This the Final Project Report from a study on the impact of climate parameters on the Cook Inlet beluga whale population. This study aimed to better understand beluga movement, survival strategies, and interaction with the environment.

NOAA Fisheries and partners invite the public to the 5th Annual Cook Inlet Belugas Count! event and celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act.

Measuring whales from the air – Hexacopter photogrammetry of Cook Inlet beluga whales.

The 10-year (2008-2018) Cook Inlet beluga whale population trend is declining 2.3% per year. The public is encouraged to report all beluga sightings to provide scientists with clues to help solve the mystery of their lack of recovery.

Why we count and video record belugas.

Biennial survey of endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales.

Lower Cook Inlet survey: No belugas but plenty of wildlife.

Biennial survey of endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales.

NOAA Scientists are using an Uncrewed Aerial System, a hexacopter, to collect photographs of the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale.

A study on the population range and accurate abundance estimates of Cook Inlet beluga whales.

What research is teaching us about beluga whale behavior and how humans may be impacting it.

Keep trying until you get it right - Hexacopter photogrammetry of Cook Inlet beluga whales.

In 2000, NOAA Fisheries designated Cook Inlet belugas as depleted in response to a significant population decline. We also took steps to restrict subsistence harvest of Cook Inlet belugas. In 2008 we developed a Cook Inlet beluga whale conservation plan.

Watch this video to learn more about endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales—known as canaries of the sea.

Research publications, peer-reviewed research, management documents, and educational materials on Cook Inlet beluga whales.