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Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable WatersRelease 119-73not60

§2103 National Artificial Reef Plan

Title 33 › Chapter 35— ARTIFICIAL REEFS › § 2103

Last updated Apr 5, 2026|Official source

Summary

Not later than one year after November 8, 1984, the Secretary of Commerce must create and publish a long-term plan for artificial reefs. The Secretary must work with other federal agencies, regional fishery councils, interested states, interstate fishery commissions, and private-sector representatives when making the plan. The plan must say where reefs can be placed using site criteria (location, water, geology, biology, ecology, social and economic factors); give rules for reef design and materials; set methods to monitor permit compliance and manage reef use; summarize existing reef information and research needs; and evaluate ways to help permit holders get reef materials, including options like credits for environmental mitigation and changes to tax obligations.

Full Legal Text

Title 33, §2103

Navigation and Navigable Waters — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

Not later than one year after November 8, 1984, the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, the Secretary of Defense, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating, the Regional Fishery Managment 11 So in original. Probably should be “Management”. Councils, interested States, Interstate Fishery Commissions, and representatives of the private sector, shall develop and publish a long-term plan which will meet the purpose of this chapter and be consistent with the standards established under section 2102 of this title. The plan must include—
(1)geographic, hydrographic, geologic, biological, ecological, social, economic, and other criteria for siting artificial reefs;
(2)design, material, and other criteria for constructing artificial reefs;
(3)mechanisms and methodologies for monitoring the compliance of artificial reefs with the requirements of permits issued under section 2104 of this title;
(4)mechanisms and methodologies for managing the use of artificial reefs;
(5)a synopsis of existing information on artificial reefs and needs for further research on artificial reef technology and management strategies; and
(6)an evaluation of alternatives for facilitating the transfer of artificial reef construction materials to persons holding permits issued pursuant to section 2104 of this title, including, but not limited to, credits for environmental mitigation and modified tax obligations.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see section 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

33 U.S.C. § 2103

Title 33 — Navigation and Navigable Waters

Last Updated

Apr 5, 2026

Release point: 119-73not60