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Eskimo whalers call for subsistence whaling law before 2012

February 21st 7:44 pm | Jake Neher Print this article   Email this article   Create a Shortlink for this article

The Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC) is calling on Alaska's Congressional delegation to introduce subsistence whaling legislation before 2012.

Officials say legislation is needed in case an international regulatory body fails to pass a harvest quota renewal for subsistence hunters. AEWC members and officials passed this and four other resolutions last week during the commission's two-day Mini-Convention in Barrow.

The current five year block quota for native subsistence whaling is ending in 2012. At that time, the International Whaling Commission (IWC) will decide whether or not to renew or adjust the quota for another five years.

But AEWC officials say the international body is dysfunctional, and has used the quota as a bargaining chip in negotiations on other issues unrelated to Native subsistence whaling. They fear political gridlock in 2012, which could leave the 11 communities in the AEWC without a set quota.

A subsistence quota renewal needs the approval three-quarters of IWC member nations to pass.

Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission Vice President George Ahmaogak says it's time to start considering all options to protect against a quota denial from IWC.

"It's getting harder and harder to work with the International Whaling Commission," Ahmaogak says, "even though we abide by all their rules, do the census work, a lot of the requirements and mandates by the IWC. Unfunded mandates, if you will. It's getting harder and harder. In 2012, it's going to be a challenge. So, I think we're better off going for domestic legislation. That's why we pushed this resolution on the floor."

According to the AEWC resolution, the International Whaling Commission does allow subsistence whaling without a set quota "to meet cultural and nutritional need" under domestic national legislation. It says such legislation needs to correspond with IWC requirements.

Ahmaogak says he acknowledges the challenge up ahead.

"It's going to be a challenge all by itself in Congress as well, to see if we have the necessary votes... to pass this legislation. I think we need to really work hard, jointly... to strive to get that. It's going to be a major effort, and time will tell I guess."

The resolution, which passed unanimously at the AEWC convention last week, calls on Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Sen. Mark Begich, and Rep. Don Young to introduce domestic subsistence whaling legislation, and push to pass it before the 2012 IWC meeting.

AEWC Commissioner Harry Brower says he'll be watching closely to this year's IWC meeting in Jersey, England.

"The outcome in what's happening in the IWC at this year's meeting will help us get an indication of what's to expect," Brower says, "We've looked at some communications indicating that we won't be so taken lightly. There (will be some hesitation) for the quota to be renewed."

Alaska's senators and congressman have not yet responded to the AEWC resolution.

 

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