MAKAH INDIANS PREPARE FOR WHALING NEAR WASHINGTON COAST

SEA02:MAKAH-WHALING:NEAH BAY, WASHINGTON,30SEP98 - Makah Native American fisherman Jim Lachester (right) and Ron Markishtum work on repairing a chum fishing net on September 30 while fellow tribal members prepare to commence hunting of the gray whale on October 1 near the coastal town of Neah Bay, Washington. The Makahs, who have been granted permission by the International Whaling Commission to hunt up to five gray whales a year, will hunt the whales from eight-man traditional paddling canoes using a harpoon and a .50-caliber rifle to kill the animal. The Makahs cultural heritage included whaling for 2,000 years until the U.S. government stopped the practice in the 1800s. They have since pursued the effort to revive the practice, especially since the gray whale is no longer on the endangered species list. apb/Photo by Anthony Bolante REUTERS