IWC approves whaling for Alaska Natives, Makah

The International Whaling Commission approved hunting quotas for Alaska Natives and the Makah Nation of Washington.

The IWC voted unanimously to approve the subsistence quota for 10 Eskimo communities. Whalers can take 51 bowhead whales a year from 2008 through 2012.

The IWC also approved a quota for the Makah Nation to kill 20 whales for five years. But the tribe's hunt must still clear other federal hurdles.

The IWC is meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, this week.

Get the Story:
Native whalers land victory (The Anchorage Daily News 5/30)
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Whaling Makah (AP 5/30)
IWC and Alaska subsistence (CBC 11 News 5/29)

Relevant Links:
International Whaling Commission - http://www.iwcoffice.org

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