Unauthorized hunt likely to delay action on permit

Tuesday, September 11, 2007  

Federal action on a permit to allow the Makah Nation to hunt gray whales is likely to be delayed, The New York Times reports.

The National Marine Fisheries Service has been preparing an environmental impact statement on the tribe's request for a permit under the Marine Mammals Protection Act. Brian Gorman, an agency spokesperson, said the document was due this fall.

But the illegal killing of a whale by five tribal members will delay action. “I don’t know how long this is going to take,” Gorman told the Times.

Meanwhile, tribal leaders are in Washington, D.C., to talk about the rogue hunt. They are worried about the impact of the incident on their legal and treaty rights.

"I don't know what will happen; I'm worried about it," Chairman Ben Johnson told The Seattle Times. "They could look at it now, and stop it."

Like the tribe, Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) have denounced the hunt.

Get the Story:
Tribal Group Kills Whale Off Washington (The New York Times 9/11)
pwnyt
Makah on 'damage control' mission (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 9/11)
D.C. politicos willing to talk with Makah about unsanctioned kill (The Peninsula Daily News 9/11)
Makah tribal leaders head to D.C. today (The Seattle Times 9/11)
'We're just people' -- Neah Bay townfolk wary, worried about reaction to unsanctioned whale kill (The Peninsula Daily News 9/11)
Warming May Be Hurting Gray Whales' Recovery (The Washington Post 9/11)
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Treaty right to hunt grey whales splits B.C. native groups (Canwest News Service 9/11)

Relevant Documents:
Tribal Council Statement | Makah Tribal Whale Hunt | Marine Mammal Protection Act

Court Decisions:
Anderson v. Evans (June 7, 2004) | Anderson v. Evans (December 20, 2002)

Relevant Links:
Makah Nation - http://www.makah.com

Related Stories:
Makah Nation blasts unauthorized whale hunt (9/10)
Makah Nation to discuss rogue hunt on Capitol Hill (9/10)
Russian Natives, Makah Nation share culture, whales (10/25)
Appeals court shoots down Makah whaling case (06/08)
Makah Nation marks fifth year since first whale hunt (05/17)
Tribes and U.S. seek review of whale hunt ruling (03/14)
Opinion: Makah Nation whale hunt is not legal (02/12)
Makah whale hunt faces another review (12/23)
Federal judge shoots down treaty challenge (08/09)
U.S. pushes for whaling rights (6/10)
Whale hunt a go for Makah Nation (7/16)
Makah whale hunt faces threat (3/30)
Friends, foes turn out for Makah hearing (2/2)
Makah whale hunt up for review (01/16)
Court rules on Makah whaling (6/12)
Makah ruling overturned (6/9)
Metcalf's Indian history (6/9)
Metcalf pleased with ruling (6/9)