Establishes in the Administration a Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (Great Lakes Lab), a Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory, and an Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. Authorizes the Great Lakes Lab to support, in partnership with the University of Michigan, a Cooperative Institute for Limnology and Ecosystem Research.
Establishes a National Undersea Research Program in the Administration and requires the Secretary of Commerce to appoint its director.
Establishes an Ocean Exploration Program in the Administration. Authorizes the Secretary (in conjunction with specified entities) to: (1) conduct interdisciplinary exploration voyages or other activities to survey, inventory, monitor and assess little known areas of the marine environment; (2) promote the development of oceanographic research; (3) conduct public education and outreach activities that improve the public understanding of ocean science, resources, and processes; and (4) accept donations for such purposes.
Specifies requirements the Secretary must meet before designating a Regional Coastal Observation Technology System.
Authorizes the Secretary to coordinate and designate units of a Coastal Observation Technology System to collect data necessary to carry out the missions of the Administration. Requires the Secretary to use such data to develop forecast models to support coastal and fishery management, safe and efficient marine navigation, weather and climate prediction, and other appropriate activities.