§6481 Susan L. Williams National Coral Reef Management Fellowship

Summary

Creates a National Coral Reef Management Fellowship Program to train future coral reef managers and put them into state and Native organizations that work on reefs. Key terms: Alaska Native Corporation — same meaning as “Native Corporation” in 43 U.S.C. 1602; fellow — a National Coral Reef Management Fellow; fellowship — the program itself; covered Native entity, covered State, Native entity — meanings given in section 6415 of this title; Secretary — the Secretary of Commerce. The program’s goals are to grow reef management capacity in states and local communities, supply covered State and Native management agencies with qualified candidates, and give fellows hands-on experience managing coasts and coral reefs. The Secretary of Commerce, with the Secretary of the Interior, will award fellowships of up to 2 years. Applicants must show intent and strong potential for a marine services career, leadership or leadership potential, a college or graduate degree in biological science or a degree in resource management with relevant experience (or both), good writing and speaking skills, and any other attributes the Secretaries require. Nonfederal costs must cover 25% of fellowship expenses unless the Secretary waives that when a project is a high priority.