(a) Definitions

In this section:

(1) Alaska Native Corporation

The term “Alaska Native Corporation” has the meaning given the term “Native Corporation” in section 1602 of title 43.

(2) Fellow

The term “fellow” means a National Coral Reef Management Fellow.

(3) Fellowship

The term “fellowship” means the National Coral Reef Management Fellowship established in subsection (c).

(4) Covered Native entity

The term “covered Native entity” has the meaning given the term in section 6415 of this title, as added by this division.

(5) Covered State

The term “covered State” has the meaning given the term in section 6415 of this title, as added by this division.

(6) Native entity

The term “Native entity” has the meaning given the term in section 6415 of this title, as added by this division.

(7) Secretary

The term “Secretary” means the Secretary of Commerce.

(b) Establishment of fellowship program

(1) In general

There is established a National Coral Reef Management Fellowship Program.

(2) Purposes

The purposes of the fellowship are—

(A) to encourage future leaders of the United States to develop additional coral reef management capacity in States and local communities with coral reefs;

(B) to provide management agencies of covered States and covered Native entities with highly qualified candidates whose education and work experience meet the specific needs of each covered State or covered Native entity; and

(C) to provide fellows with professional experience in management of coastal and coral reef resources.

(c) Fellowship awards

(1) In general

The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, shall award a fellowship in accordance with this subsection.

(2) Term of fellowship

A fellowship awarded under this subsection shall be for a term of not more than 2 years.

(3) Qualifications

The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, shall award a fellowship to individuals who have demonstrated—

(A) an intent to pursue a career in marine services and outstanding potential for such a career;

(B) leadership potential, actual leadership experience, or both;

(C) possession of a college or graduate degree in biological science, a college or graduate degree in resource management with experience that correlates with aptitude and interest for marine management, or both;

(D) proficient writing and speaking skills; and

(E) such other attributes as the Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary of the Interior, considers appropriate.

(d) Matching requirement

(1) In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), the non-Federal share of the costs of a fellowship under this section shall be 25 percent of such costs.

(2) Waiver of matching requirement

The Secretary may waive the application of paragraph (1) to a fellowship if the Secretary finds that such waiver is necessary to support a project that the Secretary has identified as a high priority.