Harbor Porpoise, Phocoena phocoena vomerina, in Cook Inlet, Alaska
Dates
Year
2014
Citation
Shelden, Kim E. W., Agler, Beverly A., Brueggeman, John J., Cornick, Leslie A., Speckman, Suzann G., and Prevel-Ramos, Amanda, 2014, Harbor Porpoise, Phocoena phocoena vomerina, in Cook Inlet, Alaska: Marine Fisheries Review, v. 76, no. 1-2, p. 22-50.
Summary
Harbor porpoise, Phocoena phocoena vomerina, in Cook Inlet, Alaska, are managed as part of the Gulf ofAlaska (GOA) stock. It is not known if this population is distinct from porpoise in the GOA stock found outside Cook Inlet. No long- term dedicated studies of harbor porpoise have occurred in Cook In let. The objective here is to provide a summary of occurrence in Cook Inlet derived from archaeological data, anecdotal reports, and systematic surveys. Maps were created for each dataset. Therefore, each of these estimates is likely biased downward. In the last decade the region has seen expansion of the Port of Anchorage, proposals to build a bridge crossing Knik Arm, plans to develop mining operations and supporting infrastructure, [...]
Summary
Harbor porpoise, Phocoena phocoena vomerina, in Cook Inlet, Alaska, are managed as part of the Gulf ofAlaska (GOA) stock. It is not known if this population is distinct from porpoise in the GOA stock found outside Cook Inlet. No long- term dedicated studies of harbor porpoise have occurred in Cook In let. The objective here is to provide a summary of occurrence in Cook Inlet derived from archaeological data, anecdotal reports, and systematic surveys. Maps were created for each dataset. Therefore, each of these estimates is likely biased downward. In the last decade the region has seen expansion of the Port of Anchorage, proposals to build a bridge crossing Knik Arm, plans to develop mining operations and supporting infrastructure, hydro kinetic energy generation proposals, oil and gas seismic exploration, and water quality effects from urban areas. The overall effect on harbor porpoise within the confines of Cook Inlet cannot be fully determined until we understand the genetic and demographic population structure of this highly mobile and cryptic species.
