Mexico Alliance to coordinate Federal and State authorities with other voluntary efforts for the collaborative management of the large marine ecosystem, thereby reducing duplication of efforts and maximizing opportunities to leverage restoration support in the Gulf of Mexico region. 3. Gulf States protection and restoration coordination The Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 ( 16 U.S.C. 1451 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following: 320. Gulf States protection and restoration coordination (a) Definitions In this section: (1) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2) Alliance Management Team The term Alliance Management Team means the governing body of the Gulf of Mexico Alliance consisting of the designated voting members representing the Governors of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Florida. (3) Gulf of Mexico Alliance The term Gulf of Mexico Alliance means the formal collaborative organization of Federal, State, local, and private participants established by the 5 Gulf States in 2004 as a nonregulatory, inclusive network of partners to provide a broad geographic focus on the primary environmental issues affecting the Gulf of Mexico. (4) Gulf of Mexico ecosystem The term Gulf of Mexico ecosystem means the ecosystem of the Gulf of Mexico and its watershed. (b) Authorization of Gulf of Mexico Alliance (1) Designation as a Regional Coordination Partnership The Gulf of Mexico Alliance is designated as a Regional Coordination Partnership of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2) Requirements The Gulf of Mexico Alliance shall be— (A) headed by a Director who, by reason of management experience and technical expertise relating to the Gulf of Mexico, is highly qualified to direct the development of plans and programs on a variety of Gulf of Mexico issues, as determined by the Alliance Management Team