Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Aerial Abundance Survey Research Brief 2025

What is the research objective?

The overall research objective is to obtain an abundance estimate for the endangered population of beluga whales in Cook Inlet, Alaska. This is achieved by conducting systematic line transect surveys within Cook Inlet. Observers are positioned at bubble windows on each side of the aircraft and a camera mounted in the belly of the aircraft to collect digital images which can be used to correct for missed groups.

Why are these data important? How will they be used?

These data are used to provide an estimate of abundance for the Cook Inlet beluga population and to document distribution. Estimates have been collected since 1994 and are used to look at the population trend, whether it is increasing, declining, or stable. Locations of groups are also compared across years to see if this population is beginning to reoccupy past habitats. Currently the population has contracted into the northern regions of the inlet during the summer months.