Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 98 Part 3.djvu/1023

 PUBLIC LAW 98-623—NOV. 8, 1984

98 STAT. 3395

(3) escalated energy costs have had a negative effect on the Energy. economics of United States commercial and recreational fisheries; (4) commercial and recreational fisheries are a prominent factor" in United States coastal economies and the direct and indirect returns to the United States economy from commercial and recreational fishing expenditures are threefold; and (5) properly designed, constructed, and located artificial reefs in waters covered under this title can enhance the habitat and diversity of fishery resources; enhance United States recreational and commercial fishing opportunities; increase the production of fishery products in the United States; increase the energy efficiency of recreational and commercial fisheries; and contribute to the United States and coastal economies. (b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of this title is to promote and facilitate responsible and effective efforts to establish artificial reefs in waters covered under this title. SEC. 203. ESTABLISHMENT OF STANDARDS.

33 USC 2102.

Based on the best scientific information available, artificial reefs Water. in waters covered under this title shall be sited and constructed, and subsequently monitored and managed in a manner which will— (1) enhance fishery resources to the maximum extent practicable; (2) facilitate access and utilization by United States recreational and commercial fishermen; (3) minimize conflicts among competing uses of waters covered under this title and the resources in such waters; (4) minimize environmental risks and risks to personal health Pollution. and property; and (5) be consistent with generally accepted principles of international law and shall not create any unresisonable obstruction to navigation. SEC. 204. NATIONAL ARTIFICIAL REEF PLAN.

33 USC 2103.

Not later than one year after the date of enactment of this title, 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 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 title and be consistent with the standards established under section 203. The plan must include— (1) geographic, hydrographic, geologic, biological, ecological, Research and social, economic, and other criteria for siting artificial reefs; development. (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 205; (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

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