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THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2002

The International Whaling Commission rejected a request from the United States and Russia to extend a five-year quota on Native whale hunting.

The IWC voted 30-14 against the request at the panel's annual meeting, which is being held in Japan. Japan led the fight against the extension.

The vote affects the future of the whale hunt of the Makah Nation of Washington. The U.S. requested four gray whale a year for the tribe, which has a treaty right to hunt.

The vote also affects harvest of bowhead whales by Inupiat Eskimos. The U.S. delegation asked for an annual catch quota of 56 animals.

Similarly, Russia sought 120 gray whales a year for the Chukotka Natives who live in Siberia.

The Makah Nation has a delegation at the meeting. An elderly tribal member who opposes whaling is also attending.

Get the Story:
Surprise setback for Makah whaling (The Seattle Times 5/23)
Commission rejects new whaling permits for US, Russia (Reuters 5/23)
Japan Rebuffed In Fight to Ease Ban on Whaling (The Washington Post 5/23)
Whaling Commission Rejects Request (AP 5/23)

Relevant Links:
International Whaling Commission - http://www.iwcoffice.org
The Makah Nation - http://www.makah.com

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