No Decline in Count of Cook Inlet's Beluga Whales

FORT MILLS TIMES - ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The number of beluga whales estimated to be in Cook Inlet off Alaska's largest city have not increased in the last year, leading critics to reiterate their call for greater protections over the objections of Gov. Sarah Palin.

The new estimated count will be considered when deciding if the white whales should be listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act - a move first opposed by Palin, the GOP vice presidential nominee, last year over concerns that the listing would harm the local economy.

Federal scientists have said the Cook Inlet whales have a 26 percent chance of going extinct in the next 100 years. A decision is required by Oct. 20.