Guidance to Parties Interested in Conducting Biopsies on Cook Inlet Beluga Whales

The topic of conducting biopsy studies on endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales is a recurring one. In an effort to provide expert-generated guidance for such studies, NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region sponsored a Cook Inlet beluga whale biopsy workshop in April 2014. Participants brought to the table experience with biopsy methods, tissue collection procedures, lab analyses of biopsy samples, as well as an appreciation of the Endangered Species Act. NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region's views regarding funding, permitting or authorizing biopsy studies of Cook Inlet beluga whales will be informed by the contents of this report. The agency urges those developing proposals that include obtaining biopsy samples from Cook Inlet beluga whales to incorporate the recommendations from this report into their study plans.

All Cook Inlet beluga whale biopsy programs should include an active outreach component. Public perception and understanding of an activity that involves “shooting” at endangered beluga whales must be taken seriously. Prior to starting any biopsy collection activity, the public should be provided with information indicating how the activity will benefit the belugas.