Activists, Hunters, and State Power in the Makah Whaling Conflict

The Makah whaling conflict is a complex and controversial issue that has been fought for decades. On one side are the Makah, a Native American tribe who have traditionally hunted whales. On the other side are environmental activists who argue that whaling is cruel and unnecessary. The conflict has also drawn in the state of Washington, which has the authority to regulate whaling.

Contesting Leviathan: Activists, Hunters, and State Power in the Makah Whaling Conflict

by Margaret Daley

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The Makah People and Their Whaling Tradition

The Makah are a Native American tribe who have lived in the Pacific Northwest for thousands of years. Whaling has been a central part of their culture and economy for centuries. Makah whalers use traditional canoes and harpoons to hunt gray whales. The whales are then brought back to shore and used for food, clothing, and other purposes.

In the 19th century, the Makah were forced to give up whaling by the United States government. However, in 1999, the Makah were granted the right to resume whaling under the terms of a treaty with the United States.

Environmental Activists and the Anti-Whaling Movement

Environmental activists have long opposed whaling, arguing that it is a cruel and unnecessary practice. Activists have also raised concerns about the impact of whaling on the marine ecosystem.

In the 1970s, the anti-whaling movement gained momentum. In 1972, the United States passed the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which banned the hunting of whales in U.S. waters. In 1986, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) imposed a moratorium on commercial whaling.

The State of Washington and the Makah Whaling Conflict

The state of Washington has the authority to regulate whaling within its borders. In 2002, the state passed a law that allowed the Makah to hunt up to three gray whales per year.

Environmental activists challenged the state law in court. In 2007, a federal judge ruled that the law violated the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The state appealed the ruling, but the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the lower court's decision.

The Ongoing Conflict

The Makah whaling conflict is still ongoing. The Makah have continued to hunt whales despite the legal challenges. Environmental activists have continued to protest the hunts. The state of Washington has been caught in the middle, trying to balance the rights of the Makah with the concerns of environmentalists.

The Makah whaling conflict is a complex and controversial issue. There are no easy answers, and it is likely that the conflict will continue for years to come.