1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act . 2. Findings Congress finds the following: (1) An ancient cypress forest dating back 50,000 to 70,000 years has been exposed in the Gulf of Mexico off the Alabama coastline. (2) The cypress trees, which were uncovered by massive waves associated with Hurricane Ivan, are still rooted in the mud they were growing in at least 50,000 years ago. (3) The Underwater Forest site is unique on a global scale, the only known site where trees between 50,000 and 70,000 years old have been preserved intact with the ecosystem they were growing in. (4) Exploration of the site continues to yield invaluable scientific insight in a variety of fields, though scientists have just begun to study the ancient forest. 3. Policy and purpose (a) Policy It is the policy of the United States to protect and preserve the ancient cypress trees located off the coast of Alabama, known as the Alabama Underwater Forest. (b) Purpose The purpose of this Act is to protect the resources of the area described in section 5(b), to educate and interpret for the public regarding the ancient Alabama Underwater Forest environment, and to manage human uses of the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary consistent with this Act. 4. Definitions In this Act— (1) Sanctuary The term Sanctuary means the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary designated under section 5(a). (2) Secretary the term Secretary means the Secretary of Commerce. 5. Sanctuary designation (a) Designation The area described in subsection (b) is designated as the Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary pursuant to title III of the Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 ( 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq. ). (b) Area included (1) In general The Sanctuary shall consist only of all waters and submerged lands within the boundary described in paragraph (2). (2) Boundary The boundary referred to in paragraph (1) shall encompass only the area