WHALES  (CONT)

Cook Inlet belugas are one of five genetically and geographically distinct populations living along the perimeter of Alaska. Others are found in the more remote waters of Bristol Bay, the eastern Bering Sea, the eastern Chukchi Sea and the Beaufort Sea, which is north of Alaska and Canada.

The other groups are much healthier, with a total population estimate between 35,000 and 40,000 animals.
Mahoney said scientists hope to collect more information about the whales' reproductive habits, ages and diet, as well as local contaminant and underwater noise levels.

Merryman seems resigned when he talks about the vanishing whales. He said it's because other animals that his people once depended on for food, such as snowshoe hares and even salmon, are also less plentiful than before.

"We always look forward to going out and getting a beluga, but I think Mother Nature takes her course," he said. "Just like eve

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