International Panel Clears Way for Whale Hunts by Makah Tribe

The International Whaling Commission cleared the way Thursday for the Makah Indian tribe of Washington state to hunt gray whales despite strong objections from environmental groups and several countries.

The United States claimed a victory in the most controversial decision at the IWC’s annual meeting in Monaco after member governments approved a joint U.S.-Russian request for a five-year quota of 620 gray whales for native hunters.

Twenty of those whales in the Pacific would be allotted to the Makah, who claim a 1,500-year whaling tradition and the right to hunt whales under a treaty with the United States that dates to 1855.

The IWC banned commercial whaling in 1986 pending a study of whale stocks but allows subsistence whaling.

Environmental groups and countries such as Australia and New Zealand argued that the Makah, who have not hunted whales in more than 70 years, can no longer claim to subsist on whale meat.

Most of the Makah Indians attending the meeting rejoiced when the decision was made.

But even as they prepared for a celebration dance, animal rights activists and other groups threatened to block any hunt through lawsuits in the United States. Even the tribe is split, with some saying there is no need to resume whaling.

The United States opposes commercial whaling but has pushed hard on behalf of the Makah, citing the 1855 treaty.