Help count beluga whales on Sept. 15

By Michael Armstrong • September 5, 2018 4:18 pm
Tags:
This photo from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game shows beluga whales arching their backs through the surface of the water. Of Alaska’s five distinct beluga whale populations, only Cook Inlet’s is listed as endangered. (Courtesy the Alaska Department of Fish and Game)
This photo from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game shows beluga whales arching their backs through the surface of the water. Of Alaska’s five distinct beluga whale populations, only Cook Inlet’s is listed as endangered. (Courtesy the Alaska Department of Fish and Game)

Belugas Count! day is Sept. 15. Citizen scientists can help marine biologists search for and count endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales and other marine mammals from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15. at the Baycrest Overlook, Mile 169.5 Sterling Highway.

The Homer station is one of 14 public stations taking part in a Cook Inlet wide event called Belugas Count! which is aimed at bringing together citizens to focus on the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale, fostering local pride, awareness, and stewardship.

Belugas Count! is a collaboration between a variety of federal and state agencies, local and national organizations, and individuals. Any beluga whales counted will be entered into the Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Ecosystem Portal which is used by managers and researchers to help guide management of this iconic whale.

Scientists from NOAA Kasitsna Bay Laboratory will staff the Homer station at Baycrest Overlook and welcome members of the public to help search the waters of Kachemak Bay for whales, seals, and whatever else swims by.

Information on belugas and where to spot them in Cook Inlet will be provided, along with activities for kids.

Tags: