Makes Coastal Zone Management Fund amounts available to offset costs of implementing coastal zone management programs.
Permits (rather than requires) the Secretary of Commerce to provide training, education, and technical assistance for coastal zone management and authorizes the Secretary to receive assistance therein from other Federal agencies and qualified persons.
Revises review requirements for coastal State management programs.
Makes the Walter B. Jones Excellence in Coastal Zone Management Awards program discretionary. (Currently the Secretary of Commerce is required to implement the program.)
Establishes the National Estuarine Reserve System (in lieu of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System). Sets forth System requirements, including the designation of other reserves and the promotion and coordination of coastal and estuarine research, education, and resource stewardship.