California Gray whales are a mighty and majestic animal. They are the oldest of the living whales and their annual migration
from the Bering Sea to Baja, Mexico is the longest migration of any mammals. The Gray whale has faced near extinction twice at
the hands of man and has rallied back to an estimated 26,000. These creatures have an inalienable right to exist without harassment
or harm from man. Some argue that we no longer need to worry about them, but those people couldn't be more wrong. Gray whales
face natural predators (sharks, Orcas), Russian whaling fleets (use the meat to feed foxes), salt mines in their breeding lagoons,
illness and now the Makah tribe in Neah Bay, Washington. The Makah have a long time tradition of whaling off the coast of Washington
but stopped 70 years ago when Grays were nearly wiped out. In their treaty written in 1855 the Makah were given the right to whale in
common with U.S. citizens. It's illegal to whale for any U.S. citizen and yet the U.S. government endorses and financially supports the
proposed killing of whales. Some Makah feel they have the right to take harpoon in hand in order to revitalize their culture. They claim
killing a whale will stop drug and alcohol abuse and solve their financial woes. We disagree with this philosophy and so do many
others. Safe Passing is a forum for activists in Neah Bay to tell their stories. Stories of their experiences and perceptions of events
occurring in Neah Bay. The media for many reasons only tells part of the story. Safe Passing wants to tell it all to anyone who wants
to know the truth. You will read reports from the people who stand on the side of the road every week to voice their outrage. You will
read entries from the water warriors who patrol the National Marine Sanctuary where the hunt will occur. Enter this site and spend
some time with people who love and protect California Gray whales.
