ARTIST Act

The bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act to create an exemption for Alaska Natives, Aleuts, and Eskimos who reside on the North Pacific or Arctic coasts. Authentic Alaska Native articles of handicrafts and clothing are defined as items made largely from natural materials and produced by traditional techniques without mass‑copying devices. The exemption allows taking of marine mammals for subsistence or for creating and selling these authentic handicrafts, provided the taking is not wasteful and the items meet the definition for interstate commerce. The Secretary may issue regulations if a species or stock is deemed depleted, with notice and hearing, and such regulations must be supported by substantial evidence. No state may prohibit the importation, sale, or possession of marine mammal ivory or bone used in authentic Alaska Native handicrafts, and edible portions taken for handicraft production may be sold locally or for native consumption.