Japan opposes Alaska Native subsistence hunting

Wednesday, February 28, 2007  

At the upcoming International Whaling Commission meeting, Japan is planning oppose subsistence hunting by Alaska Natives.

Japan wants the IWC to approve a minke whale hunt for some of its villages. But the United States and other nations say the country is really planning a commercial harvest.

Falling victim to the political game are Eskimos from Alaska's North Slope and St. Lawrence Island. They are allowed to hunt endangered bowhead whales but Japan is trying to muster votes to defeat the Alaska Native quota.

The IWC meeting takes place in Anchorage in May.

Get the Story:
Whale-sized showdown headed for Anchorage (The Anchorage Daily News 2/28)
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Relevant Links:
International Whaling Commission - http://www.iwcoffice.org

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State Dept. promises whaling fight (6/19)
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Vote against Native hunt decried (5/24)
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