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Environment
Litigation expected over Makah whale hunt waiver


Litigation is expected "every step of the way" as the Makah Nation of Washington seeks a waiver for its whale hunt, a spokesperson for the National Marine Fisheries Service said.

Brian Gorman told The Peninsula Daily News that the process for the waiver will take at least a year. "The unknown here is litigation," he said, "because there will be litigation, I assure you, every step of the way."

The tribe has faced constant legal challenges to its right to hunt whales. In 2004, animal rights activists succeeded in convincing the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals that the Marine Mammal Protection Act limited the tribe's treaty.

Three public hearings will be held on October 4, 5 and October 11 on the waiver. Written comments are also being accepted.

Get the Story:
Makah whale hunting request will take at least a year, officials say (The Peninsula Daily News 8/26)
Feds examine whaling request (The Tacoma News-Tribune 8/26)
Where to comment on Makah whaling request (The Peninsula Daily News 8/26)

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

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