NOTE: DEADLINE IS NOW MARCH 3, 2010.

Goal: 50,000 • Progress as of Feb. 9: 39,028

PLEASE ADD YOUR VOICE.

VISIT http://www.thehungersite.com/clickToGive/campaign.faces;jsessionid=AFAE85C316A0A41BA59229E5A30B706F.ctg-a?siteId=4&campaign=belugawhales​

https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=1643&J

"As the population of Alaska’s Cook Inlet beluga whales plummeted from over 1,200 in 1979 to only 326 in 2009, these iconic whales were finally listed as endangered in 2008.

Now, a new proposal announced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) aims to protect more than 3,000 square miles of their aquatic home -- and would give these struggling marine mammals the protections they need to survive.

Take action now: Urge NOAA to adopt this proposal to help save the Cook Inlet beluga whales.

Please take action today -- the deadline for comments is February 1, 2010."

https://secure.defenders.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&page=UserAction&id=1643&J

VISIT THE SITE TO SEND THE FOLLOWING LETTER:

"As a supporter of Defenders of Wildlife and someone who cares about Alaska's iconic Cook Inlet beluga whales, I am writing to comment on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's proposal to designate more than 3,000 square miles of critical habitat for these struggling marine mammals [RIN 0648-AX50].

The Cook Inlet beluga whales are running out of time. This genetically distinct beluga whale population has declined to fewer than 350 today -- down to just over one quarter of its population since 1979.

It's simple: endangered species cannot survive if their habitat is not protected. The plan to designate more than one-third of the Cook Inlet waters as critical habitat is a good first step for a lasting recovery for these whales.

To have the best chance at recovering Cook Inlet beluga whales, we must also act quickly to:

* Reduce their exposure to noise from development and industry in Cook Inlet.

* Determine which pollutants, if any, may be causing harm to these whales or their habitat.

* Ensure state and municipal governments and industry work together to create a recovery plan that protects and restores the Cook Inlet beluga population and local economies.

* Recognize that the health of Cook Inlet belugas is tied to a healthy marine habitat.

Thank you for accepting my comments on this important issue."