People could sell and export certain sea otter pelts and items made from them. The otters would still have to come from lawful subsistence hunting in Southcentral or Southeast Alaska.
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To amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to allow the transport, purchase, and sale of pelts of, and handicrafts, garments, and art produced from, Southcentral and Southeast Alaska northern sea otters that are taken for subsistence purposes. is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
Latest action on H.R. 8401: Referred to the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries.
Who this affects: This bill mainly affects Alaska Native people and communities that lawfully take northern sea otters for subsistence. It could also affect artists, small sellers, buyers, wildlife officers, conservation groups, and coastal communities that watch sea otter impacts on shellfish and fisheries.
Why this matters: This bill could turn more lawful subsistence-taken sea otter pelts into goods people can sell. That could bring income to Alaska Native artisans and communities. It could also expand the market for products made from a protected marine mammal. The bill keeps current hunting rules, so the effect on sea otter numbers is not clear from the text.
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