Incidental Catch and Interactions of Marine Mammals and Birds in the Cook Inlet Salmon Driftnet and Setnet Fisheries, 1999-2000

The Cook Inlet setnet and driftnet fisheries were observed in 1999 and 2000, partly because in 1999 the status of the Cook Inlet beluga whale was being reviewed under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act because of declining numbers. These fisheries are described, with information about potential interactions with marine mammals and birds. 

During the 1999 season the Upper Cook Inlet driftnet fishery had a total of 5709 permit days (one permit fished for one day) of fishing. All or part of 100 of these permit-days were observed. Two harbor porpoises were observed to be entangled in nets, but both were released alive, without serious injuries. Five marine birds were also observed to be entangled, with three released dead and two released alive, without serious injuries. In the same fishery in 2000 there were a total of 3889 permit-days of fishing, with all or part of 141 of these observed. Two harbor porpoises and a minke whale were observed to be entangled in nets. One of the harbor porpoises was apparently dead when it was released, but the other porpoise and the whale were released alive, without serious injuries. One marine bird was observed to be entangled in nets and it was released alive, without serious injuries.