UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT NORTHERN ... - Bizjournals

Case 1:13-cv-03241-AT Document 1 Filed 09/30/13 Page 25 of 6451. Beluga whales are a primary research focus of Georgia Aquarium.The import of the 18 beluga whales under the permit will directly increase theopportunities for research that will benefit species in the wild and the care ofstranded animals. In addition, Georgia Aquarium continues to provide funding tounderstand and assess the population size, genetic relationships and spatial usageof the Sea of Okhotsk beluga whales. At the request of NMFS, Georgia Aquariumhas also provided staff, equipment, and funding to assess the status of beluga whalepopulations in Alaska.52. As the next significant phase of its ongoing commitment to belugawhales and other marine species, Georgia Aquarium intends to create acomprehensive, non-intrusive research program to address several research needs,including beluga whale physiology, diving adaptations, bioacoustics, andnutritional requirements.53. These non-intrusive studies will help scientists better understand,among other things, the effects of climate change on belugas, how noise in themarine environment from shipping, resource extraction, etc. affects belugas, andhow allowable fishing levels may affect the prey needs of belugas. Without theimport of the 18 beluga whales, it will not be possible to conduct this research on alarger population and on a more statistically valid basis.25