It’s time to get your pencils and calculators, because it’s time for the 5th annual Belugas Count event!
The event takes place on Saturday, September 23, and will be hosted by NOAA at the Kincaid Outdoor Center in Anchorage from 1-5 p.m.
This event is an annual celebration that invites members of the community to bring awareness to the endangerment of the Cook Inlet beluga whales, as well as ways that we can help protect them.
According to NOAA Fisheries, the Cook Inlet beluga whales were added to the list of endangered animals under the Endangered Species Act. This was back in October of 2008.
15 years later, and the population of the whales have dropped to a concerning amount.
Scientists believe that there are approximately only 331 beluga whales left in Cook Inlet Alaska.
Beluga Whales are also protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which states that it is prohibited to harm, capture, or kill this endangered creature.
Even though there are four other types of beluga whales, these Cook Inlet belugas are native to this area, and need help in surviving these low numbers.
These whales are one of the nine “Species in the Spotlight.”
This means that there needs to be an amazing effort by groups, agencies, and organizations to help ensure the Cook Inlet beluga’s survival.
NOAA hopes that this year’s Belugas Count! event can raise awareness for this cause, and even help aid in the whale’s recovery.
To keep up to date on the latest event information, follow us on the Belugas Count! Facebook page and visit the NOAA Fisheries 2023 Belugas Count! event page.
This is a free event, and no registration is required.