AK HJR40

Opposes the National Marine Fisheries Service's proposed designation of 3,000 square miles in upper Cook Inlet, mid-inlet, western shores, and Kachemak Bay as critical habitat for beluga whales

States that beluga whale population declined primarily due to unsustainable subsistence harvest in the 1990s, with a cooperative harvest management plan implemented in 2000 showing recovery signs (population increased from 278 in 2005 to 321 in 2009)

Argues that the $600,000 estimated regulatory cost over the next decade does not account for actual compliance costs to existing and future operations, and that critical habitat designation could delay permitting, harm economic development, and negatively impact the Port of Anchorage, military operations, oil and gas production, and fishing industries

Requests that the National Marine Fisheries Service complete a more robust economic analysis before finalizing any critical habitat designation

Requires any final designation to be supported by sound science that clearly links the designated critical habitat to conservation and recovery of Cook Inlet beluga whales