ACQUISITION OF FISHERY SURVEY VESSELS.

SEC. 302. ACQUISITION OF FISHERY SURVEY VESSELS. (a) In General.—The Secretary, subject to the availability of appropriations, may in accordance with this section acquire, by purchase, lease, lease-purchase, or charter, and equip up to six fishery survey vessels in accordance with this section. (b) Vessel Requirements.—Any vessel acquired and equipped under this section must— (1) be capable of— (A) staying at sea continuously for at least 30 days; (B) conducting fishery population surveys using hydroacoustic, longlining, deep water, and pelagic trawls, and other necessary survey techniques; and (C) conducting other work necessary to provide fishery managers with the accurate and timely data needed to prepare and implement fishery management plans; and (2) have a hull that meets the International Council for Exploration of the Sea standard regarding acoustic quietness. (c) Authorization.—To carry out this section there are authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary $60,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2002 and 2003.