Residents and visitors are invited to help spot and count endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales and learn about these mammals from species experts. NOAA Fisheries reports that the event will be held on Saturday September 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 14 viewing stations throughout Cook Inlet (note: viewing station hours vary by location and station). This marks the first time the event is being held after being paused for two years due to COVID-19.
In October 2008, NOAA Fisheries listed Cook Inlet beluga whales as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, and scientists estimate that there are less than 300 beluga whales in Cook Inlet. According to a report, NOAA Fisheries identified beluga whales as a species in need of a concerted effort to help survive. The goal is to have partners and interested members of the public work together to recover the species.
Partners in this event include: NOAA Fisheries, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Beluga Monitoring Partnership, Alaska Wildlife Alliance, Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Anchorage Water and Wastewater Utility, Beluga Whale Alliance, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Cook Inlet Beluga Photo-ID Project, Native Village of Tyonek, Defenders of Wildlife, Georgia Aquarium, Glacier Oil and Gas, Hilcorp, Shedd Aquarium, U.S. Forest Service, University of Alaska Kachemak Bay Campus, Tebughna School, and various individuals. The event is also supported by Matson.
If interested in partaking in the event, bring your own binoculars and cameras. Hours, directions, and other details are available on the event website and on social media.