Distribution and Movements of CI Beluga Whales Sample Clauses

Distribution and Movements of CI Beluga Whales. Beluga whales generally occur in shallow, coastal waters, often in water barely deep enough to cover their bodies (Xxxxxxx and Xxxxxxxx, 1981). Some beluga whale populations make seasonal migrations, while others remain in relatively small areas year round. It is presently unknown whether this stock migrates seasonally from Cook Inlet and, if so, where it goes. Sightings from 1976 to 1979 and in 1997 indicate that at least some beluga whales are present in Cook Inlet year round, although they are not likely to occupy the northernmost reaches (Xxxxxxx, 1983; MMS, 1999) The whales begin to return to the upper Inlet in April and early May, commensurate with the eulachons’ returning migrations to several streams entering the northern portion of Cook Inlet. It appears that a relatively few discrete sites exist within upper Cook Inlet which are very important in terms of feeding habitat for the Cook Inlet stock of beluga whales. Alaska Natives attribute this early movement into the upper Inlet to whales following the whitefish migration (Huntington, 1999). Beluga whales congregate at the mouths of several larger river systems during early spring, feeding on eulachon, salmon smolt, and adult salmon. The beluga whales typically form several large groups during this period, and may reside in and near the Susitna River, the Little Susitna River, Turnagain Arm, and several streams to the west of the Susitna River. Beluga whales may ascend these river systems: Native hunters report belugas once reached Beluga Lake from the Beluga River, and belugas are often seen well upstream in the Kenai and Susitna Rivers. By the end of June the beluga whales may disperse throughout much of the upper Inlet. Important feeding and concentration areas at this time include the Eagle River estuary, Chikaloon River mouth, and Ship Creek mouth, as well as the sites used earlier in the spring. A satellite tag was placed on a beluga whale captured near the mouth of the Little Susitna River in late May of 1999. This adult male was subsequently tracked over the next three months, signals from the tag ended on September 17. This animal remained in the upper Inlet during this entire period, and was observed within a large group of about 90-100 beluga whales at the mouth of the Little Susitna River from late May to mid June. The whale remained off the Susitna River and in Knik and Turnagain Arms until the tag quit transmitting. The whales begin to leave the upper Inlet sometime in mid to late Oc...