Nicknamed the “canary of the sea,” the Beluga whale is a vocal, social species that depends on its pod to hunt, migrate, and sustain reproduction. These striking white whales are easily recognized by their arctic white color and round “melon” heads, which helps focus and modulate their sounds. Sadly, Cook Inlet Beluga numbers are critically endangered dropping sharply from 1,300 in 1979 to just 279 in 2018, according to NOAA. Their decline is linked to noise and water pollution, former subsistence overharvesting, habitat degradation, and climate change. Fortunately, many of these threats have and can continue to be reduced. Kenai Design Co. donates a portion of proceeds to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center and Alaska Sealife Center to support research and protection. By raising awareness and funds, we hope to give these already resilient whales a fighting chance to continue their “festive appearing” activities and whimsical whistles in the stunning and treacherous waters called Cook Inlet.