Beluga whales are known for their white color and range of vocal sounds, earning them the title of "canary of the sea." They are very social animals, forming groups to hunt, migrate, and interact with each other. Learn more about beluga whales…

4th Annual Cook Inlet Belugas Count! event canceled.

NOAA Fisheries and Partners Invite the Public to the 3rd Annual Cook Inlet Belugas Count!

NOAA Fisheries and partners invite the public to help count Cook Inlet beluga whales in the greater Anchorage area.

Summary of the 2017 Cook Inlet beluga whale Belugas Count! event.

Locations from which you can help us count the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale during the Belugas Count! event.

Locations from which you can help us count the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale during the Belugas Count! event.

Why we count and video record belugas.

New event called “Belugas Count!”

Scientists utilize and analyze video recordings to collect more accurate data for beluga whale counts and estimated group sizes. This study also involves annual observer aerial surveys conducted from 1994 to 2000.

Have you ever seen a beluga whale? Local residents and visitors from around the world had their first such experience at last year’s Belugas Count!  This all-day citizen science celebration aims to bring together members of the public to…

Research on beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) population in Cook Inlet, Alaska.

Videotapes of beluga whale groups were collected during aerial survey work in Cook Inlet, Alaska, from 1-5 June 1994.

Cook Inlet population surveys and counting methods.

The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) conducted aerial surveys of the beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) population in Cook Inlet, Alaska, almost monthly between June 2001 and June 2002. The surveys were flown in a twin-engine, high-wing…