(a) Requirement for a permit. No person shall engage in any operation which directly causes damage or injury to a viable coral community that is located on the Outer Continental Shelf without having obtained a permit for said operations.

(b) Penalty. Any person who knowingly and willingly violates the regulations of §9266.4 of this title shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for not more than 6 months or by both such fine and imprisonment. Each day of violation shall be deemed a separate offense.