===== A message from the 'makahwhaling' discussion list ===== LATEST NEWS ----------------------- The Makah whalers are experiencing some difficulty in bringing the whale they killed to shore. Although successful in killing the whale, the whalers were not successful in preventing the whale from sinking to the bottom of the sea. At last report, the Makah have called in several large commercial fishing boats to help them raise the whale from the bottom of the sea, 300 feet down. As of 12:05pm PDT, they have apparently raised it to the surface. 'Sirenian' remains on scene, documenting the hunt and associated activities. ***** AS LONG AS WE MAKE A BUCK -------------------------------------------------- The owner of a restaurant in Neah Bay is proclaiming that they can not wait to begin serving "whale burgers." It is ironic that the Makah have always denied a commerical interest in killing a gray whale, yet are already planning on how to sell it before they can even bring it onshore! ***** WORLD WHALE POLICE AND SEDNA JOIN FORCES ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Moss, head of the World Whale Police, announces he is joining forces with the Sea Defense Alliance, whose boats were confiscated by the U.S. Coast Guard over the past week while preventing the Makah whaling crew from killing a whale. The WWP boat has been out of action the past few days due to a cracked intake manifold, but the part is on the way, and they expect to be seaworthy and on patrol by Wednesday morning. WWP is appealing to all for donations. The expense of repairing the WWP "Tiger" as well as fuel costs have nearly depleted the funds available to his organization. Those who can help are encouraged to contact the Sea Defense Alliance. Contributions can be earmarked for the World Whale Police. Call (360) 963-2538 for credit card donations. ***** VIGILS PLANNED IN WASHINGTON STATE TONIGHT ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the Sea Defense Alliance announce that simultaneous vigils will be held tonight to demonstrate outrage at the Makah hunt, as well as to honor the whale that was executed by federally-funded Makah whalers. Times and places: SEATTLE: Front of the Federal Building - 7:00 pm. Contact PAWS for information: (425) 787-2500 SEKIU: Olson's Resort - 7:00 pm. Contact SEDNA for information: (360) 963-2538. All people are encouraged to attend and show their opposition and outrage! ***** YOU CAN HELP ------------------------ We are asking all of you to call your respective Congressional representative and Senator. They work for US, and its time to make our voices heard! Remember, only Congress has the power to change Indian treaties. With enough voices, we can get the whaling clause stricken from the Makah treaty! ***** STATEMENT FROM CONGRESSMAN JACK METCALF (R-WA) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- May 17, 1999 "I was deeply disturbed to learn that the Makah tribe killed a grey whale this morning. These majestic, intelligent creatures deserve better than to be brutally slughtered as pawns in a political game being orchestrated by Japanese and Norwegian whaling interests, and supported by the Clinton/Gore administration. The untold story is that today, the Japanese and Norwegians have been successful in destroying the United States' position as the leading anti-whaling voice. The outlaw whaling nations of Japan and Norway, reckless in their disregard for marine conservation, have supported this hunt with financial and technical means. Today's hunt is a victory for Japan and Norway and ultimately a loss for the people of the Makah tribe and America as a whole." Please call and thank Rep. Metcalf for his continuing opposition to the hunt: (2020) 225-2605 *****