REGIONAL ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH.

SEC. 210. REGIONAL ECOSYSTEM RESEARCH. Section 406 (16 U.S.C. 1882) is amended by adding at the end the following:“(f) Regional Ecosystem Research.—“(1) Study.—Within 180 days after the date of enactment of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Reauthorization Act of 2006, the Secretary, in consultation with the Councils, shall undertake and complete a study on the state of the science for advancing the concepts and integration of ecosystem considerations in regional fishery management. The study should build upon the recommendations of the advisory panel and include—“(A) recommendations for scientific data, information and technology requirements for understanding ecosystem processes, and methods for integrating such information from a variety of federal, state, and regional sources;“(B) recommendations for processes for incorporating broad stake holder participation;“(C) recommendations for processes to account for effects of environmental variation on fish stocks and fisheries; and“(D) a description of existing and developing council efforts to implement ecosystem approaches, including lessons learned by the councils.“(2) Agency Technical Advice and Assistance, Regional Pilot Programs.—The Secretary is authorized to provide necessary technical advice and assistance, including grants, to the Councils for the development and design of regional pilot programs that build upon the recommendations of the advisory panel and, when completed, the study.”.120 STAT. 3618