Critical habitat finalized for Cook Inlet belugas

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A federal agency has finalized its decision on critical habitat for beluga whales swimming in waters off Alaska’s largest city.

The final rule provides more than 3,000 square miles of habitat in Cook Inlet for the white whales, which were declared endangered in 2008 because of diminishing numbers.

The National Marine Fisheries Service’s final rule excludes the Port of Anchorage. The state of Alaska fought for the exclusion over concerns that development would be hurt if the waters off Anchorage were designated as critical habitat.

Government scientists estimate that there are 340 beluga whales in Cook Inlet. That’s a small increase from last year but far below about 1,300 Cook Inlet belugas in the 1980s.

Designation of critical habitat was required as part of a recovery plan.