Long Term Beluga Whale Subsistence Harvest Limits Set WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 Ð The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a final rule establishing long-term limits on the maximum number of Cook Inlet beluga whales that may be taken by Alaska Natives for subsistence and handicraft purposes. The regulations are intended to conserve and manage Cook Inlet belugas under applicable provisions of the Marine Mammal Protection Act until the whales are no longer depleted. The regulations are effective Nov. 14. Cook Inlet Beluga Whales http://www.fakr.noaa.gov/protectedresources/whales/beluga.htm Federal Register Notice http://www.newswatchnativeamerica.com/FRNotices/081017.Whales.pdf For further information, contact Barbara Mahoney, 907/271-5006, or Thomas Eagle, 301/713-2322, ext. 105.