§ 1371.
(b)
Exemptions for Alaskan natives
Except as provided in
section 1379 of this title, the provisions of this chapter shall not apply with respect to the taking of any marine mammal by any Indian, Aleut, or Eskimo who resides in Alaska and who dwells on the coast of the North Pacific Ocean or the Arctic Ocean if such taking—
(1)
is for subsistence purposes; or
(2)
is done for purposes of creating and selling authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing: Provided, That only authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing may be sold in interstate commerce: And provided further, That any edible portion of marine mammals may be sold in native villages and towns in Alaska or for native consumption. For the purposes of this subsection, the term “authentic native articles of handicrafts and clothing” means items composed wholly or in some significant respect of natural materials, and which are produced, decorated, or fashioned in the exercise of traditional native handicrafts without the use of pantographs, multiple carvers, or other mass copying devices. Traditional native handicrafts include, but are not limited to weaving, carving, stitching, sewing, lacing, beading, drawing and painting; and
(3)
in each case, is not accomplished in a wasteful manner.
Notwithstanding the preceding provisions of this subsection, when, under this chapter, the Secretary determines any species or stock of marine mammal subject to taking by Indians, Aleuts, or Eskimos to be depleted, he may prescribe regulations upon the taking of such marine mammals by any Indian, Aleut, or Eskimo described in this subsection. Such regulations may be established with reference to species or stocks, geographical description of the area included, the season for taking, or any other factors related to the reason for establishing such regulations and consistent with the purposes of this chapter. Such regulations shall be prescribed after notice and hearing required by
section 1373 of this title and shall be removed as soon as the Secretary determines that the need for their imposition has disappeared. In promulgating any regulation or making any assessment pursuant to a hearing or proceeding under this subsection or
section 1386(b)(2) of this title, or in making any determination of depletion under this subsection or finding regarding unmitigable adverse impacts under subsection (a)(5) that affects stocks or persons to which this subsection applies, the Secretary shall be responsible for demonstrating that such regulation, assessment, determination, or finding is supported by substantial evidence on the basis of the record as a whole. The preceding sentence shall only be applicable in an action brought by one or more Alaska Native organizations representing persons to which this subsection applies.
([Pub. L. 92–522, title I, § 101], Oct. 21, 1972, [86 Stat. 1029]; [Pub. L. 93–205, § 13(e)(2)], Dec. 28, 1973, [87 Stat. 903]; [Pub. L. 97–58, § 2], Oct. 9, 1981, [95 Stat. 979]; [Pub. L. 98–364, title I, § 101], July 17, 1984, [98 Stat. 440]; [Pub. L. 99–659, title IV, § 411(a)], Nov. 14, 1986, [100 Stat. 3741]; [Pub. L. 100–711], §§ 4(a), 5(c), (e)(1), Nov. 23, 1988, [102 Stat. 4765], 4769, 4771; [Pub. L. 101–627, title IX, § 901(g)], Nov. 28, 1990, [104 Stat. 4467]; [Pub. L. 102–582, title I, § 103], title IV, § 401(b), Nov. 2, 1992, [106 Stat. 4903], 4909; [Pub. L. 103–238, § 4], Apr. 30, 1994, [108 Stat. 532]; [Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, § 101(a) [title II, § 211(b)]], Sept. 30, 1996, [110 Stat. 3009], 3009–41; [Pub. L. 105–18, title II, § 2003], June 12, 1997, [111 Stat. 174]; [Pub. L. 105–42, § 4(a)]–(c), Aug. 15, 1997, [111 Stat. 1123], 1124; [Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title III, § 319(b)], (c), Nov. 24, 2003, [117 Stat. 1434]; [Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title III, § 316], Aug. 13, 2018, [132 Stat. 1714].)