Depleted Designation for Cook Inlet Population of Beluga Whales

Based upon the available information regarding the status of the Cook Inlet stock of beluga whales, NOAA Fisheries has determined that the Cook Inlet stock of beluga whales is below its optimum sustainable population levels and, therefore, is depleted as defined in the MMPA. This action is a step in the process under the MMPA to address the sharp decline in the number of Cook Inlet beluga whales. It is intended as a conservation measure to reverse the decline and to promote recovery of the stock of beluga whales.