Comment from Robyn Lauster

I have lived, worked, and recreated in Alaska since 1962. I firmly support any protection of the Cook Inlet beluga whale. I understand this whale is isolated from other beluga stocks and the population is in serious decline. The beluga is an integral part of a balanced and functioning ecosystem in the inlet. I believe National Marine Fisheries Service has done a good job with the science involved in accurately identifying areas to be protected. Upriver areas where belugas are known to feed should be included. The argument that responsible development in these areas will be adversely affected is specious, short-sighted, and selfish. Nationwide, less than 1% of projects are significantly curtailed, and I suspect those probably deserved to be. Cook Inlet is a precious resource for all Alaskans, a beautiful, beneficial area of recreation, subsistence fishing, commercial fishing and sport fishing. Oil development and other business ventures should take extraordinary care in their impact upon Cook Inlet and the belugas. I very much worry about water and noise pollution adversely affecting this remarkable creature. Please support the protection of the Cook Inlet beluga, for the sake of our state's health and future. Thank you.