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DOC/NOAA RIN: 0648-BH25 Publication ID: Spring 2019 
Title: Subsistence Taking of Northern Fur Seals on the Pribilof Islands; St. Paul Island 
Abstract: The Aleut Community of St. Paul Island, Tribal Government, petitioned the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to revise the regulations governing the subsistence use of northern fur seals on St. Paul Island, Alaska (subsistence harvest regulations). The Fur Seal Act prohibits all taking of northern fur seals, and authorizes taking of fur seals for subsistence uses if in accordance with regulation. The current regulations limit the taking of northern fur seals to Alaska Natives who reside on the Pribilof Islands (Pribilovians) if it is for subsistence uses and not accomplished in a wasteful manner. The regulations further limit the number of fur seals to be taken annually, and the regulations dictate the size, age, and sex of fur seals, as well as when, where, and how fur seals may be harvested. After reviewing public comments on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement, NMFS will proceed with rulemaking to revise the current subsistence harvest regulations consistent with statutory obligations. Potential revisions to these regulations could include, but are not limited to a reduction in regulatory provisions and an increase in cooperative management provisions with the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island. A revision could allow Aleuts to restore subsistence traditions prohibited by the Government since 1890. 
Agency: Department of Commerce(DOC)  Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Final Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: No 
EO 13771 Designation: Deregulatory 
CFR Citation: 50 CFR 216   
Legal Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1151 et seq.    16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
NPRM  08/14/2018  83 FR 40192   
NPRM Comment Period End  09/13/2018 
Final Action  06/00/2019 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No  Government Levels Affected: Federal, Tribal 
Small Entities Affected: No  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
James Balsiger
Regional Administrator, Alaska Region
Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
709 West Ninth Street,
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone:907 586-7221
Email: jim.balsiger@noaa.gov