Updated 23 May 2002, 20.33

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The ban follows the International Whaling Commission's decision not to renew their whaling rights at a conference held in Japan on Thursday.

The Commission was set up 30 years ago in an attempt to conserve the number of whales in the oceans.

At that time people living in Alaska and Russia were allowed to catch a small number of whales for food and clothing, but now that right has been removed.

Alaska and Russia blame Japan

One tribesman said they depended on whale meat for nutrition and fat, and that the decision would leave them hungry.

Alaska and Russia blame Japan's attempts to completely overturn the ban on commercial whaling for the Commission's decision.

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