![White floats on a subsistence net strung out from beach into the ocean.](/sites/default/files/styles/scale_width_600/public/2021-12/subsistence-net-Utgiagvik-Lisa_hupp.jpg?itok=jcV2AO43)
Local rural residents have the opportunity to harvest for a subsistence way of life on federal public lands. In 1980, the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) added a purpose to Arctic Refuge to "provide the opportunity for continued subsistence uses by local residents." Subsistence includes the harvest of plants, fish, and wildlife for food, clothing, and/or shelter. Laws such as ANILCA protect traditional and customary subsistence activities and define who can legally participate. For more information about subsistence visit http://www.doi.gov/subsistence.