Selection of nominated areas for national marine sanctuary designation.

(a) The Director may select a nominated area from the inventory for future consideration as a national marine sanctuary. (b) Selection of a nominated area from the inventory shall begin the formal sanctuary designation process. A notice of intent to prepare a draft environmental impact statement shall be published in the Federal Register and posted on the Office of National Marine Sanctuaries website. Any designation process will follow the procedures for designation and implementation set forth in section 304 of the Act.