Don Young (Jackass, AK) has introduced a bill, HR 2714, which is a stealth attack on Sea Otters and an attempt to bring back the fur trade. It was introduced on July 30, 2011 and may be read here
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Links
OK, just to get the links out of the way first, the testimony of the Marine Mammal Commission of this bill may be found at mmc.gov/testimony/pdf/testimony_102511.pdf . There is an article on it here at the Friends of the Sea Otter website (www.seaotters.org).
Background
The bill is disguised as one intended to expand and enhance the ability of the local indigenous population to practice their cultural traditions, but it is really about trying to decimate otter populations in order to enhance fisheries and fishery profits. The Marine Mammal Protection Act, MMPA, normally protects marine mammals against take and any trade in parts. It currently contains numerous exceptions. One such exception permits native populations to take sea otters in unlimited quantity for non-wasteful subsistence and traditional purposes. Sea otters may be taken for food and clothing, as well as for conversion into traditional handicrafts and garments which may then be sold. THus, not only may Sea OPtters be consumed, there can be a trade in their parts so long as they are modified in a traditional fashion.
The Bill
The short and not-so-sweet of it is that the bill would amend the MMPA to permit trade in unmodified otter pelts. Otter fur is extremely desirable, which is why the southern sea otter was hunted almost to extinction. By removing the provision that pelts must be modified and converted by traditional methods into traditional handicrafts, Mr. Young hopes to create a renewed straight up commercial trade in otter pelts. The idea is to hammer the otter populations in order to eliminate the competition they provide to certain commercial fisheries with respect to certain fish species.
The Ecology
This is bad even for the true clients, commercial fisheries in the long run. Though there might be some short term increase in harvests of some species, the long term effects would be a disaster. Sea Otters maintain kelp ecosystems. They are a top predator and they maintain and balance the entire near shore ecosystem. Without them, the system collapses, and with that collapse come eventual fishery declines as well because the fish lose nurseries for their young as well as nurseries for the young of bait fishes that they feed upon and other food sources. Filtration of contaminants is also adversely effected.
What you can do
For now, please tell your representatives that you strongly oppose HR 2714 and desire that they do likewise. It appears to still be in committee, but keep an eye out for it, and when it goes to the floor , please nag your representatives again.
My people thank you.
10:29 AM PT: Damn! Recommended? Amazing and beaucoups thanx, that's a first fur me.