(1) The Minister, by instrument, may establish a regional and strategic partnership between 2 or more partner agencies.
(2) The purposes of a regional and strategic partnership are—
(a) to respond to an identified regional issue relating to or affecting the marine and coastal environment; and
(b) to prepare a product.
(3) The Council or a partner agency may request the Minister to establish a regional and strategic partnership.
(4) A regional and strategic partnership must be established with the agreement of each partner agency.