(a) Section 307(h)(2) of the Act provides for mediation of ``serious disagreements'' between a Federal agency and a coastal State during administration of an approved management program. Accordingly mediation is available to states or federal agencies when a serious disagreement regarding a proposed amendment arises.
(b) Mediation may be requested by a Governor or head of a state agency designated pursuant to subsection 306(d)(6) or by the head of a relevant federal agency. Mediation is a voluntary process in which the Secretary of Commerce attempts to mediate between disagreeing parties over major problems. (See Sec. 923.54).