Southeast Alaska

Sea mammal harvest was a component of the traditional subsistence economy of the northwest coast culture groups, including the Tlningit and Haida of southeast Alaska. Harbor seals have been and continue to be the primary sea -mammal used for subsistence in Southeast Alaska, although the ethnographic literature describes historic Tlningit and Haida use of sea otters, sea lions, fur seals, and porpoises as well (deLaguna 1990; Blackman 1990). The hide of the sea lion was valued for heavy line or ropes, and the fat was a source of what was traditional low-grade oil, suitable for impregnating and waterproofing wooden implements such as halibut hooks, salmon gaff hooks, and herring rigs (deLaguna 1990; Robert Willard, pers. comm.).

Systematic studies designed to collect specific information on sea lion use have not been conducted in southeast Alaska. Subsistence harvest surveys completed during the 1980s in southeast Alaska communities did not document any harvests or use of sea lions during the years of the studies (Division of Subsistence 1991). This suggests that there may not be a significant contemporary harvest of sea lions, but questions have not yet been specifically asked about this activity.