For Immediate Release

The expertise of Alaska Native beluga hunters and their local knowledge has contributed to scientists’ understanding of Alaska’s white whale. Beluga hunters know where to find belugas and how to get close to them. Samples collected by the hunters from harvested belugas also provide information on the whales’ diet and health. A presentation on Tuesday by Lori Quakenbush, a wildlife biologist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, will share some of those findings.

For Immediate Release

The 2007 Science for Alaska lecture series, which takes place in Fairbanks, Anchorage, Juneau and Seward throughout January and February, draws to a close this week in Anchorage. Barbara Mahoney, a biologist with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service’s Anchorage field office, will give an overview of Alaska’s beluga whales.