C o o k I n l e t B e l u g a W h a l e s
B y: C h a r l o t t e R u b e l
D e s c r i p t i o n & E c o l o g y
Cook Inlet beluga whales are easily distinguished by their often pure white skin, their small size and their lack of dorsal fin. Belugas have a broad, rounded head and a large forehead. They are well adapted to their arctic and sub-arctic environment, with a five-inch-thick layer of blubber and a tough dorsal ridge that helps them travel through sea ice waters. Belugas are toothed whales. They have broad, paddle-like flippers and notched tails. Because beluga whales eat marine species that are most common each season, they play an important role in the health of the overall ecosystem. They are also one of Alaska’s most well-known marine animals and a key draw for tourists and residents traveling along the coastal areas in the state.
G e o g r a p h i c &
P o p u l a t i o n C h a n g e
Cook Inlet belugas are the most isolated and genetically distinct of Alaska’s five beluga populations, and have been separated from the others by the geographic barrier of the Alaska Peninsula for over 10,000 years. Their previous range had been most or all of Cook Inlet, but today that range is much smaller. Moreover, these whales are unique in that they live next to one of the most populated and fastest growing regions in Alaska: Anchorage.The Cook Inlet beluga whale population was estimated at 1,300 animals in 1979. Sadly, the most recent estimate from the 2011 aerial survey is just 284, down from the previous year’s estimate of 340. In the last 10 years of available survey data (2001-2011), the rate of decline has been 1.1% per year. So although protected under the Endangered Species Act, today the Cook Inlet beluga whale still finds itself on a downward trajectory.
L i s t i n g D a t e & T y p e o f L i s t i n g
The Conservation Plan reviewed and assessed the known and possible threats influencing CI belugas. During that same month NMFS listed the CI beluga whale distinct population segment as endangered under the ESA on October 22, 2008.
C a u s e o f l i s t i n g & M a i n t h r e a t s
The potential impacts on Cook Inlet Beluga Whales include: changes in prey availability, changes in habitat due to climate change, increased predation by killer whales, contaminants, noise associated with construction projects and oil and gas development, vessel traffic, waste management, urban runoff, and physical habitat changes that are likely to occur as Cook Inlet becomes more urbanized. Education for people who live in and around the Inlet and those who visit should be required because the importance of the beluga whale and how to live with the protections that have been put in place is very crucial. The impact on habitat of the Beluga Whale are caused by human activities including continued oil and gas exploration, development, and production and industrial activities that discharge or accidentally spill pollutants (e.g., petroleum, seafood processing waste, ship ballast discharge, effluent from municipal wastewater treatment systems, and runoff from urban, mining, and agricultural areas).
R e c o v e r y P l a n
- Continue to monitor the status of the CI beluga population and improve the understanding of CI beluga biology
- Improve the understanding of the effects of threats of medium or high relative concern on CI belugas
- Improve the management of threats of medium or high relative concern to reduce or eliminate the effect of those threats on CI belugas
- Periodically reassess whether the relative concern of each potential threat identified in this plan has changed over time
- Integrate research findings into current and future management actions
- Keep the public informed and educated about the status of CI belugas, the threats limiting their recovery and how the public can help achieve recovery of these whales
H o w t o H e l p
Your support will help us fight to protect Cook Inlet beluga whales and other threatened and endangered wildlife.
1. ADOPT A BELUGA WHALE- A symbolic adoption helps save real animals in the wild.
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Wow this is such a cool species! Really interesting that they are such a key tourist draw to the area but still endangered due to human activities. Definitely hope to see these whales someday in the future. -Sierra Ramer
ReplyDeleteThis is by far one of my favorite species. I didn't know belugas are toothed whales. I found it interesting that this population is so isolated and have been like that for 10,000 years. I hope we can get their numbers up before it's too late. -Ted Rohner
ReplyDeleteI did not know that this beluga whale is an inhabitant of Alaska. Climate change seems to be the most serious concern for this animal because it directly affects their habitat by decreasing their range. Such an adorable animal, well-done with your blog.
ReplyDelete-Natalie Ramos
It is interesting that these whales live next to the most populated and fastest growing areas in Alaska, Anchorage. It isn't surprising that one of the contributors to their decline is noise from construction work. Overall great blog! -Dillon Romero
ReplyDeleteFirst off I did not know that their were 5 species of beluga whale and secnd I did not know these were the most genetically diverse. It makes sense that they would be endangered if they are stuck within the peninsula. I wonder if there is a way that we would be able to extend the area in which they could travel? Cute pictures and well done blog. - Ryan Racer
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that the beluga whale was restricted to such an isolated region in Alaska. It is interesting to consider how the beluga whale is being affected as a result of the urbanization of the cook inlet - Ethan Rohlf
ReplyDeleteWILD that they've been separated from other sp. of belugas for 10,000 years!! In a sense, this species is islandized because they're cut off from other species. Super sad that there's only 284 left and that they're declining :( It's weird because usually Alaska has their stuff figured out when it comes to protecting and preserving species. -nicole raithel
ReplyDeleteIt seems like as more people move to Anchorage, and if climate temperatures keep rising, we will lose this lovely creature. It is very sad, but real. - Jack Reynolds
ReplyDelete