The state of Alaska yesterday notified the federal government that it would sue to overturn recent protections given to the Cook Inlet beluga whale under the Endangered Species Act.
In October 2008 the Cook Inlet beluga whale was listed as endangered by the federal National Marine Fisheries Service over the objections of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin.
Alaska’s legal action against the beluga whale marks the second time in recent months that Governor Palin’s administration has launched legal attacks against the listing of endangered species. The state and several municipal governments and business groups argue that an endangered listing will hamper business in Alaska’s most densely populated region.
They also claim that recent reductions in hunting of the whales are sufficient to protect the animals.
In August 2008 Palin filed suit seeking to overturn federal protection for the polar bear.
“Once again Governor Palin has demonstrated either a complete lack of understanding or lack of concern over the plight of endangered species,” said Brendan Cummings, oceans program director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “Governor Palin seems more than willing to sacrifice endangered whales on the altar of oil company profits.”
Cook Inlet is the most populated and fastest growing watershed in Alaska, and is subject to significant proposed offshore oil and gas development in beluga habitat. Additionally, the proposed Knik Arm Bridge, a billion-dollar boondoggle which would shorten the Governor’s commute from Wasilla to Anchorage, will directly impact some of the whale’s most important habitat.
The Cook Inlet beluga whale (Delphinapterus leucas) is a genetically distinct and geographically isolated population whose numbers have plummeted in recent decades. Recent surveys show the Cook Inlet beluga whale’s population now hovers around 375 animals, down from an estimated population of approximately 1,300 whales in the 1980s. The Cook Inlet beluga whale is one of five populations of beluga, or white whales, in Alaska.
In Related News…
The Bush administration yesterday announced plans to remove gray wolves in the western Great Lakes and northern Rocky Mountains regions from the federal endangered species list.
Read the full Associated Press story at the link below.
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