§1447c Regional research plans

Summary

Each Board must make a 4-year marine research plan for its region and update it whenever needed, but at least once every 4 years. When making the plan, the Board must use the findings and recommendations from the national plan under the National Ocean Pollution Planning Act of 1978 (33 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.). The plan must describe current and expected coastal and marine conditions, list the water-quality and ecosystem research planned for the 4-year term, state research needs and priorities for the next 10 years (with special focus on the next 3–5 years), show how it fits with existing regional research and management (including activities under section 1330 of title 33 and section 1461 of this title), and give general goals and a timetable for funded projects during the 4-year period. After the Board finishes or changes a plan, it must send it to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). NOAA and EPA will together check if the plan meets the rules and must approve or disapprove it within 120 days. If they disapprove it, they must tell the Board in writing what changes are needed. After the Board sends a revised plan, NOAA and EPA must decide within 90 days.