1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Prevent Harmful Algal Blooms Act . 2. Centers of Excellence in Harmful Algal Bloom Research, Prevention, Response, and Mitigation (a) Establishment Not later than one year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, acting through the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, shall designate organizations as National Centers of Excellence in Harmful Algal Bloom Research, Prevention, Response, and Mitigation. (b) Purpose The purpose of the Centers is— (1) to further understanding of harmful algal blooms; (2) to further understanding of the impacts of harmful algal blooms on public health, including the health of at-risk populations; (3) to further the ability to research, forecast, and monitor harmful algal blooms; (4) to formalize and enhance existing partnerships and collaborations among institutions of higher education, research entities, local, State, territorial, and tribal agencies, and the Federal Government; (5) to further the prevention, control, and mitigation of harmful algal blooms; (6) to transition harmful algal bloom research and forecasting from observational to operational use; and (7) to address existing and emerging harmful algal bloom issues as the Administrator considers appropriate. (c) Eligibility for designations To be eligible for designation under this section, an organization must— (1) be an institution of higher education, as that term is defined in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1001(a) ); a State, territorial, or tribal research agency; a nonprofit laboratory or other research entity; or a consortium of such eligible institutions; (2) have demonstrated expertise and success in harmful algal bloom research, monitoring, forecasting, prevention, or response efforts; (3) have demonstrated ability to collaborate with local, State, territorial, and tribal governments and Federal agencies on harmful algal blooms