The amendments modified the provisions of the Act which 

 allow the Secretaries of Commerce or the Interior to transfer 

 management authority for a marine mammal population to a 

 state if the state has developed and will implement a 

 program which is consistent with criteria set forth in a new 

 section of the Act. 



As regards the State of Alaska, the Secretary cannot 

 transfer management authority to the State unless the State 

 has, among other things, adopted a statute and regulations 

 that ensure that subsistence use will be the priority consumptive 

 use of the species. The amendments clearly indicate that 

 the taking of marine mammals by Alaskan natives will be 

 subject to an approved marine mammal management program of 

 the State of Alaska. 



On 12 May 1982, the National Marine Fisheries Service 

 and the Fish and Wildlife Service jointly published proposed 

 regulations to implement the new provisions of the law 

 relating to return of management to the states. The Commission 

 reviewed the proposed regulations in consultation with its 

 Committee of Scientific Advisors and, on 9 July 1982, responded 

 to the two Services, recommending that the proposed regulations 

 be adopted, with modifications. Final regulations are 

 expected early in 1983. 



At the end of 1982, a new administration had just come 

 into office in Alaska. There could, therefore, be no clear 

 indication from the State as to how it might proceed with 

 marine mammal management issues in Alaska. However, should 

 the State decide to request return of management, it is 

 important that Federal agencies have a solid information 

 base and be prepared to act expeditiously. To help assure 

 that appropriate people be informed, the Commission in 1982 

 contracted for an assessment of issues bearing on marine 

 mammals in Alaska, and this will be completed early in 19 83 

 (see Chapter II) . 



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