National Seabed Hard Minerals Act of 1988

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Title I: General Provisions - National Seabed Hard Minerals Act of 1986 - Sets forth the findings, purposes, and definitions of this Act. Title II: Resource Evaluation, Environmental Assessment, and Consultation - Requires the Secretary of Commerce and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to conduct a comprehensive research program to support U.S. seabed activities related to: (1) environmental assessment; (2) mapping and charting; and (3) evaluation of hard mineral resources. Requires the Secretary and the Administrator to prepare, and subsequently revise, a five-year plan to carry out such a program. Requires the Secretary to establish, upon request, a task force for each coastal State to provide a forum for State and local consultation and advice associated with recovery of hard minerals from the U.S. seabed. Provides for regional cooperation and coordination. Provides for the establishment of stable reference areas prior to the issuance of a license or permit under this Act. Title III: Licenses and Permits - Provides for the: (1) issuance of exploration licenses on commercial recovery permits for exclusive rights to the hard mineral re…