The most recent NOAA Fisheries Service’s population survey reveals a decline in Cook Inlet beluga whale numbers.
Alaska’s small population of critically endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales is continuing to decline even further, according to the new survey by NOAA scientists.
Using video and photographic data collected during fish migrations in early June (when belugas congregate for feeding), researchers have estimated the population of Cook Inlet beluga whales to be at 321 – a decrease from the 375 belugas found in 2007 and 2008. (Source: NOAA Fisheries Service)
Cook Inlet beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) are a distinct population from a total of five beluga populations – and are the only population that is critically endangered. In 2008, the Cook Inlet beluga whales were awarded endangered species protections under the Endangered Species Act.
Cook Inlet beluga whales under threat
Earlier this year, former Alaska governor Sarah Palin threatened legal action to overturn the Cook Inlet beluga whale’s endangered species protections, but apparently did not pursue the suit.
The Cook Inlet beluga whales are now facing the threat of a Port of Anchorage expansion project – which is sailing forward after being awarded a no-bid contract, apparently the handiwork of the project’s Republican connections, according to this release from Courthouse News Service.
You can help Cook Inlet beluga whales
To learn more about how to help the Cook Inlet beluga whale, visit Cook Inletkeeper.
Chart image: NOAA Fisheries Service
Beluga image: istock.com
About Rhishja Cota-Larson
[...] the Cook Inlet beluga whale population has plummeted in recent years. An October 2009 population survey found only 321 whales. Even in the 1980’s, there were reportedly as few as 1,300 of this [...]