131 



21 



1 (2) Aquatic ecosystem restoration. — The 



2 term "aquatic ecosystem restoration" means return- 



3 ing an aquatic ecosystem to a close approximation of 



4 its condition prior to its disturbance by humans, 



5 such that its structure and function (including 



6 chemical, physical, hydrological, geomorphological, 



7 and biological characteristics) are repaired, its natu- 



8 ral dynamic processes are operating effectively 



9 again, and its indigenous biota are returned to 



10 predisturbance levels to the greatest extent possible. 



11 (3) Council.— The term "Council" means the 



12 National Aquatic Restoration Council established by 



13 section 5(a). 



14 (4) Director. — The term "Director" means 



15 the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife 



16 Service. 



17 (5) Ecoregion. — The term "ecoregion" means 



18 a continuous geographical area characterized by — 



19 (A) the occurrence of one or more impor- 



20 tant ecological associations that differ, at least 



21 in proportional area covered, from the associa- 



22 tions of adjacent regions. 



23 (B) distinctive flora, fauna, climate, 



24 landform, soil, vegetation, and ecological climax; 



25 and 



•HR 4481 IH 



