Tribal Consultation in Alaska
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.
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: James W. Balsiger, Ph.D., Regional Administrator, NMFS Alaska Region, P.O. Box 21668, Juneau, Alaska 99801, PH: (907) 586-7221. Please identify in the letter a contact person from the tribe or Native corporation for further coordination and the best method to contact that person.
Fisheries
Tribal consultation process followed by the Sustainable Fisheries Division.
For additional information about tribal consultation issues under the Sustainable Fisheries Division, please contact:
- Gabrielle Aberle, Tribal Consultation Coordinator for Sustainable Fisheries Division, PH: (907) 586-7356, Email: Gabrielle.Aberle@noaa.gov
- Sally Bibb, Deputy Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, PH: (907) 586-7389, Email: Sally.Bibb@noaa.gov
- Glenn Merrill, Assistant Regional Administrator, Sustainable Fisheries Division, PH: (907) 586-7775, Email: Glenn.Merrill@noaa.gov
Habitat
For additional information about tribal consultation issues under the Habitat Conservation Division, please contact:
- Jeanne Hanson, Assistant Regional Administrator, Habitat Conservation Division, PH: (907) 271-3029, Jeanne.Hanson@noaa.gov
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.
For additional information about tribal consultation issues under the Protected Resources Division, please contact:
- Jon Kurland, Assistant Regional Administrator, Protected Resources Division, PH: (907) 586-7638, Email: Jon.Kurland@noaa.gov
Fisheries Tribal Consultation Documents
Tribal consultation in Unalakleet, Alaska, February 2010.- Arctic Fisheries
- Fishery Management Plan for Groundfish of the BSAI
- Final rule for Amendment 89. (Classification section, page 7, no comments received)
- NMFS' letter to Tribal Representatives, March 2008
- Salmon Bycatch
- Chinook salmon bycatch
- NMFS' Letter to Alaska Natives and Community Representatives, December 2011
- Public comments on the Chinook salmon bycatch management Draft EIS
- Public participation, outreach, and tribal consultation (section 1.5.7, pg. 16)
- NMFS' Letter to Alaska Natives and Community Representatives, January 2010
- NMFS' Letter to Alaska Native and Community Representatives, December 2008
- NMFS' Letter to Alaska Native Representatives, December 2007
- Non-chinook
salmon bycatch
- NMFS' Letter to NPFMC, March 2012
- Chum Salmon Bycatch Consultation, June 2011
- Consultation Follow-up Teleconference, October 2011
- NMFS' letter to Alaska Natives and Community Representatives, January 2009
- Chinook salmon bycatch
- Subsistence Halibut
- Subsistence Halibut Fishing
- Alaska Native Subsistence Halibut Working Group, December 2009
- NMFS' letter to Tribal Representatives, April 2008
- Unalakleet
NMFS and Tribal Representatives Workgroup
November 2009 Meeting- NMFS' response letter to the recommendations for NMFS' tribal consultation process, June 2010
- Meeting Report and Recommendations
- Presentation: North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) Process
- Attendee Contact Information
Community Outreach
- Northern Bering Sea Research Area
Tribal Consultation Policy Directives and Public Law
- 77 FR 39464, July 3, 2012. Notice of a public comment period on the draft "Consultation and Coordination Policy of the U.S. Department of Commerce." This proposed policy establishes the manner in which the Department works with federally-recognized Indian tribes when developing Department policies that have tribal implications. Comment period through October 1, 2012.
- DOC Administrative Order 218-8 Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, April 2012
- Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Guidance for E.O. 13175, July 2010
- Executive Order 13175, November 2000
- Section 161 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2004 (Public Law 108-199) and amendments made by Section 518 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2005 (Public Law 108-447)
- Department of Commerce (DOC) Tribal Consultation Policy Plan, October 2010
- DOC Plan to Develop Tribal Consultation Policy, February 2010
- DOC American Indian and Alaska Native Policy, March 1995
- Memorandum from the President, November 2009
- Memorandum from the President, April 1994
- List of Federally Recognized Tribes, 75 FR 60810, October 2010
Additional Resources
← NMFS Alaska: Federal Fisheries | Protected Species | Habitat Conservation
