Federal fisheries researchers are investigating the deaths of two endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales discovered floating near Anchorage on Monday, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) officials. Biologists examined an adult female whale near Ship Creek on Tuesday afternoon, while a second carcass drifted in the water near Birchwood.
Necropsy Conducted at Ship Creek Small Boat Launch
A citizen towed the dead adult female beluga to the Ship Creek small boat launch on Tuesday morning after spotting it floating in Cook Inlet. Verena Gill, supervisory biologist for the NOAA Alaska Region office, stated that the marine mammal had not been dead long when it was recovered. Alaska Veterinary Pathology Services, contracted by NOAA, performed a necropsy at the site to establish a cause of death.
Natalie Rouse, a biologist with the pathology service, measured the whale at nearly 12 feet long and noted there were no obvious signs of physical trauma. “So far it looks like a pretty healthy whale, so I have no idea why it died yet,” Rouse said, adding that researchers collected organ and tissue samples for laboratory analysis. According to Gill, final results from the necropsy could take several months.
Second Beluga Whale Monitored Near Birchwood
A second adult beluga whale was initially discovered beached in a marshy area near Birchwood. By Tuesday afternoon, the rising tide refloated the carcass, leaving it to drift in the waters of Cook Inlet. Gill stated that officials are hoping a citizen will volunteer to tow the second animal to shore so investigators can examine the remains.
Once the Ship Creek necropsy is finished, researchers plan to tow the female whale’s remains back into Cook Inlet to decompose naturally. Parts of the skeleton will be distributed to researchers, with the skull designated for the Museum of the North in Fairbanks, according to Rouse.
Cook Inlet Beluga Population Context and Seasonal Mortality
Federal records show that officials have received reports of 10 dead Cook Inlet belugas so far this year, aligning with typical annual figures ranging from eight to 15 reported deaths. Gill explained that finding two deceased animals in a short span is not necessarily alarming because belugas concentrate around river mouths and streams in the fall to feed on silver salmon.
Cook Inlet belugas are listed as a federally endangered population that remains geographically isolated from Alaska’s other four beluga groups. The most recent population estimate, conducted in 2019, placed the declining group at under 300 animals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cook Inlet Beluga Deaths
Why are more dead beluga whales reported in late summer and fall?
According to NOAA biologist Jill Seymour, marine mammal carcasses become more visible and people spend more time on the water and shorelines during this period, leading to an increase in public reports.
What happens to the whale remains after a NOAA necropsy?
Following the examination, the female whale’s carcass will be towed back into Cook Inlet to decompose naturally. Specific bones and tissue samples are distributed to researchers upon request, with the skull scheduled to go to the Museum of the North in Fairbanks.
How many Cook Inlet belugas remain in the wild?
The most recent population estimate from 2019 placed the federally endangered population at fewer than 300 animals.