An Oral History of Habitat Use by Cook Inlet Belugas in Waters of the Kenai Peninsula Borough

This project sought to address a critical gap in knowledge about the historical abundance, distribution and use of habitat by Cook Inlet beluga whales (CIBW) in waters of, and adjacent to, the Kenai Peninsula Borough before 1994 when systematic surveys of CIBW first began. Using a variety of social marketing and survey methods, the project team contacted some 250 potential public informants and received usable information from 214 informants in person (or by phone) and a further 12 informants who provided inputs online. We video-taped interviews with 23 key informants. This was a far greater response rate than anticipated. Many informants who contacted the team noted that there have been relatively few opportunities to tell their story. We were particularly pleased that we were able to engage with many pioneer and native community members.