Threats to Beluga Whales

While we still do not know for sure what is affecting the Cook Inlet beluga population, Defenders continues to work with scientists to study the effects of sewage and polluted run-off that pours directly into the beluga’s home. There are also development projects being planned that propose to fill in over 135 acres of beluga whale habitat. The region’s oil industry is also expanding so we need to remain vigilant to safeguard this fragile population from the potential impacts of toxic waste, spills and seismic blasting.