Biologists with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are now using drones to track Cook Inlet belugas. They used the technology for the first time in August when someone reported a stranded beluga along the Turnagain Arm.
NOAA contracts with Alaska Aerial Media, a company that already has the proper Federal Aviation Administration permits to fly an unmanned aircraft system.
When the drone flew over, biologists found out it wasn’t just one beluga stuck on a low tide, but a mom with her baby.
“That was a really good finding because from the road system, the elevation is different from in the air,” said marine mammal biologist Mandy Migura.
They were also able to fly back over the area when the tide came back in and saw both animals were able to swim away.
Migura said using the drone is part of an effort to enhance NOAA’s response to stranded whales. She said it’s important for biologists to respond to stranded animals as soon as possible to ensure they do everything they can to get the belugas back into the ocean.
In the 1970s, the beluga population in Cook Inlet was around 1,300. The latest count put the numbers at around 340.
“We’re very concerned about them which is why we’ve highlighted Cook Inlet beluga whales as one of our species in the spotlight campaign species,” Migura said. “We realize they’re in danger, we need to do everything we can to help bolster their numbers and recovery potential.”
NOAA says people using personal drones to fly over endangered animals isn’t permitted. Instead, you’re asked to call the 24-hour Stranding Hotline at 877-925-7773.
Friday, February 17 2017 12:06 PM EST2017-02-17 17:06:28 GMT
Thursday, June 21 2018 4:03 PM EDT2018-06-21 20:03:55 GMT
You’re my friends now. We’re having soft tacos later. Yeah but I don’t know how to make myself go there. Maybe it might never happen again. AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! Put a little fence around it! Ralph Waldo Pickle Chips! I don’t know him.Pony Lords, jump for you
PersonalityCatbug may be about 10 years old, and has a very sweet and childlike personality. Catbug's personality also makes him seem simpler and more carefree, like in the episode "Gas-Powered Stick," where he was seen talking to a spider, and in the ep
PersonalityCatbug may be about 10 years old, and has a very sweet and childlike personality. Catbug's personality also makes him seem simpler and more carefree, like in the episode "Gas-Powered Stick," where he was seen talking to a spider, and in the ep
Thursday, February 23 2017 9:17 PM EST2017-02-24 02:17:22 GMT
Thursday, March 16 2017 1:27 PM EDT2017-03-16 17:27:38 GMT
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (21Alive) - A woman was trapped early Friday morning in her home after her bedroom ceiling collapsed on her while she was in bed. Fort Wayne fire crews and paramedics rushed to the sceneMore>>
FORT WAYNE, Ind. (21Alive) - A woman was trapped early Friday morning in her home after her bedroom ceiling collapsed on her while she was in bed. Fort Wayne fire crews and paramedics rushed to the sceneMore>>
Monday, August 27 2018 5:26 PM EDT2018-08-27 21:26:00 GMT
Tuesday, May 5 2020 10:40 AM EDT2020-05-05 14:40:00 GMT
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla vel efficitur diam, ut tempus lorem. In laoreet velit eget magna malesuada, sit amet mollis diam pretium. Suspendisse vulputate erat et maximus commodo. Proin ullamcorper, neque quis commodo vMore>>
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nulla vel efficitur diam, ut tempus lorem. In laoreet velit eget magna malesuada, sit amet mollis diam pretium. Suspendisse vulputate erat et maximus commodo. Proin ullamcorper, neque quis commodo vMore>>