Protect the Rice's Whale in the Gulf of Mexico

Among the least known marine mammals found in the U.S. is the Rice’s whale, a baleen whale that prefers warm and tropical waters. Only recently discovered as a unique species, the Rice’s whale is exclusively found in the Gulf of Mexico where it frequents deeper water during the day and shallower water at night. 

Unfortunately, the Rice's whale is critically endangered; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) describes the current population as less than a hundred, while the Marine Mammal Commission estimates there are only 51 individuals remaining. Among the threats facing Rice’s whales are vessel strikes, marine debris, entanglement in fishing nets, seismic surveys and other oil and gas operations. As year-round residents of the Gulf of Mexico, the Rice’s whale lives in a region with considerable human activity, including ever expanding oil and gas development.

With the Rice’s whale in dire predicament, federal agencies have proposed actions to protect and recover the species. In July, 2023, NOAA announced plans to designate 28,000 square miles of critical habitat for the Rice's whale under the provisions of the Endangered Species Act. Such habitat designation would allow for regulations, such as a vessel speed limit, to help ensure the survival of the species. Surfrider is urging NOAA to finalize the critical habitat designation as soon as possible.

Surfrider is also taking other actions to help recover the Rice's whale. As part of our Stop Offshore Drilling campaign, we are urging the Department of Interior to halt new oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico. We are also fighting to pass federal legislation to permanently protect U.S. waters from new offshore drilling.

We must not allow this unique whale to go extinct!