Current Topics

The release of the draft document:
Draft Clarification of the Application of Select Terms under the Marine Mammal
Protection Act with Regard to Sea Otters

On Friday, March 1, 2013 the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in Alaska released for public comment a draft document clarifying the interpretation of the terms “significantly altered from their natural form,” “coastal dwelling,” and “mass produced” as they apply to Alaska Native handicrafts and clothing made from sea otter parts under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.  We invite your comments on this draft document by May 17, 2013. 

View the document here.

To provide comments:

Via electronic mail:

Please cut and paste address into your email account.
   fw7_sea_otter_clarification@fws.gov

Via mail:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Marine Mammals Management Office
1011 East Tudor Road, MS-341        
Anchorage, Alaska  99503

• Polar Bear and Pacific Walrus Incidental Take Regulations
• What should you do if you find a marine mammal you think is injured or abandoned?
  Learn what to do by looking at our Guidelines for stranded marine mammals. You can also visit the National Marine Fisheries Service site on stranded marine mammals.

Last updated: March 1, 2013