Campaigners Should End Makah "Victimization"
Says Leading Conservationist

Florida, 12 June 2002: Leading conservationist and former Secretary-General of CITES, Eugene Lapointe, today called on campaign groups to abandon their legal proceedings against the Makah tribe over whaling rights, characterizing their actions as a form of victimization.

The Makah are allowed to take up to five whales each year both under U.S. law and the rules of the International Whaling Commission (IWC). The Fund for Animals and the "Humane Society of the United States" (HSUS) are attempting to delay, and ultimately to prevent, the Makah hunting any whales.

Mr. Lapointe, President of IWMC World Conservation Trust, said: "This tiny Makah hunt does not endanger the Pacific population of gray whales any more than the people of Seattle eating steak tonight endangers the future of the cow. You have to wonder at the motives of these environmental fundraising machines and their band of wealthy lawyers and ask who is better off as a result of all these legal actions."

Mr. Lapointe added: "The succession of lawsuits and endless appeals amount to a victimization of the Makah and an attack on their culture. This continual harassment through the courts borders on racism."

The Fund for Animals and HSUS filed their lawsuit against the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) on 10 January 2002. The federal district court refused to extend a temporary restraining order on 17 May because it considered that the lawsuit does not have a ‘substantial likelihood of success’. The appeal against this ruling failed and the campaigners are now thought to be planning a further appeal, as well as pushing on with their original action.

Mr. Lapointe said: "I urge the campaigners to accept the latest rulings and then withdraw all of their outstanding legal proceedings. If they have any decency they will do so without delay and draw this sorry chapter to a close."

IWMC (International Wildlife Management Consortium) World Conservation Trust is involved in a wide range of conservation and wildlife issues. It advocates the use of science-based wildlife management techniques and the humane, ethical and fair treatment of all people whose customs and traditions involve the sustainable use of wildlife resources.

For more information and interviews, contact Eugene Lapointe
Email: iwmc@iwmc.org