The first of three public meetings on the Makah Nation's whaling plan takes place today in Port Angeles, Washington.

The public is being asked to comment on an environmental impact statement. The EIS identifies six alternatives, including a "no hunt" option and options to allow the tribe to take up to four whales a year over five years.

The tribe has a treaty that guarantees the right to hunt whales. But the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the tribe must follow the Marine Mammals Protection Act.

The second public meeting takes place June 2 in Seattle. The final one will be held June 5 in Silver Spring, Maryland.

Get the Story:
Public meeting will focus on Makah whaling impact (The Peninsula Daily News 5/28)

Relevant Documents:
Draft EIS on Makah Whale-Hunting Request | Q&A

9th Circuit Decision:
Anderson v. Evans (June 7, 2004)

Related Stories:
Column: Let Makah Nation decide on whaling (5/20)
Makah Nation disputes story about whaling jury (5/16)
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Makah Nation whale hunt up for public comment (5/12)
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Column: Respect Makah Nation's hunting rights (3/26)
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Opinion: Makah Nation shouldn't hunt whales (1/22)
Makah Nation delays trial for unauthorized hunt (1/21)
Makah chairman confident of tribe's return to whaling (1/14)
Makah whalers plead not guilty for illegal hunt (12/12)
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Editorial: Illegal hunt may be last for Makah Nation (9/12)
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