This opinion considers the effects of the authorization of an IHA to take marine mammals by harassment under the MMPA. This pertains to conducting geophysical and geotechnical surveys in Cook Inlet, Alaska between August 14, 2015 and November 30, 2015.
NOAA Fisheries' review of the status of the listed species, the condition of the critical habitat, the environmental baseline for the action area, all the potential effects and exposure of the action as proposed, and cumulative effects.
NOAA Fisheries 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.
Photo-ID project to provide information about individual Cook Inlet beluga whales and the population as a whole, including residency/movement patterns, habitat use, reproduction, and survival.