---
kind: "section"
citation: "33 U.S.C. § 4003"
title: "33"
title_heading: "Navigation and Navigable Waters"
number: "4003"
heading: "Comprehensive research plan and action strategy"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/33/4003"
units:
  - "Chapter 53 — Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control"
---

# §4003. Comprehensive research plan and action strategy

- (a) **In general—** Not later than 1 year after June 30, 2014, the [Under Secretary](/usc/33/4008.md?p=8), through the [Task Force](/usc/33/4008.md?p=7), shall develop and submit to Congress a comprehensive research plan and [action strategy](/usc/33/4008.md?p=1) to address marine and freshwater [harmful algal blooms](/usc/33/4008.md?p=3) and [hypoxia](/usc/33/4008.md?p=4). The [Action Strategy](/usc/33/4008.md?p=1) shall identify—
  - (1) the specific activities to be carried out by the [Program](/usc/33/4008.md?p=5) and the timeline for carrying out those activities;
  - (2) the roles and responsibilities of each Federal agency in the [Task Force](/usc/33/4008.md?p=7) in carrying out the activities under [paragraph (1)](#a-1); and
  - (3) the appropriate regions and subregions requiring specific research and activities to address [harmful algal blooms](/usc/33/4008.md?p=3) and [hypoxia](/usc/33/4008.md?p=4).
- (b) **Regional focus—** The regional and subregional parts of the [Action Strategy](/usc/33/4008.md?p=1) shall identify—
  - (1) regional priorities for ecological, economic, and social research on issues related to the impacts of [harmful algal blooms](/usc/33/4008.md?p=3) and [hypoxia](/usc/33/4008.md?p=4);
  - (2) research, development, and demonstration activities needed to develop and advance technologies and techniques for minimizing the occurrence of [harmful algal blooms](/usc/33/4008.md?p=3) and [hypoxia](/usc/33/4008.md?p=4) and improving capabilities to detect, predict, monitor, control, mitigate, respond to, and remediate [harmful algal blooms](/usc/33/4008.md?p=3) and [hypoxia](/usc/33/4008.md?p=4);
  - (3) ways to reduce the duration and intensity of [harmful algal blooms](/usc/33/4008.md?p=3) and [hypoxia](/usc/33/4008.md?p=4), including deployment of response technologies in a timely manner;
  - (4) research and methods to address human health dimensions of [harmful algal blooms](/usc/33/4008.md?p=3) and [hypoxia](/usc/33/4008.md?p=4);
  - (5) mechanisms, including the potential costs and benefits of those mechanisms, to protect ecosystems that may be or have been affected by [harmful algal bloom](/usc/33/4008.md?p=3) and [hypoxia](/usc/33/4008.md?p=4) events;
  - (6) mechanisms by which data, information, and products may be transferred between the [Program](/usc/33/4008.md?p=5) and the [State](/usc/33/4008.md?p=6), tribal, and local governments and research entities;
  - (7) communication and information dissemination methods that [State](/usc/33/4008.md?p=6), tribal, and local governments may undertake to educate and inform the public concerning [harmful algal blooms](/usc/33/4008.md?p=3) and [hypoxia](/usc/33/4008.md?p=4); and
  - (8) roles that Federal agencies may have to assist in the implementation of the [Action Strategy](/usc/33/4008.md?p=1), including efforts to support local and regional scientific assessments under [section 4001(e) of this title](/usc/33/4001.md?p=e).
- (c) **Utilizing available studies and information—** In developing the [Action Strategy](/usc/33/4008.md?p=1), the [Under Secretary](/usc/33/4008.md?p=8) shall utilize existing research, assessments, reports, and [program](/usc/33/4008.md?p=5) activities, including—
  - (1) those carried out under existing law; and
  - (2) other relevant peer-reviewed and published sources.
- (d) **Development of the Action Strategy—** In developing the [Action Strategy](/usc/33/4008.md?p=1), the [Under Secretary](/usc/33/4008.md?p=8) shall, as appropriate—
  - (1) coordinate with—
    - (A) [State](/usc/33/4008.md?p=6) coastal management and planning officials;
    - (B) tribal resource management officials; and
    - (C) water management and watershed officials from both coastal [States](/usc/33/4008.md?p=6) and noncoastal [States](/usc/33/4008.md?p=6) with water sources that drain into water bodies affected by [harmful algal blooms](/usc/33/4008.md?p=3) and [hypoxia](/usc/33/4008.md?p=4); and
  - (2) consult with—
    - (A) public health officials;
    - (B) emergency management officials;
    - (C) science and technology development institutions;
    - (D) economists;
    - (E) industries and businesses affected by marine and freshwater [harmful algal blooms](/usc/33/4008.md?p=3) and [hypoxia](/usc/33/4008.md?p=4);
    - (F) scientists with expertise concerning [harmful algal blooms](/usc/33/4008.md?p=3) or [hypoxia](/usc/33/4008.md?p=4) from academic or research institutions; and
    - (G) other stakeholders.
- (e) **Federal Register—** The [Under Secretary](/usc/33/4008.md?p=8) shall publish the [Action Strategy](/usc/33/4008.md?p=1) in the Federal Register.
- (f) **Periodic revision—** The [Under Secretary](/usc/33/4008.md?p=8), in coordination and consultation with the individuals and entities under [subsection (d)](#d), shall periodically review and revise the [Action Strategy](/usc/33/4008.md?p=1) prepared under this section, as necessary.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 105–383, title VI, § 603B, as added Pub. L. 113–124, § 5, June 30, 2014, 128 Stat. 1382.)