ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES. This chapter evaluates the probable environmental, biological, cultural, economic, and social consequences of the presented alternatives. Generally, the direct biological consequences of the alternatives concern the impacts of harvest on the recovery of the CI beluga whales. Cultural and social impacts or consequences would be realized within local Alaskan Native communities who are dependent on subsistence resources. There are no apparent consequences of either of the alternatives on the physical environment of Cook Inlet, or on activities other than hunting, that are ongoing in Cook Inlet. Alternative 2 provides for a strike which would require a co- management agreement to be signed between NMFS and an ANO. NMFS has drafted such an agreement with CIMMC. In the process of negotiating the agreement, both parties believe that beneficial results to the efficiency of the harvest have been achieved through the development and adoption of guidelines or requirements intended to reduce struck and loss rate, avoid wasteful practices, and minimize interference with other uses of the Inlet. Co-management of Alaska’s marine mammals has generally proven to be very successful in allowing self-determination among Native Alaskans in their subsistence harvest practices while allowing for the necessary conservation of important stocks. The endangered bowhead whale is harvested under such an agreement between the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC) and NOAA. Under that agreement, the bowhead whale harvest has been successfully harvested under the direction of the AEWC, and the bowhead stock has increased steadily. The AEWC is responsible for monitoring and reporting on the harvest, as well as enforcing certain actions within their membership, while Federal authority is retained.
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