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National Marine Fisheries Service, Alaska Regional Office

Tribal Consultation in Alaska

meeting 11/09
November 2009 workshop on tribal consultations. Photo: Rebekah Lührs, Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc.

In Alaska, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) consults with tribes and Native corporations about Federal actions that may affect tribal governments and their members. Executive Order 13175 sets the framework for regular and meaningful consultation and collaboration with Alaska Native representatives in the development of policies, legislation, regulations, and programs.

Tribal Consultations about Fisheries and Habitat

If an Alaska Native tribe or Native corporation would like to initiate a consultation on any issue that is under the authority of NMFS, a person representing the tribe or Native corporation should write to the Alaska Regional Administrator at the following address. Please identify in the letter a contact person from the tribe or Native corporation for further coordination.

Jim Balsiger
Regional Administrator
NMFS Alaska Region
P.O. Box 21668
Juneau, Alaska 99801

Unalakleet Consultation Tribal consulation in Unalakleet, Alaska, February 2010.

Tribal Consultations about Marine Mammals

The process for tribal consultation on marine mammal issues is governed by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Co-management Agreements may be established between NMFS and Alaska Native Organizations, including tribes and tribally authorized co-management bodies. Individual co-management agreements incorporate the spirit and intent of co-management through close cooperation and communication between NMFS and the Alaska Native Organizations, hunters, and subsistence users. Agreements encourage the exchange of information regarding the conservation, management, and utilization of marine mammals in U.S. waters in and around Alaska. Existing agreements cover co-management structures, monitoring subsistence harvests, collecting and analyzing data on marine mammal populations, and participating in marine mammal research.

Tribal Consultation Documents


NMFS and Tribal Representatives Workgroup

November 2009 Meeting

Community Outreach


Tribal Consultation Policy Directives and Public Law


Additional Resources



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