Take Action to Protect Beluga Whale Habitat

April 22, 2009

Center for Biological Diversity

Once numbering more than a thousand whales, the Cook Inlet beluga has been

reduced to approximately 375 individuals and is now threatened by oil and

gas development, pollution, shipping, and other impacts to its habitat in

Alaska. In October 2008, federal officials protected the Cook Inlet beluga

whale as an endangered species -- over the objections of Alaska Governor

Sarah Palin. This long-overdue action came as a result of a petition and

litigation by the Center for Biological Diversity and our allies.

While the Cook Inlet beluga whale is now listed under the Endangered Species

Act, its home remains unprotected because the federal government has

illegally delayed designation of critical habitat for the species. Just last

week the administration finally launched the process of outlining that

critical habitat, and is now accepting comments on which areas should be

kept safe for belugas.

Please let the responsible federal officials know that they have a duty to

protect all habitat necessary for the Cook Inlet beluga whale's recovery,

and they must finalize and implement the habitat-protection rule as soon as

possible.

Click here to find out more and take action:

7101.

Sample letter:

End the Delays in Cook Inlet Beluga Whale Critical Habitat

Protection

I am writing to request that you promptly act to designate critical habitat

for the Cook Inlet beluga whale. Endangered species cannot survive if their

habitat is not protected. Illegal delays in protecting the beluga's habitat

should not be allowed to continue. A proposed critical habitat rule should

be issued immediately, and that rule should be finalized as quickly as

allowed by law. All areas utilized by this highly imperiled species

(identified as Type 1, 2, and 3 habitat in the conservation plan) should be

designated as critical habitat. Thank you.

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