Makah Whaling: Federal Law vs. 1855 Treaty

The plot thickens. The five Makah tribal members who killed a gray whale last September might be protected by the 1855 Treaty of Neah Bay, which grants them the right to hunt whales in the Pacific and the Strait of Juan de Fuca.

Or, they might have to obey the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.

This Tuesday, lawyers for the Makah will argue in federal court that the Makah are protected by the 1855 treaty and hence not restricted by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Which law do you think should have a higher priority: the Treaty of Neah Bay of 1855 or the Marine Mammal Protection Act?

Local Environmental Website

If you're concerned about local environmental issues — and aren’t we all, living here on this beautiful Olympic Peninsula — please check out this local website.

The Olympic Peninsula Environmental News covers environmental issues, events and projects on the Olympic Peninsula, Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Hood Canal.

Regardless of one’s political leanings, protecting this unique treasure should be a top concern of everyone who’s lucky enough to live here. The Olympic Peninsula Environmental News is an excellent site for staying on top of the environmental issues that affect all of us. And if you're looking for any local government agencies or environmental organizations, chances are you'll find them linked there.

Check it out.