HJR 26 - Sea Otter Management Resolution

• Urges federal agencies to work with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Southeast Alaska Native leaders, and other parties to develop sustainable management strategies for the reintroduced sea otter population in Southeast Alaska.

• Notes that sea otter populations grew from approximately 10,560 in 2003 to 20,000 by 2010-2011, with annual growth rates of 12 percent in southern Southeast Alaska and 4 percent in northern areas.

• States that sea otters consume up to 23 percent of their body weight daily in shellfish resources that regional residents depend on for subsistence and commercial purposes, depleting stocks in some areas.

• Requests that federal authorities consider broadening allowable uses for sea otters taken for subsistence purposes by Alaska Natives, specifically replacing references to "authentic" and "traditional" handicrafts with "Alaska Native articles of handicraft."

• Directs that copies of the resolution be sent to the U.S. Secretary of the Interior and members of the Alaska congressional delegation.