NOAA receives petition to list the Cook Inlet beluga whale of Alaska as endangered

On April 20, 2006 , NOAA received a petition to list the Cook Inlet beluga whale as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The petitioner provided information on the abundance, demographics, and distribution of Cook Inlet beluga whales. On August 7, NOAA Fisheries announced a 90-day finding on this petition, determining that it presents substantial scientific information and that the petitioned action may be warranted.

NOAA initiated a status review on the Cook Inlet beluga whale on March 29, 2006, prior to receiving the petition. The status review will consider current and potential threats facing the species, as well as ongoing efforts for its protection. Upon completion of this status review, and within 12 months of the petition, NOAA will make a finding on whether listing is warranted.

For more information, read the announcement of this finding, or contact Brad.Smith@noaa.gov.