The Cook Inlet Beluga Whale –

Now Under "Status Review" for listing under the Endangered Species Act

BACKGROUND:  The Cook Inlet beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is a genetically distinct and geographically isolated population whose numbers have plummeted over 50% in the past decade.  Today, federal agency scientists estimate fewer than 280 belugas remain in Cook Inlet – down from historical estimates of 1300.  The whale’s plight is so dire the World Conservation Union in April 2006 added the Cook Inlet beluga to its “Red List, ” classifying it as “critically endangered.”  There is only one category after critically endangered:  “extinct.”

The Cook Inlet beluga is already listed as “depleted” under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).  Now, in light of continuing population declines, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) has opened a “status review,” to determine whether the Cook Inlet beluga should be listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  Scientists at the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission – the federal agency mandated by Congress to oversee NMFS and to protect the nation’s marine mammal resources – have repeatedly called on NMFS to list the beluga under the ESA.  Such a listing will require NMFS to designate and protect critical habitat for the beluga, and offers the best hope this Cook Inlet icon will endure for generations to come.

More Information

INLETKEEPER’S SOLUTIONS:

Inletkeeper is pressing state and federal resource managers to designate critical habitat for the beluga whale under the Endangered Species Act, so areas where whales feed, mate and birth can be protected.  In the meantime, Inletkeeper is educating the public and the media about the plight of this Cook Inlet icon, and challenging short sighted proposals that pollute or destroy important beluga habitat.  Contact Inletkeeper for more information

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

 

World Conservation Union "Red List" Paper

 

April 2006 Petition to List the Cook Inlet Beluga whale

 

Letters from the U.S. Marine Mammal Commission:

2004   2005   2006

 

Comments on NMFS CI Beluga Conservation Plan

 

ADDITIONAL LINKS:

 

National Marine Fisheries Service:

Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Overview

 

National Marine Mammal Laboratory:

Satellite Tracking Data

 

Alaska Fisheries Science Center

 

AFSC Beluga Whale Fact Sheet

 

U.S. Marine Mammal Commission

 

Alaska Department of Fish & Game