16 U.S.C. § 6412 — Coral reef prize competitions

Page 2590 TITLE 16—CONSERVATION § 6412 cies to establish research priorities and translate and apply research findings to management and restoration practices; and (iv) conduct public education and aware- ness programs for policymakers, resource managers, and the general public on— (I) coral reefs and coral reef eco- systems; (II) best practices for coral reef eco- system management and restoration; (III) the value of coral reefs; and (IV) the threats to the sustainability of coral reef ecosystems. (b) Coral reef research centers (1) In general The Administrator shall— (A) periodically solicit applications for designation of qualifying institutions in cov- ered States as coral reef research centers; and (B) designate all qualifying institutions in covered States as coral reef research cen- ters. (2) Qualifying institutions For purposes of paragraph (1), an institution is a qualifying institution if the Adminis- trator determines that the institution— (A) is operated by an institution of higher education or nonprofit marine research or- ganization; (B) has established management-driven na- tional or regional coral reef research or res- toration programs; (C) has demonstrated abilities to coordi- nate closely with appropriate Federal and State agencies, and other academic and non- profit organizations; and (D) maintains significant local community engagement and outreach programs related to coral reef ecosystems. (Pub. L. 106–562, title II, § 212, as added Pub. L. 117–263, div. J, title C, § 10001(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3945.) § 6412. Coral reef prize competitions (a) In general Subject to the availability of appropriations, the head of any Federal agency with a rep- resentative serving on the United States Coral Reef Task Force established by section 6451 of this title, may, individually or in cooperation with one or more agencies, carry out a program to award prizes competitively under section 3719 of title 15. (b) Purposes Any program carried out under this section shall be for the purpose of stimulating innova- tion to advance the ability of the United States to understand, research, or monitor coral reef ecosystems, or to develop management or adap- tation options to preserve, sustain, and restore coral reef ecosystems. (c) Priority programs Priority shall be given to establishing pro- grams under this section that address commu- nities, 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 gen- erally slow recovery following disturbances, including changing ocean chemistry, tempera- ture-related bleaching, disease, and their asso- ciated impacts on coral physiology; (2) the development of monitoring or man- agement options for communities or indus- tries that are experiencing significant finan- cial 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 vul- nerable communities or industries, with an emphasis on rural communities and busi- nesses; and (5) the development of adaptation and man- agement options for impacted tourism indus- tries. (Pub. L. 106–562, title II, § 213, as added Pub. L. 117–263, div. J, title C, § 10001(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3946.) § 6413. Reports on administration (a) In general Not later than 2 years after December 23, 2022, and every 2 years thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the committees specified in sub- section (b) a report on the administration of this chapter during the 2-year period preceding sub- mission of the report, including— (1) a description of all activities undertaken to implement the National Coral Reef Resil- ience Strategy; (2) a statement of all funds obligated under the authorities of this chapter; 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 this chapter. (b) Committees specified The committees specified in this subsection are— (1) the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Committee on Environ- ment and Public Works, Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, 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. (Pub. L. 106–562, title II, § 214, as added Pub. L. 117–263, div. J, title C, § 10001(a), Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3947.) § 6414. Authorization of appropriations (a) In general There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator $45,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027 to carry out this chapter which shall remain available until expended. Of such amounts, there is authorized to be appropriated for each such fiscal year— (1) $12,000,000 to carry out section 6406 of this title;