Lifeline to endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales as Feds designate critical habitat
Shadow of obstruction cast over path to recovery by Alaska Governor Parnell
Summary:
• Defenders of Wildlife applauds NOAA decision to designate desperately needed “critical habitat” for the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale.
• 2009 population just over a quarter of that in 1979.
• Legal action threat from state of Alaska still looms.
WASHINGTON (December 1, 2009) – Today, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced its proposal to designate “critical habitat” as part of the Cook Inlet beluga whales’ recovery. Below is a statement from Defenders of Wildlife Executive Vice President Jamie Clark.
“Beluga whales are an intrinsic part of Alaska’s natural heritage, but today less than 350 of these iconic creatures remain. They are literally at the brink and we hold their future in our hands. Today hopefully marks the beginning of a long overdue effort to save these animals from the tragic permanence of extinction.
“After months of misinformation from opponents of the listing, including some Alaska officials, we are very grateful that NOAA was able to see past the propaganda to make a decision based on sound science. Hopefully, today’s decision has moved us all beyond the rhetoric so we can focus our collective efforts on the beluga whale’s recovery.”
Background
Listed as “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act since October 2008, only 326 Cook Inlet beluga whales were counted in 2009, close to a quarter of the number recorded in 1979. The sharp decline in numbers has been attributed to a number of factors, including noise impacts from seismic activities. Earlier in 2009, the state of Alaska threatened to sue the federal government over the listing of the endangered whale, filing with the court a 60 day notice of intent to sue. While no further action has been taken yet, appointed Governor Sean Parnell recently announced his intention to hire a full time attorney dedicated to fighting the Endangered Species Act. It remains to be seen what the state’s response will be to the critical habitat proposal.
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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come.
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