Alaska Governor Palin Urges Public Process in Proposed Beluga Decision

April 20, 2007, Juneau, Alaska – Alaska Governor Sarah Palin today voiced her concerns about the implications of the proposed endangered species listing of Cook Inlet’s beluga whales. The Governor also encouraged the National Marine Fisheries Service to conduct public hearings on this important issue.

“Listing Cook Inlet beluga as endangered under the Endangered Species Act may have significant implications for activities throughout the Southcentral region of Alaska,” said Governor Palin. “We are going to closely review all the scientific information in the proposal and encourage the communities of the Cook Inlet region, as well as fishing and industry groups to express their views.”

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The State of Alaska shares the National Marine Fisheries Service’s concerns for the conservation of the beluga population in Cook Inlet. However, the State is going to closely review all the scientific information in the proposal to be sure it meets the requirements for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Additionally, the State will study whether existing federal law, such as the Marine Mammals Protection Act, provides sufficient protection.

Federal law allows harvest by Alaska Natives only. An agreement to restrict harvest in Cook Inlet was implemented in 1999, but the Cook Inlet belugas have not recovered. No one in the scientific community has been able to identify what is impeding the growth of this population.

Source: Alaska Governor