Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Photo-ID Project Newsletter Fall 2017

Sightings
Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Photo-ID Project Newsletter
Fall 2017 

Photos taken under General Authorization, Letter of Confirmation No. 481-1759, MMPA/ESA Research Permit #14210 and #18016 .  Do not reproduce without permission.

Welcome!
       Greetings from the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale (CIBW) Photo-ID Project.  We are pleased to welcome you to the first issue of our Sightings newsletter.  Each quarter we hope to share with you the highlights of our project and current events related to Cook Inlet beluga whales.
       It is August which means that belugas are starting to be seen from Turnagain Arm!  We love this time of year and encourage everyone to get out and watch these amazing animals from shore.  If you are lucky enough to see belugas, the CIBW Photo-ID Project would love it if you would share your sightings and photos with us.  Please also remember to check out our new website to explore where others are reporting belugas (see information on website below).
 
We hope to hear from you soon!
The CIBW Photo-ID Project Team
 
 

We have a new website!
 
The CIBW Photo-ID has a fresh new website and it is mobile friendly!  You can now submit beluga sightings from your smartphone.  
 
New features include an online sightings submission form, a beluga sightings map, links to our reports, stranding information, and, of course, fun photos and information about the Cook Inlet beluga whales
 
Click below to explore and learn about your local beluga whales.

Check out our website >>

Belugas Count!
 
Join us for the first ever Cook Inlet Belugas Count! event on Saturday September 9, 2017.
This NEW, all-day event aims to bring together citizens to focus on the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale, fostering local pride, awareness, and stewardship. It is a collaboration between a variety of federal and state agencies, local and national organizations, as well as individuals.
Belugas Count! is FREE and open to the public! No registration is required to attend.
 
The CIBW Photo-ID Project will be at the Bird Point viewing station from 9 am to noon, followed by an education talk and booth at the zoo. Come join us at both locations!
 
For more information click the link below to learn more about Belugas Count!

Belugas Count! website >>

Belugas Count! Facebook Page >>

Beluga in the Spotlight
 
Meet R103/L493 Strapped.  Strapped has been photographed by the Photo-ID team since 2005, but was first seen in 2001 when NMFS placed a satellite tag on her, giving her unique tag markings in addition to her unique natural markings. Strapped is a presumed mother because she has been seen accompanied by calves. We frequently see Strapped in Turnagain Arm this time of year, so keep your eyes out and let us know if you have seen her.

Photos taken under General Authorization, Letter of Confirmation No. 481-1759, MMPA/ESA Research Permit #14210 and #18016 .  Do not reproduce without permission.

For more information about Strapped >>

NOAA releases new population estimate for endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales
 
 In case you missed this in June, NOAA Fisheries released  its biennial population estimate for the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale. Scientists determined that the population size is between 279 and 386 animals, with a most likely estimate of 328 animals. The estimate is derived from data collected during a June 2016 aerial survey.

Full story >>

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