Should the Washington State US Tribe the Makah Be Allowed to Resume Their Tradition of Whale Hunting as Granted by Treaty?
The Makah tribe holds a treaty with the United States government from 1855 that allows them to hunt whales. However, the tribe has not hunted whales since the 1920s due to regulations protecting these animals.
In 1999, the Makah tribe proposed a quota of 20 gray whales per year, to be hunted using traditional methods. Environmental groups and animal rights activists opposed the plan, arguing that the gray whale population is too small to sustain hunting.
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) conducted a review of the Makah tribe's proposal and determined that the tribe's hunting plan would not harm the gray whale population. The NMFS based its decision on a population estimate of 26,000 gray whales, which is well above the minimum population size of 5,000 recommended by the International Whaling Commission.
The Makah tribe argues that they have a right to hunt whales under their treaty with the United States government. They also say that hunting whales is an important part of their culture and that it provides food and income for the tribe.
Opponents of the Makah tribe's proposal argue that whale hunting is cruel and unnecessary. They also say that the Makah tribe can find other ways to provide food and income for their members.
The debate over whether the Makah tribe should be allowed to resume whale hunting is complex and has no easy answers. There are valid arguments on both sides of the issue. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow the Makah tribe to hunt whales lies with the federal government.
FAQs:
What is the Makah tribe's treaty right to hunt whales? The Makah tribe has a treaty with the United States government from 1855 that allows them to hunt whales.
Why has the Makah tribe not hunted whales since the 1920s? The tribe has not hunted whales since the 1920s due to regulations protecting these animals.
What is the Makah tribe's proposed quota for whale hunting? The Makah tribe proposed a quota of 20 gray whales per year, to be hunted using traditional methods.
What is the population estimate for gray whales? The population estimate for gray whales is 26,000, which is well above the minimum population size of 5,000 recommended by the International Whaling Commission.
Who has the authority to decide whether or not the Makah tribe can resume whale hunting? The federal government has the authority to decide whether or not the Makah tribe can resume whale hunting.
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