Historic and current use of Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska, by Belugas, Delphinapterus leucas

Marine Fisheries Review
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Abstract

Dedicated at-sea surveys for marine birds and mammals conducted in lower Cook Inlet in late July and early August from 1995–99 failed to locate any belugas, Delphinapterus leucas. Surveys covered a total of 6,249 linear km and were conducted in both nearshore and offshore habitats. Sightings included 791 individual marine mammals of 10 species. Both historical data and local knowledge indicate that belugas were regularly seen in summer in nearshore and offshore areas of lower Cook Inlet up until the early 1990’s. Diminished presence of belugas in lower Cook Inlet may be a direct function of reduced numbers but may also indicate changes in habitat quality that may inhibit recovery.

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Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Historic and current use of Lower Cook Inlet, Alaska, by Belugas, Delphinapterus leucas
Series title Marine Fisheries Review
Volume 63
Issue 2
Year Published 2000
Language English
Publisher United States National Marine Fisheries Service
Contributing office(s) Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center Biology MFEB
Description 5 p.
First page 22
Last page 26
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Cook Inlet
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