response to annual solicitations by the Administrator under 
subsection (e).
    ``(g) Cooperative Agreements.--The Administrator may enter into 
cooperative agreements with States to fund coral reef conservation and 
restoration activities in waters managed under the jurisdiction of such 
States that are consistent with the national coral reef resilience 
strategy in effect under section 204A.
    ``(h) Unexpended Amounts.--Any amounts available for activities 
under this section that are not expended shall be transferred to the 
Coral Reef Stewardship Fund under section 208(b).

``SEC. 208. CORAL REEF STEWARDSHIP FUND.

    ``(a) Authority To Enter Into Agreements.--The Administrator may 
enter into an agreement with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation 
(in this section referred to as the `Foundation'), authorizing the 
Foundation to receive, hold, and administer funds received under this 
section.
    ``(b) Fund.--The Foundation shall invest, reinvest, and otherwise 
administer the funds received under this section and maintain such 
funds and any interest or revenues earned in a separate interest-
bearing account, to be known as the `Coral Reef Stewardship Fund' (in 
this section referred to as the `Fund', and known before the date of 
the enactment of the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021 as the Coral 
Reef Conservation Fund administered through a public-private 
partnership with the Foundation), established by the Foundation solely 
to support coral reef stewardship partnership activities that--
            ``(1) further the purposes of this title; and
            ``(2) are consistent with--
                    ``(A) the national coral reef resilience strategy 
                in effect under section 204A; and
                    ``(B) coral reef action plans in effect, if any, 
                under section 205 covering a coral reef or ecologically 
                significant component of a coral reef to be impacted by 
                such activities, if applicable.
    ``(c) Authorization To Solicit Donations.--
            ``(1) In general.--Pursuant to an agreement entered into 
        under subsection (a), the Foundation may accept, receive, 
        solicit, hold, administer, and use any gift (including, 
        notwithstanding section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, 
        donations of services) to further the purposes of this title.
            ``(2) Deposits in fund.--Notwithstanding section 3302 of 
        title 31, United States Code, any funds received as a gift 
        shall be deposited and maintained in the Fund.
            ``(3) Notification required.--Not later than 30 days after 
        funds are deposited in the Fund under paragraph (2), the 
        Foundation shall notify the Committee on Appropriations of the 
        Senate and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
        Representatives of the source and amount of such funds.
    ``(d) Review of Performance.--The Administrator shall conduct a 
continuing review of all deposits into, and disbursements from, the 
Fund. Each review shall include a written assessment concerning the 
extent to which the Foundation has implemented the goals and 
requirements of--
            ``(1) this section; and
            ``(2) the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect 
        under section 204A.
    ``(e) Administration.--Under an agreement entered into pursuant to 
subsection (a), the Administrator may transfer funds appropriated to 
carry out this title to the Foundation. Amounts received by the 
Foundation under this subsection may be used for matching, in whole or 
in part, contributions (whether in money, services, or property) made 
to the Foundation by private persons, State or local government 
agencies, or Tribal organizations.

``SEC. 209. CORAL REEF EMERGENCY PLANS.

    ``(a) In General.--A covered reef manager may develop and 
periodically update a plan (in this title referred to as a `coral reef 
emergency plan') consistent with the template described in section 
204A(b)(3) to guide the rapid and effective response to circumstances 
that pose an urgent and immediate threat to the coral reef ecosystems 
within the manager's responsibilities and jurisdictions, and consistent 
with any applicable coral reef action plan.
    ``(b) Coral Reef Emergencies.--The Administrator shall develop a 
list of, and criteria for, circumstances that pose an urgent and 
immediate threat to coral reefs (in this title referred to as `coral 
reef emergencies'), including--
            ``(1) new and ongoing outbreaks of disease;
            ``(2) new and ongoing outbreaks of invasive or nuisance 
        species;
            ``(3) new and ongoing coral bleaching events;
            ``(4) natural disasters;
            ``(5) man-made disasters, including vessel groundings, 
        hazardous spills, or coastal construction accidents; and
            ``(6) other exigent circumstances.
    ``(c) Best Response Practices.--The Administrator shall develop 
guidance on best practices to respond to coral reef emergencies that 
can be adopted within coral reef emergency plans. Such best practices 
shall be--
            ``(1) based on the best available science and integrated 
        with evolving innovative technologies; and
            ``(2) revised not less frequently than once every 5 years.
    ``(d) Plan Elements.--A coral reef emergency plan shall include the 
following elements:
            ``(1) A description of particular threats, and the proposed 
        responses, consistent with the best practices developed under 
        subsection (d).
            ``(2) A delineation of roles and responsibilities for 
        executing the plan.
            ``(3) Evidence of engagement with interested stakeholder 
        groups, as applicable, in the development of the plan.
            ``(4) Any other information the Administrator considers to 
        be necessary for the plan.
    ``(e) Technical Assistance.--The Administrator and the Task Force 
shall make all reasonable efforts to provide technical assistance upon 
request by a covered reef manager developing a coral reef emergency 
plan under subsection (a).
    ``(f) Adoption of Coral Reef Emergency Plans.--A covered reef 
manager may adopt a coral reef emergency plan developed by another 
covered reef manager, in full or in part, as relevant to the adopting 
manager's applicable jurisdiction.
    ``(g) Public Review.--The development of a coral reef action plan 
by a covered reef manager under subsection (a), and the adoption of a 
plan under subsection (f), shall be subject to public review and 
comment.
    ``(h) Publication.--The Administrator shall publish each coral reef 
emergency plan prepared and submitted to the Task Force under this 
section on publicly available internet websites of--
            ``(1) the Coral Reef Conservation Program of the National 
        Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; and
            ``(2) the Task Force.
    ``(i) Plan in Effect.--A coral reef emergency plan shall be deemed 
to be in effect if the plan was submitted to the Task Force under this 
section during the preceding 6 years.

``SEC. 210. CORAL REEF EMERGENCY FUND.

    ``(a) Establishment of Fund.--There is established in the Treasury 
an interest-bearing fund to be known as the `Coral Reef Emergency 
Fund', which shall consist of amounts deposited into the Fund under 
subsection (c).
    ``(b) Uses.--Amounts in the Fund--
            ``(1) shall be available only for use by the Administrator 
        to compensate covered coral reef mangers to implement a coral 
        reef emergency plan in effect under sections 210 and 212; and
            ``(2) shall remain available until expended.
    ``(c) Deposits Into the Fund.--There shall be deposited into the 
Fund--
            ``(1) amounts appropriated for the Fund; and
            ``(2) other amounts appropriated to the Administrator for 
        use with respect to coral reef emergencies.
    ``(d) Acceptance of Donations.--
            ``(1) In general.--For purposes of carrying out this title, 
        the Administrator may accept, receive, solicit, hold, 
        administer, and use any gift (including, notwithstanding 
        section 1342 of title 31, United States Code, donations of 
        services).
            ``(2) Deposits in fund.--Notwithstanding section 3302 of 
        title 31, United States Code, any funds received as a gift 
        shall be deposited and maintained in the Fund.

``SEC. 211. EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE.

    ``(a) Coral Reef Emergency Declarations.--
            ``(1) Sua sponte declaration.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Administrator may determine 
                and declare a coral reef emergency, including at the 
                recommendation of the Secretary of the Interior.
                    ``(B) Requirements.--In declaring a coral reef 
                emergency under subparagraph (A), the Administrator 
                shall--
                            ``(i) certify that an emergency has 
                        occurred that is ecologically significant and 
                        harmful to coral reefs; and
                            ``(ii) submit to the appropriate 
                        congressional committees findings and analysis 
                        to justify the declaration.
            ``(2) Petitions.--If a covered State or non-Federal coral 
        reef stewardship partnership believes that a coral reef 
        emergency has occurred, and is impacting coral reefs or 
        ecologically significant components of coral reefs subject to 
        the responsibilities or jurisdiction of the State or 
        partnership, the State or partnership may petition the 
        Administrator for a declaration of a coral reef emergency.
            ``(3) Evaluation and action.--
                    ``(A) In general.--Not later than 30 days after 
                receiving a petition under paragraph (2) (except as 
                provided in subparagraph (B)), the Administrator 
                shall--
                            ``(i) evaluate the petition to determine 
                        whether a coral reef emergency has occurred; 
                        and
                            ``(ii) declare a coral reef emergency or 
                        deny the petition.
                    ``(B) Extension.--The Administrator may extend the 
                deadline provided for under subparagraph (A) by not 
                more than 15 days.
            ``(4) Appeal.--If the Administrator denies a petition for 
        an emergency declaration submitted under paragraph (2), the 
        State or partnership that submitted the petition may, not later 
        than 15 days after receiving notice of the denial, appeal the 
        denial to the Administrator. Not later than 15 days after 
        receiving an appeal under this paragraph, the Administrator 
        shall grant or deny the appeal.
            ``(5) Revocation.--The Administrator may revoke any 
        declaration of a coral reef emergency in whole or in part after 
        determining that circumstances no longer require an emergency 
        response.
            ``(6) Recovery of emergency funding.--The Administrator may 
        seek compensation from negligent parties to recover emergency 
        funds expended in excess of $500,000 under this section as a 
        result of an emergency declaration arising from direct impacts 
        to coral reefs from man-made disasters or accidents.
    ``(b) Financial Assistance Authority.--
            ``(1) In general.--Upon the declaration of a coral reef 
        emergency under subsection (a), the Administrator shall provide 
        grants to carry out proposals that meet the requirements of 
        paragraph (2) to implement coral reef emergency plans in effect 
        under section 209.
            ``(2) Requirements.--A proposal for a grant under this 
        subsection to implement a coral reef emergency plan in effect 
        under section 209 shall include--
                    ``(A) the name of the entity submitting the 
                proposal;
                    ``(B) a copy of the coral reef emergency plan;
                    ``(C) a description of the qualifications of the 
                individuals and entities who will implement the plan;
                    ``(D) an estimate of the funds and time required to 
                complete the implementation of the plan; and
                    ``(E) any other information the Administrator 
                considers to be necessary for evaluating the 
                eligibility of the proposal for a grant under this 
                subsection.
            ``(3) Review.--Not later than 30 days after receiving a 
        proposal for a grant under this subsection, the Administrator 
        shall review the proposal and determine if the proposal meets 
        the requirements of paragraph (2).
            ``(4) Concurrent review.--An entity seeking a grant under 
        this subsection may submit a proposal under paragraph (2) to 
        the Administrator at any time following the submission of a 
        petition for an emergency declaration under subsection (a)(2) 
        that is applicable to coral reefs or ecologically significant 
        components of coral reefs subject to the responsibilities or 
        jurisdiction of the entity.

``SEC. 212. VESSEL GROUNDING INVENTORY.

    ``The Administrator, in coordination with the heads of other 
Federal agencies, shall establish and maintain an inventory of all 
vessel grounding incidents involving United States coral reefs, 
including a description of--
            ``(1) the impacts of each such incident to coral reefs and 
        related natural resources;
            ``(2) vessel and ownership information relating to each 
        such incident, if available;
            ``(3) the estimated cost of removal of the vessel, 
        remediation, or restoration relating to each such incident;
            ``(4) the response actions taken by the owner of the 
        vessel, the Administrator, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, 
        or representatives of other Federal or State agencies;
            ``(5) the status of the response actions, including the 
        dates of--
                    ``(A) vessel removal;
                    ``(B) remediation or restoration activities, 
                including whether a coral reef emergency plan was 
                implemented; and
                    ``(C) any actions taken to prevent future grounding 
                incidents; and
            ``(6) recommendations for additional navigational aids or 
        other mechanisms for preventing future grounding incidents.

``SEC. 213. RUTH D. GATES CORAL REEF CONSERVATION GRANT PROGRAM.

    ``(a) Grants.--The Administrator shall establish a program (to be 
known as the `Ruth D. Gates Coral Reef Conservation Grant Program') to 
provide grants for projects for the conservation and restoration of 
coral reef ecosystems (in this section referred to as `coral reef 
projects') pursuant to proposals approved by the Administrator in 
accordance with this section.
    ``(b) Eligibility.--
            ``(1) In general.--An entity described in paragraph (2) may 
        submit to the Administrator a proposal for a coral reef 
        project.
            ``(2) Entities described.--An entity described in this 
        paragraph is--
                    ``(A) a natural resource management authority of a 
                State or local government or Tribal organization--
                            ``(i) with responsibility for coral reef 
                        management; or
                            ``(ii) the activities of which directly or 
                        indirectly affect coral reefs or coral reef 
                        ecosystems;
                    ``(B) a regional fishery management council 
                established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
                Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et 
                seq.);
                    ``(C) a coral reef stewardship partnership seeking 
                to implement a coral reef action plan in effect under 
                section 205;
                    ``(D) a coral reef research center designated under 
                section 215(c)(4); or
                    ``(E) another nongovernmental organization or 
                research institution with demonstrated expertise in the 
                conservation or restoration of coral reefs in practice 
                or through significant contributions to the body of 
                existing scientific research on coral reefs.
    ``(c) Project Proposals.--Each proposal for a grant under this 
section for a coral reef project 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 individual 
        or entity.
            ``(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 
        representatives 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 under subsection (e)(2).
            ``(8) In the case of a proposal submitted by a coral reef 
        stewardship partnership, a description of how the project 
        aligns with the applicable coral reef action plan in effect 
        under section 205.
            ``(9) Any other information the Administrator considers to 
        be necessary for evaluating the eligibility of the project for 
        a grant under this subsection.
    ``(d) Project Review and Approval.--
            ``(1) In general.--The Administrator shall review each 
        coral reef project proposal submitted under this section to 
        determine if the project meets the criteria set forth in 
        subsection (e).
            ``(2) Prioritization of conservation projects.--The 
        Administrator shall prioritize the awarding of grants for 
        projects that meet the criteria for approval under 
        subparagraphs (A) through (G) of subsection (e)(2) that are 
        proposed to be conducted within priority areas identified for 
        coral reef conservation by the Administrator and consistent 
        with the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect 
        under section 204A.
            ``(3) Prioritization of restoration projects.--The 
        Administrator shall prioritize the awarding of grants for 
        projects that meet the criteria for approval under 
        subparagraphs (E) through (L) of subsection (e)(2) that are 
        proposed to be conducted within priority areas identified for 
        coral reef restoration by the Administrator and consistent with 
        the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect under 
        section 204A.
            ``(4) Review; approval or disapproval.--Not later than 180 
        days after receiving a proposal for a coral reef project under 
        this section, the Administrator shall--
                    ``(A) request and consider written comments on the 
                proposal from each Federal agency, State government, 
                Tribal organization, or other government jurisdiction, 
                including the relevant regional fishery management 
                councils established under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery 
                Conservation and Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et 
                seq.), or any National Marine Sanctuary or Marine 
                National Monument, 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, unless such entities were 
                directly involved in the development of the project 
                proposal;
                    ``(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 
                recommendations based on the reviews under 
                subparagraphs (A) and (B), approve or disapprove the 
                proposal; and
                    ``(D) provide written notification of that approval 
                or disapproval, with summaries of all written comments, 
                recommendations, and peer-reviews, to the entity that 
                submitted the proposal, and each of those States, 
                Tribal organizations, and other government 
                jurisdictions that provided comments under subparagraph 
                (A).
    ``(e) Criteria for Approval.--The Administrator may not approve a 
proposal for a coral reef project under this section unless the 
project--
            ``(1) is consistent with--
                    ``(A) the national coral reef resilience strategy 
                in effect under section 204A; and
                    ``(B) any Federal or non-Federal coral reef action 
                plans in effect under section 205 covering a coral reef 
                or ecologically significant component of a coral reef 
                to be affected by the project; and
            ``(2) will enhance the conservation and restoration of 
        coral reefs by--
                    ``(A) addressing conflicts arising from the use of 
                environments near coral reefs or from the use of 
                corals, species associated with coral reefs, and coral 
                products, including supporting consensus-driven, 
                community-based planning and management initiatives for 
                the protection of coral reef ecosystems;
                    ``(B) improving compliance with laws that prohibit 
                or regulate the taking of coral products or species 
                associated with coral reefs or regulate the use and 
                management of coral reef ecosystems;
                    ``(C) designing and implementing networks of real-
                time water quality monitoring along coral reefs, 
                including data collection related to turbidity, 
                nutrient availability, harmful algal blooms, and 
                plankton assemblages, with an emphasis on coral reefs 
                impacted by agriculture and urban development;
                    ``(D) promoting ecologically sound navigation and 
                anchorages, including mooring buoy systems to promote 
                enhanced recreational access, near coral reefs;
                    ``(E) furthering the goals and objectives of coral 
                reef action plans in effect under section 205 and coral 
                reef emergency plans in effect under section 209;
                    ``(F) mapping the location and distribution of 
                coral reefs and potential coral reef habitat;
                    ``(G) stimulating innovation to advance the ability 
                of the United States to understand, research, or 
                monitor coral reef ecosystems, or to develop management 
                or adaptation options to preserve, sustain, and restore 
                coral reef ecosystems;
                    ``(H) implementing research to ensure the 
                population viability of listed coral species in United 
                States waters as detailed in the population-based 
                recovery criteria included in species-specific recovery 
                plans consistent with the Endangered Species Act of 
                1973 (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.);
                    ``(I) developing and implementing cost-effective 
                methods to restore degraded coral reef ecosystems or to 
                create geographically appropriate coral reef ecosystems 
                in suitable waters, including by improving habitat or 
                promoting success of keystone species, with an emphasis 
                on novel restoration strategies and techniques to 
                advance coral reef recovery and growth near population 
                centers threatened by rising sea levels and storm 
                surge;
                    ``(J) translating and applying coral genetics 
                research to coral reef ecosystem restoration, including 
                research related to traits that promote resilience to 
                increasing ocean temperatures, ocean acidification, 
                coral bleaching, coral diseases, and invasive species;
                    ``(K) developing and maintaining in situ native 
                coral propagation sites;
                    ``(L) developing and maintaining ex situ coral 
                propagation nurseries and land-based coral gene banks 
                to--
                            ``(i) conserve or augment genetic diversity 
                        of native coral populations;
                            ``(ii) support captive breeding of rare 
                        coral species; or
                            ``(iii) enhance resilience of native coral 
                        populations to increasing ocean temperatures, 
                        ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and coral 
                        diseases through selective breeding, 
                        conditioning, or other approaches that target 
                        genes, gene expression, phenotypic traits, or 
                        phenotypic plasticity; or
                    ``(M) maintaining the structure and function of 
                coral reefs, including the reef matrix itself.
    ``(f) Funding Requirements.--To the extent practicable based upon 
proposals for coral reef projects submitted to the Administrator, the 
Administrator shall ensure that funding for grants awarded under this 
section during a fiscal year is distributed as follows:
            ``(1) Not less than 40 percent of funds available shall be 
        awarded for projects in the Pacific Ocean within the maritime 
        areas and zones subject to the jurisdiction or control of the 
        United States.
            ``(2) Not less than 40 percent of the funds available shall 
        be awarded for projects in the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of 
        Mexico, or the Caribbean Sea within the maritime areas and 
        zones subject to the jurisdiction or control of the United 
        States.
    ``(g) Project Reporting.--Each entity receiving a grant under this 
section shall submit to the Administrator such reports at such times 
and containing such information for evaluating project performance as 
the Administrator may require.
    ``(h) Task Force.--The Administrator may consult with the Secretary 
of the Interior and the Task Force to obtain guidance in establishing 
priorities and evaluating proposals for coral reef projects under this 
section.
    ``(i) Unexpended Amounts.--Any amounts available for grants under 
this section that are not expended shall be transferred to the Coral 
Reef Stewardship Fund under section 208(b).

``SEC. 214. REPORTS ON ADMINISTRATION.

    ``(a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of the 
enactment of the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021, and every 2 
years thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the committees 
specified in subsection (b) a report on the administration of this 
title during the 2-year period preceding submission of the report, 
including--
            ``(1) a description of all activities undertaken to 
        implement the most recent national coral reef resilience 
        strategy under section 204A;
            ``(2) a statement of all funds obligated under the 
        authorities of this title; and
            ``(3) a summary, disaggregated by State, of Federal and 
        non-Federal contributions toward the costs of each project or 
        activity funded, in full or in part, under the authorities of 
        this title.
    ``(b) Committees Specified.--The committees specified in this 
subsection are--
            ``(1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
        Transportation and the Committee on Appropriations of the 
        Senate; and
            ``(2) the Committee on Natural Resources and the Committee 
        on Appropriations of the House of Representatives.

``SEC. 215. AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS.

    ``(a) In General.--The Administrator may enter into and perform 
such contracts, leases, grants, or cooperative agreements as may be 
necessary to carry out the purposes of this title.
    ``(b) Funding.--
            ``(1) In general.--Under an agreement entered into under 
        subsection (a), the Administrator may reimburse or provide 
        funds authorized to be appropriated by section 216 to, and may 
        receive funds or reimbursements from, individuals and entities 
        described in paragraph (2) to carry out activities authorized 
        by this title.
            ``(2) Individuals and entities described.--Individuals and 
        entities described in this paragraph are the following:
                    ``(A) Federal agencies, instrumentalities, and 
                laboratories.
                    ``(B) State and local governments.
                    ``(C) Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations.
                    ``(D) International organizations.
                    ``(E) Foreign governments not subject to economic 
                sanctions imposed by the United States.
                    ``(F) Institutions of higher education, research 
                centers, and other educational institutions.
                    ``(G) Nonprofit organizations.
                    ``(H) Commercial organizations.
                    ``(I) Other public or private individuals or 
                entities.
    ``(c) Cooperative Institutes.--
            ``(1) Designation.--The Administrator shall designate two 
        cooperative institutes for the purpose of advancing and 
        sustaining essential capabilities in coral reef research, to be 
        known as the `Atlantic Coral Reef Institute' and the `Pacific 
        Coral Reef Institute'.
            ``(2) Membership.--Each institute established under 
        paragraph (1) shall be housed within a single coral reef 
        research center designated by the Administrator under paragraph 
        (4) in the Atlantic and Pacific basins, respectively, and may 
        contract with other coral reef research centers within the same 
        basin to support each institute's capacity and reach.
            ``(3) Functions.--The institutes established under 
        paragraph (1) shall--
                    ``(A) conduct federally directed research to fill 
                national and regional coral reef ecosystem research 
                gaps and improve understanding of, and responses to, 
                continuing and emerging threats to the resilience of 
                United States coral reef ecosystems consistent with the 
                national coral reef resilience strategy in effect under 
                section 204A;
                    ``(B) support ecological research and monitoring to 
                study the effects of conservation and restoration 
                activities funded by this title on promoting more 
                effective coral reef management and restoration; and
                    ``(C) through agreements--
                            ``(i) collaborate directly with 
                        governmental resource management agencies, 
                        coral reef stewardship partnerships, nonprofit 
                        organizations, and other coral reef research 
                        centers designated under paragraph (4);
                            ``(ii) assist in the development and 
                        implementation of--
                                    ``(I) the national coral reef 
                                resilience strategy under section 204A;
                                    ``(II) coral reef action plans 
                                under section 205; and
                                    ``(III) coral reef emergency plans 
                                under section 209;
                            ``(iii) build capacity within governmental 
                        resource management agencies to establish 
                        research priorities and translate and apply 
                        research findings to management and restoration 
                        practices; and
                            ``(iv) conduct public education and 
                        awareness programs for policymakers, resource 
                        managers, and the general public on--
                                    ``(I) coral reefs and coral reef 
                                ecosystems;
                                    ``(II) best practices for coral 
                                reef ecosystem management and 
                                restoration;
                                    ``(III) the value of coral reefs; 
                                and
                                    ``(IV) the threats to the 
                                sustainability of coral reef 
                                ecosystems.
            ``(4) Coral reef research centers.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The Administrator shall 
                periodically solicit applications and designate all 
                qualifying institutions in a covered State as coral 
                reef research centers.
                    ``(B) Criteria.--An institution qualifies for 
                designation as a coral reef research center under 
                subparagraph (A) if the Administrator determines that 
                the institution--
                            ``(i) is operated by an institution of 
                        higher education;
                            ``(ii) has established management-driven 
                        national or regional coral reef research or 
                        restoration programs;
                            ``(iii) has demonstrated abilities to 
                        coordinate closely with appropriate Federal and 
                        State agencies, as well as other academic and 
                        nonprofit organizations; and
                            ``(iv) maintains significant local 
                        community engagement and outreach programs 
                        related to coral reef ecosystems.
    ``(d) Use of Resources of Other Agencies.--The Administrator may 
use, with consent and with or without reimbursement, the land, 
services, equipment, personnel, and facilities of any agency or 
instrumentality of--
            ``(1) the United States;
            ``(2) any State or local government;
            ``(3) any Indian Tribe; or
            ``(4) any foreign government not subject to economic 
        sanctions imposed by the United States.

``SEC. 216. CORAL REEF PRIZE COMPETITIONS.

    ``(a) In General.--The head of any Federal agency with a 
representative serving on the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force established by 
Executive Order 13089 (16 U.S.C. 6401 note; relating to coral reef 
protection), may, individually or in cooperation with one or more 
agencies, carry out a program to award prizes competitively under 
section 24 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 
(15 U.S.C. 3719).
    ``(b) Purposes.--Any program carried out under this section shall 
be for the purpose of stimulating innovation to advance the ability of 
the United States to understand, research, or monitor coral reef 
ecosystems, or to develop management or adaptation options to preserve, 
sustain, and restore coral reef ecosystems.
    ``(c) Priority Programs.--Priority shall be given to establishing 
programs under this section that address communities, environments, or 
industries that are in distress as a result of the decline or 
degradation of coral reef ecosystems, including--
            ``(1) scientific research and monitoring that furthers the 
        understanding of causes behind coral reef decline and 
        degradation and the generally slow recovery following 
        disturbances;
            ``(2) the development of monitoring or management options 
        for communities or industries that are experiencing significant 
        financial hardship;
            ``(3) the development of adaptation options to alleviate 
        economic harm and job loss caused by damage to coral reef 
        ecosystems;
            ``(4) the development of measures to help vulnerable 
        communities or industries, with an emphasis on rural 
        communities and businesses; and
            ``(5) the development of adaptation and management options 
        for impacted tourism industries.

``SEC. 217. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    ``(a) In General.--There is authorized to be appropriated to the 
Administrator $38,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to 
carry out this title, which shall remain available until expended.
    ``(b) Administration.--Of the amounts appropriated pursuant to the 
authorization of appropriations under subsection (a), not more than the 
lesser of $1,500,000 or 10 percent may be used for program 
administration or for overhead costs incurred by the National Oceanic 
and Atmospheric Administration or the Department of Commerce and 
assessed as an administrative charge.
    ``(c) Federally Directed Research and Coral Reef Conservation 
Program Grants.--From the amounts authorized to be appropriated under 
subsection (a), there shall be made available to the Administrator not 
less than $8,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2022 through 2026 to 
support purposes consistent with this title, of which--
            ``(1) not less than $3,500,000 shall be made available for 
        each such fiscal year for authorized activities under section 
        213; and
            ``(2) not less than $4,500,000 shall be made available for 
        each such fiscal year through cooperative agreements with the 
        cooperative institutes designated under section 215(c).
    ``(d) Block Grants and Cooperative Agreements.--There is authorized 
to be appropriated to the Administrator, $15,000,000 for each of fiscal 
years 2022 through 2026, which shall remain available until expended, 
to carry out section 207.

``SEC. 218. DEFINITIONS.

    ``In this title:
            ``(1) Administrator.--The term `Administrator' means the 
        Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration.
            ``(2) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term 
        `appropriate congressional committees' means the Committee on 
        Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
        Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.
            ``(3) Conservation.--The term `conservation' means the use 
        of methods and procedures necessary to preserve or sustain 
        geographically appropriate corals and associated species as 
        diverse, viable, and self-perpetuating coral reef ecosystems 
        with minimal impacts from invasive species, including--
                    ``(A) all activities associated with resource 
                management, such as monitoring, assessment, protection, 
                restoration, sustainable use, management of habitat, 
                and maintenance or augmentation of genetic diversity;
                    ``(B) mapping;
                    ``(C) scientific expertise and technical assistance 
                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 Fishery Conservation and Management 
                Act (16 U.S.C. 1801 et seq.);
                    ``(D) law enforcement;
                    ``(E) conflict resolution initiatives;
                    ``(F) community outreach and education; and
                    ``(G) promotion of safe and ecologically sound 
                navigation and anchoring.
            ``(4) Coral.--The term `coral' means species of the phylum 
        Cnidaria, including--
                    ``(A) all species of the orders Antipatharia (black 
                corals), Scleractinia (stony corals), Alcyonacea (soft 
                corals, organ pipe corals, gorgonians), and 
                Helioporacea (blue coral), of the class Anthozoa; and
                    ``(B) all species of the order Anthoathecata (fire 
                corals and other hydrocorals) of the class Hydrozoa.
            ``(5) 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 species 
        referred to in paragraph (4).
            ``(6) Coral reef.--The term `coral reef' means calcium 
        carbonate structures in the form of a reef or shoal, composed 
        in whole or in part by living coral, skeletal remains of coral, 
        crustose coralline algae, and other associated sessile marine 
        plants and animals.
            ``(7) Coral reef ecosystem.--The term `coral reef 
        ecosystem' means--
                    ``(A) corals and other geographically and 
                ecologically associated marine communities of other 
                reef organisms (including reef plants and animals) 
                associated with coral reef habitat; and
                    ``(B) the biotic and abiotic factors and processes 
                that affect coral physiology, coral-algal symbiosis, 
                and biodiversity in such habitat.
            ``(8) Coral reef ecosystem services.--The term `coral reef 
        ecosystem services' means the attributes and benefits provided 
        by coral reef ecosystems including--
                    ``(A) protection of coastal beaches, structures, 
                and infrastructure;
                    ``(B) habitat for organisms of economic, 
                ecological, biomedical, medicinal, and cultural value;
                    ``(C) serving as centers for the promulgation, 
                performance, and training of cultural practices 
                representative of traditional ecological knowledge; and
                    ``(D) aesthetic value.
            ``(9) Covered reef manager.--
                    ``(A) In general.--The term `covered reef manager' 
                means a management unit of a Federal agency specified 
                in subparagraph (B) with jurisdiction over a coral reef 
                ecosystem, covered State, or coral reef stewardship 
                partnership.
                    ``(B) Federal agencies specified.--A Federal agency 
                specified in this subparagraph is one of the following:
                            ``(i) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
                        Administration.
                            ``(ii) The National Park Service.
                            ``(iii) The United States Fish and Wildlife 
                        Service.
                            ``(iv) The Office of Insular Affairs.
            ``(10) Covered state.--The term `covered State' means 
        Florida, Hawaii, and the territories of American Samoa, the 
        Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto 
        Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands.
            ``(11) Indian tribe.--The term `Indian Tribe' has the 
        meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-
        Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).
            ``(12) Institution of higher education.--The term 
        `institution of higher education' has the meaning given that 
        term in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 1001).
            ``(13) Interested stakeholder groups.--The term `interested 
        stakeholder groups' includes community members such as 
        businesses, commercial and recreational fishermen, other 
        recreationalists, Federal, State, Tribal, and local government 
        units with related jurisdiction, institutions of higher 
        education, and nongovernmental organizations.
            ``(14) Nonprofit organization.--The term `nonprofit 
        organization' means an organization that is described in 
        section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt 
        from tax under section 501(a) of such Code.
            ``(15) Restoration.--The term `restoration' means the use 
        of methods and procedures necessary to enhance, rehabilitate, 
        recreate, or create a functioning coral reef or coral reef 
        ecosystem, in whole or in part, within suitable waters of the 
        historical geographic range of such ecosystems, to provide 
        ecological, economic, cultural, or coastal resiliency services 
        associated with healthy coral reefs and benefit native 
        populations of coral reef organisms.
            ``(16) Resilience.--The term `resilience' means the 
        capacity for corals within their native range, coral reefs, or 
        coral reef ecosystems to resist and recover from natural and 
        human disturbances, and maintain structure and function to 
        provide coral reef ecosystem services as determined by clearly 
        identifiable, measurable, and science-based standards.
            ``(17) State.--The term `State' means--
                    ``(A) any State of the United States that contains 
                a coral reef ecosystem within its seaward boundaries;
                    ``(B) American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the 
                Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, or the 
                United States Virgin Islands; or
                    ``(C) any other territory or possession of the 
                United States or separate sovereign in free association 
                with the United States that contains a coral reef 
                ecosystem within its seaward boundaries.
            ``(18) Stewardship.--The term `stewardship', with respect 
        to a coral reef, includes conservation, restoration, and public 
        outreach and education.
            ``(19) Task force.--The term `Task Force' means the United 
        States Coral Reef Task Force established under section 201 of 
        the Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021.
            ``(20) Tribal organization.--The term `Tribal organization' 
        has the meaning given the term `tribal organization' in section 
        3765 of title 38, United States Code.''.
    (c) Conforming Amendment to National Oceans and Coastal Security 
Act.--Section 905(a) of the National Oceans and Coastal Security Act 
(16 U.S.C. 7504(a)) is amended by striking ``and coastal 
infrastructure'' and inserting ``, coastal infrastructure, and 
ecosystem services provided by natural systems such as coral reefs''.

SEC. 102. MODIFICATION TO SECTION 204 OF THE CORAL REEF CONSERVATION 
              ACT OF 2000 (16 U.S.C. 6403).

    Section 204 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 (16 U.S.C. 
6403) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (a), by striking ``this section'' and 
        inserting ``section 213''; and
            (2) by striking subsections (c) through (j).

             TITLE II--UNITED STATES CORAL REEF TASK FORCE

SEC. 201. ESTABLISHMENT.

    There is established a task force to lead, coordinate, and 
strengthen Federal Government actions to better preserve, conserve, and 
restore coral reef ecosystems, to be known as the ``United States Coral 
Reef Task Force'' (in this title referred to as the ``Task Force'').

SEC. 202. DUTIES.

    The duties of the Task Force shall be--
            (1) to coordinate, in cooperation with State, Tribal, and 
        local government partners, coral reef research centers 
        designated under section 215(c) of the Coral Reef Conservation 
        Act of 2000 (as amended by section 101), and other 
        nongovernmental and academic partners as appropriate, 
        activities regarding the mapping, monitoring, research, 
        conservation, mitigation, and restoration of coral reefs and 
        coral reef ecosystems;
            (2) to monitor and advise regarding implementation of the 
        policy and Federal agency responsibilities set forth in--
                    (A) Executive Order 13089 (63 Fed. Reg. 32701; 
                relating to coral reef protection); and
                    (B) the national coral reef resilience strategy 
                developed under section 204A of the Coral Reef 
                Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by section 101;
            (3) to work with the Secretary of State and the 
        Administrator of the United States Agency for International 
        Development, and in coordination with the other members of the 
        Task Force--
                    (A) to assess the United States role in 
                international trade and protection of coral species;
                    (B) to encourage implementation of appropriate 
                strategies and actions to promote conservation and 
                sustainable use of coral reef resources worldwide; and
                    (C) to collaborate with international communities 
                successful in managing coral reefs;
            (4) to provide technical assistance for the development and 
        implementation, as appropriate, of--
                    (A) the national coral reef resilience strategy 
                under section 204A of the Coral Reef Conservation Act 
                of 2000, as amended by section 101;
                    (B) coral reef action plans under section 205 of 
                that Act; and
                    (C) coral reef emergency plans under section 209 of 
                that Act; and
            (5) to produce a report each year, for submission to the 
        appropriate congressional committees and publication on a 
        publicly available internet website of the Task Force, 
        highlighting the status of the coral reef equities of a covered 
        State on a rotating basis, including--
                    (A) a summary of recent coral reef management and 
                restoration activities undertaken in that State; and
                    (B) updated estimates of the direct and indirect 
                economic activity supported by, and other benefits 
                associated with, those coral reef equities.

SEC. 203. MEMBERSHIP.

    (a) Voting Membership.--The Task Force shall have the following 
voting members:
            (1) The Secretary of Commerce, acting through the 
        Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration, and the Secretary of the Interior, who shall be 
        co-chairs of the Task Force.
            (2) The Administrator of the United States Agency for 
        International Development.
            (3) The Secretary of Agriculture.
            (4) The Secretary of Defense.
            (5) The Secretary of the Army, acting through the Assistant 
        Secretary of the Army for Civil Works.
            (6) The Secretary of Homeland Security, acting through the 
        Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
            (7) The Commandant of the Coast Guard.
            (8) The Attorney General.
            (9) The Secretary of State.
            (10) The Secretary of Transportation.
            (11) The Administrator of the Environmental Protection 
        Agency.
            (12) The Administrator of the National Aeronautics and 
        Space Administration.
            (13) The Director of the National Science Foundation.
            (14) The Governor, or a representative of the Governor, of 
        each covered State.
    (b) Nonvoting Members.--The Task Force shall have the following 
nonvoting members:
            (1) A member appointed by the President of the Federated 
        States of Micronesia.
            (2) A member appointed by the President of the Republic of 
        the Marshall Islands.
            (3) A member appointed by the President of the Republic of 
        Palau.

SEC. 204. RESPONSIBILITIES OF FEDERAL AGENCY MEMBERS.

    (a) In General.--A member of the Task Force specified in paragraphs 
(1) through (14) of section 203(a) shall--
            (1) identify the actions of the agency that member 
        represents that may affect coral reef ecosystems;
            (2) utilize the programs and authorities of that agency to 
        protect and enhance the conditions of such ecosystems, 
        including through the promotion of basic and applied scientific 
        research;
            (3) collaborate with the Task Force to appropriately 
        reflect budgetary needs for coral reef conservation and 
        restoration activities in all agency budget planning and 
        justification documents and processes; and
            (4) engage in any other coordinated efforts approved by the 
        Task Force.
    (b) Co-Chairs.--In addition to their responsibilities under 
subsection (a), the co-chairs of the Task Force shall administer 
performance of the functions of the Task Force and facilitate the 
coordination of the members of the Task Force specified in paragraphs 
(1) through (14) of section 203(a).

SEC. 205. WORKING GROUPS.

    (a) In General.--The co-chairs of the Task Force may establish 
working groups as necessary to meet the goals and carry out the duties 
of the Task Force.
    (b) Requests From Members.--The members of the Task Force may 
request that the co-chairs establish a working group under subsection 
(a).
    (c) Participation by Nongovernmental Organizations.--The co-chairs 
may allow nongovernmental organizations as appropriate, including 
academic institutions, conservation groups, and commercial and 
recreational fishing associations, to participate in a working group 
established under subsection (a).
    (d) Nonapplicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The 
Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to 
working groups established under this section.

SEC. 206. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
            (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term 
        ``appropriate congressional committees'' means the Committee on 
        Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the 
        Committee on Natural Resources of the House of Representatives.
            (2) Conservation, coral, coral reef, etc.--The terms 
        ``conservation'', ``coral'', ``coral reef'', ``coral reef 
        ecosystem'', ``covered State'', ``restoration'', 
        ``resilience'', and ``State'' have the meaning given those 
        terms in section 218 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 
        2000, as amended by section 101.

      TITLE III--DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR CORAL REEF AUTHORITIES

SEC. 301. CORAL REEF CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION ASSISTANCE.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of the Interior, in addition to 
activities authorized under section 203 of the Coral Reef Conservation 
Act of 2000, as amended by section 101, may provide scientific 
expertise, technical assistance, and financial assistance for the 
conservation and restoration of coral reefs consistent with all 
applicable laws governing resource management in Federal, State, and 
Tribal waters, including--
            (1) the national coral reef resilience strategy in effect 
        under section 204A of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, 
        as amended by section 101;
            (2) coral reef action plans in effect under section 205 of 
        that Act, as applicable; and
            (3) coral reef emergency plans in effect under section 209 
        of that Act, as applicable.
    (b) Office of Insular Affairs Coral Reef Initiative.--The Secretary 
may establish within the Office of Insular Affairs a Coral Reef 
Initiative Program--
            (1) to provide grant funding to support local management, 
        conservation, and protection of coral reef ecosystems in--
                    (A) insular areas of covered States; and
                    (B) Freely Associated States;
            (2) to complement the other conservation and assistance 
        activities conducted under this Act; and
            (3) to provide other technical, scientific, and financial 
        assistance and conduct conservation activities that advance the 
        purpose of this Act.
    (c) Consultation With the Department of Commerce.--The Secretary of 
the Interior may consult with the Secretary of Commerce regarding the 
conduct of any activities to conserve and restore coral reefs and coral 
reef ecosystems in waters managed under the jurisdiction of the Federal 
agencies specified in paragraphs (2) and (3) of section 203(c) of the 
Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by section 101.
    (d) Cooperative Agreements.--The Secretary of the Interior may 
enter into cooperative agreements with covered reef managers to fund 
coral reef conservation and restoration activities in waters managed 
under the jurisdiction of such managers that--
            (1) are consistent with the national coral reef resilience 
        strategy in effect under section 204A of the Coral Reef 
        Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by section 101; and
            (2) support and enhance the success of--
                    (A) coral reef action plans in effect under section 
                205 of that Act; and
                    (B) coral reef emergency plans in effect under 
                section 209 of that Act.
    (e) Definitions.--In this section, the terms ``conservation'', 
``coral reef'', ``covered reef manager'', ``covered State'', 
``restoration'', and ``State'' have the meaning given those terms in 
section 218 of the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000, as amended by 
section 101.
    (f) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is authorized to be 
appropriated to the Secretary to carry out this title for each of 
fiscal years 2022 to 2026, $4,000,000.

 TITLE IV--SUSAN L. WILLIAMS NATIONAL CORAL REEF MANAGEMENT FELLOWSHIP

SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE.

    This title may be cited as the ``Susan L. Williams National Coral 
Reef Management Fellowship Act of 2021''.

SEC. 402. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
            (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the 
        Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
        Administration.
            (2) Fellow.--The term ``fellow'' means a National Coral 
        Reef Management Fellow.
            (3) Fellowship.--The term ``fellowship'' means the National 
        Coral Reef Management Fellowship established in section 403.
            (4) Indian tribe; tribal organization.--The terms ``Indian 
        Tribe'' and ``Tribal organization'' have the meanings given 
        those terms in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and 
        Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304).

SEC. 403. ESTABLISHMENT OF FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--There is established a National Coral Reef 
Management Fellowship Program.
    (b) Purposes.--The purposes of the fellowship are--
            (1) to encourage future leaders of the United States to 
        develop additional coral reef management capacity in States and 
        local communities with coral reefs;
            (2) to provide management agencies of States, Tribal 
        organizations, and Freely Associated States with highly 
        qualified candidates whose education and work experience meet 
        the specific needs of each State, Indian Tribe, and Freely 
        Associated State; and
            (3) to provide fellows with professional experience in 
        management of coastal and coral reef resources.

SEC. 404. FELLOWSHIP AWARDS.

    (a) In General.--The Administrator, in coordination with the 
Secretary of the Interior, shall award the fellowship in accordance 
with this section.
    (b) Term of Fellowship.--A fellowship awarded under this section 
shall be for a term of not more than 24 months.
    (c) Qualifications.--The Administrator, in coordination with the 
Secretary of the Interior, shall award the fellowship to individuals 
who have demonstrated--
            (1) an intent to pursue a career in marine services and 
        outstanding potential for such a career;
            (2) leadership potential, actual leadership experience, or 
        both;
            (3) a college or graduate degree in biological science, 
        experience that correlates with aptitude and interest for 
        marine management, or both;
            (4) proficient writing and speaking skills; and
            (5) such other attributes as the Administrator, in 
        coordination with the Secretary of the Interior, consider 
        appropriate.

SEC. 405. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There are authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to 
carry out this title for each of fiscal years 2022-2026, $1,500,000, to 
remain available until expended.
                                                 Union Calendar No. 450

117th CONGRESS

  2d Session

                               H. R. 160

                          [Report No. 117-626]

_______________________________________________________________________
Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021
To reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 and to establish the United States Coral Reef Task Force, and for other purposes.
Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021
Susan L. Williams National Coral Reef Management Fellowship Act of 2021
Restoring Resilient Reefs Act of 2021
Susan L. Williams National Coral Reef Management Fellowship Act of 2021
Rep. Soto, Darren