The critically endangered beluga whales of Cook Inlet, Alaska are once again under threat. In the heart of their habitat, the Trump administration wants to allow destructive underwater construction activities for a gas pipeline and massive export terminal. The waters of Cook Inlet are dark and turbid, so Cook Inlet belugas depend heavily on sound for foraging, navigation and communication. Noise pollution from these projects would greatly disrupt this population that's already hanging by a thread. We should not sacrifice marine mammal protection for unnecessary fossil fuel expansion. [Image description: Two Cook Inlet beluga whales swimming, captured from above.] 📷: Cook Inlet beluga and calf by Paul Wade/NOAA Fisheries #belugawhale #endangeredspecies #cookinlet #cookinletbeluga #marinemammal #wildlifeconservation