ARTIST Act

The bill amends the Marine Mammal Protection Act to exempt Alaska Natives from restrictions on taking marine mammals for subsistence and for creating and selling authentic Alaska Native articles of handicrafts and clothing . Marine mammal ivory is defined as a tooth or tusk from walrus, narwhal, or whale, and the exemption applies only when the taking is not wasteful. The amendment allows such items to be sold in interstate commerce only if they meet the definition of an authentic article, and edible portions may be sold locally in native villages or for native consumption. The bill also requires that any state cannot prohibit the importation, sale, or possession of ivory or bone incorporated into these authentic articles. The Secretary may issue regulations if a species or stock is determined to be depleted, and such regulations must be based on substantial evidence and include notice and hearing. Regulations can cover species, stocks, geographic areas, seasons, or other relevant factors, and they are removed when the need disappears. The bill preserves the cultural practices and livelihoods of Alaska Native producers while ensuring that marine mammal populations are managed responsibly.