33 U.S.C. § 4003

Current through P.L. 118-106 (published on www.congress.gov on 10/04/2024)

Section 4003 - Comprehensive research plan and action strategy

(a) In general

Not later than 1 year after June 30, 2014, the Under Secretary, through the Task Force, shall develop and submit to Congress a comprehensive research plan and action strategy to address marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia. The Action Strategy shall identify-

(1) the specific activities to be carried out by the Program and the timeline for carrying out those activities;

(2) the roles and responsibilities of each Federal agency in the Task Force in carrying out the activities under paragraph (1); and

(3) the appropriate regions and subregions requiring specific research and activities to address harmful algal blooms and hypoxia.

(b) Regional focus

The regional and subregional parts of the Action Strategy shall identify-

(1) regional priorities for ecological, economic, and social research on issues related to the impacts of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;

(2) research, development, and demonstration activities needed to develop and advance technologies and techniques for minimizing the occurrence of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia and improving capabilities to detect, predict, monitor, control, mitigate, respond to, and remediate harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;

(3) ways to reduce the duration and intensity of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia, including deployment of response technologies in a timely manner;

(4) research and methods to address human health dimensions of harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;

(5) mechanisms, including the potential costs and benefits of those mechanisms, to protect ecosystems that may be or have been affected by harmful algal bloom and hypoxia events;

(6) mechanisms by which data, information, and products may be transferred between the Program and the State, tribal, and local governments and research entities;

(7) communication and information dissemination methods that State, tribal, and local governments may undertake to educate and inform the public concerning harmful algal blooms and hypoxia; and

(8) roles that Federal agencies may have to assist in the implementation of the Action Strategy, including efforts to support local and regional scientific assessments under section 4001(e) of this title.

(c) Utilizing available studies and information

In developing the Action Strategy, the Under Secretary shall utilize existing research, assessments, reports, and program activities, including-

(1) those carried out under existing law; and

(2) other relevant peer-reviewed and published sources.

(d) Development of the Action Strategy

In developing the Action Strategy, the Under Secretary shall, as appropriate-

(1) coordinate with-

(A) State coastal management and planning officials;

(B) tribal resource management officials; and

(C) water management and watershed officials from both coastal States and noncoastal States with water sources that drain into water bodies affected by harmful algal blooms and hypoxia; and

(2) consult with-

(A) public health officials;

(B) emergency management officials;

(C) science and technology development institutions;

(D) economists;

(E) industries and businesses affected by marine and freshwater harmful algal blooms and hypoxia;

(F) scientists with expertise concerning harmful algal blooms or hypoxia from academic or research institutions; and

(G) other stakeholders.

(e) Federal Register

The Under Secretary shall publish the Action Strategy in the Federal Register.

(f) Periodic revision

The Under Secretary, in coordination and consultation with the individuals and entities under subsection (d), shall periodically review and revise the Action Strategy prepared under this section, as necessary.

33 U.S.C. § 4003

Pub. L. 105-383, title VI, §603B, as added Pub. L. 113-124, §5, June 30, 2014, 128 Stat. 1382.

Action Strategy: The term "Action Strategy" means the comprehensive research plan and action strategy established under section 4003 of this title.
Program: The term "Program" means the national harmful algal bloom and hypoxia program established under section 4002 of this title.
State: The term "State" means each of the several States of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, any other territory or possession of the United States, and any Indian tribe.
Task Force: The term "Task Force" means the Inter-Agency Task Force on Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia under section 4001(a) of this title.
Under Secretary: The term "Under Secretary" means the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere.
harmful algal bloom: The term "harmful algal bloom" means marine and freshwater phytoplankton that proliferate to high concentrations, resulting in nuisance conditions or harmful impacts on marine and aquatic ecosystems, coastal communities, and human health through the production of toxic compounds or other biological, chemical, and physical impacts of the algae outbreak.
hypoxia: The term "hypoxia" means a condition where low dissolved oxygen in aquatic systems causes stress or death to resident organisms.