RESOURCES

Community Observations, Hunting & Handicraft

MARINE MAMMALS

Disclaimer

The information outlined regarding laws and regulations should not be used to make harvesting decisions. Please use the resource links for the full text of the laws and regulations.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) is the primary law governing marine mammal management in the United States. Under the MMPA management, a responsibility for sea otter management in the U.S., a responsibility that is carried out by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service within the Department of Interior. Under the MMPA, the Department of Commerce is responsible for pinnipeds (Steller sea lions and harbor seals), a responsibility that is carried out by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). 

eCFR :: 50 CFR 18.23 — Native exemptions. 

The MMPA establishes a moratorium on all taking of marine mammals in the United States, including sea otters, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals. However, Section 101(b) of the MMPA provides an exemption to the moratorium for Alaska Natives. Section 101(b) conditions that take of marine mammals by Alaska Natives must be: 

(1) For subsistence purposes, or
(2) For purposes of creating and selling authentic Native articles of handicraft and clothing, and
(3) In each case, not accomplished in a wasteful manner.

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