Alaska Senate Passes Olson’s Resolution to Combat All-Inclusive Ivory Bans and Legislation
![Ivory ring](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_6684-2432px-900x1200.jpg)
16 senators voted yes to SJR4 which urges Congress to exempt legally obtained walrus, mammoth, and mastodon ivory from other laws that ban ivory. Currently, the states of New York, California, Hawaii, and Washington have their own legislation that bans the possession and distribution of all ivory.
Discussion On Ivory Bans Continues; Nomeites Weigh In During Legislative Committee Meeting
![Ivory walrus](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/IMG_5731-2432px-2-1200x800.jpg)
On Monday, public comments were being solicited on Senate Joint resolution 4, sponsored in part by Senator Donny Olson. Among those who gave testimony were Alice Bioff, Vera Metcalf, and Melanie Bahnke. The resolution looks to spur the State’s Congressional delegation to introduce bills which would protect walrus, mammoth, and mastodon ivory from other ivory bans.
Fish and Wildlife Service Determines Pacific Walrus Won’t Be Listed Under ESA
![Pacific walrus](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/walrus-NOAA.jpg)
According to a statement released today from the Fish and Wildlife Service, their decision is “based on a rigorous evaluation of the best available science, which indicates the population appears stable, and the species has demonstrated an ability to adapt to changing conditions.”
Confusion Over Legalities is Hurting Alaskan Ivory Market, Locals Say
![Various carvings made from ivory on display at Maruskiya's in Nome. Most of these pieces are made from walrus ivory. Photo Credit: Davis Hovey, KNOM (2017)](https://knom.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Maruskiyas-1-1200x900.jpg)
An educational brochure is available that explains how Native Alaskans’ use of walrus ivory is excluded from an elephant ivory ban in the U.S., which was established last year by an executive order from President Obama.