DEFINITIONS.

SEC. 10302. [33 U.S.C. 3408 note] DEFINITIONS. In this title: (1) Characterization.—The term “characterization” means activities that provide comprehensive data and interpretations for a specific area of interest of the sea floor, sub-bottom, water column, or hydrologic features, including water masses and currents, in direct support of specific research, environmental protection, resource management, policymaking, or applied mission objectives. (2) Exploration.—The term “exploration” means activities that provide— (A) a multidisciplinary view of an unknown or poorly understood area of the seafloor, sub-bottom, or water column; and (B) an initial assessment of the physical, chemical, geological, biological, archeological, or other characteristics of such an area. (3) Indian tribe.—The term “Indian Tribe” has the meaning given that term in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 5304). (4) Mapping.—The term “mapping” means activities that provide comprehensive data and information needed to understand seafloor characteristics, such as depth, topography, bottom type, sediment composition and distribution, underlying geologic structure, and benthic flora and fauna.