Northern Right Whale
In May, 2008 NMFS designated critical habitat for the population of northern right whales that inhabit the North Pacific Ocean. Maps of the designated critical habitat areas and additional northern right whale information are on the NMFS web site .
Cook Inlet Beluga Whales
On April 11, 2011, NMFS designated two areas in Cook Inlet as Critical Habitat for the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale. The critical habitat comprises 3,016 square miles (7,809 square kilometers) of marine and estuarine environments considered by scientists to be essential for the whales’ survival. The Council continues to receive period briefings on the status of Cook Inlet belugas.
Staff contact is Sarah Rheinsmith 907-271-3235.
