Cook Inlet Beluga Whales

The Cook Inlet Beluga Whale is an endangered population. They are geographically isolated in the Cook Inlet and genetically distinct from other beluga populations. The Cook Inlet Beluga Whale population began rapidly declining in the 1980s and was listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act in 2008 and is protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Unfortunately, the population has not recovered since being listed as an endangered species. Some of the leading threats affecting the population include pollution, habitat degradation, harassment, interactions with commercial and recreational human activities in their habitat, disease, and predation from killer whales.

Along with the recovery plan for Cook Inlet beluga whales they are being studied extensively. More data on distribution, seasonal habitat use, and behavior throughout the Cook Inlet is still needed. By participating in ongoing monitoring efforts, AWCC staff and volunteers with the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program (AKBMP) can help fill data gaps and contribute to recovery of the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale.

Learn how you can support the conservation efforts of the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale at the NOAA Help Belugas webpage linked HERE.

Belugas Count! is an annual celebration that brings together members of the public to focus on the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale, fostering local pride, awareness, and stewardship. This NOAA Fisheries-led event is a collaboration among government agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, Tribes, industry, zoos and aquaria across the country, as well as individuals. The AWCC is a viewing station for Belugas Count! Where guests can help spot Belugas and participate in educational activities to learn more about the Cook Inlet Beluga Whales. Learn more about the Annual Celebration and how you can get involved on the NOAA Fisheries Website linked HERE.

The Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program is a local community science NOAA Fisheries-led monitoring program that facilitates collaboration between organizations, communities, and individuals to collect standardized shore-based observational data on Cook Inlet beluga whales. NOAA partners with local organizations to co-host designated monitoring sites along the shores of Cook Inlet. The current partners are the Alaska Wildlife Alliance, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Beluga Whale Alliance, Defenders of Wildlife Alaska, and Kenai Peninsula College. In addition, the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Photo-ID Project is a collaborator with the program. NOAA and the partners implement standardized scientific monitoring protocols, train local volunteers for shore-based beluga monitoring, and facilitate beluga monitoring sessions at designated sites. Data from this program is incorporated into existing databases and shared with researchers and federal managers to inform ongoing beluga research, conservation, and management efforts. Learn how you can become involved in the Alaska Beluga Monitoring Program on their website linked HERE.

The Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Photo-ID Project has been ongoing since 2005. The goals of the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Photo-ID Project are to conduct research and education that contribute to the recovery and conservation of beluga whales in Cook Inlet and to provide information to help manage human activities that might affect the belugas. Using boat and shore-based surveys of Upper and Middle Cook Inlet, the Photo-ID Project photographically tracks individual beluga whales identified by natural markings. Over time, sighting histories are compiled for each known individual and researchers can learn more about the distribution, habitat use, social structure and reproduction of the Cook Inlet beluga whales. Learn more about the Cook Inlet Photo ID project at their website linked HERE.

AWCC is currently in the fundraising process for new ocean education center to be located at The Point, our beluga monitoring location. To learn more about the Matson Ocean Education Center or to donate click HERE.