The Rice's whale is considered to be one of the most critically endangered whales in the world and are only found in the U.S. waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There is estimated to be about 50 individuals remaining. Unless immediate actions are taken, we may witness the tragic extinction of this species.

Unregulated oil and gas activities in the Gulf of Mexico pose a significant threat to the Rice's whale, with the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill of 2010 alone leading to a devastating reduction of over 20% in the whale population. The surviving whales struggle amidst the cacophony of noise generated by oil and gas vessel propellers and seismic air gun surveys. Adding to these challenges is the documented evidence of Rice's whales succumbing to fatal injuries inflicted by collisions with large cargo vessels, which currently operate without any speed restrictions in the Gulf of Mexico. 

In July 2023, NOAA Fisheries initiated the process to designate critical habitat for the Rice's whale. However, there has been no further progress on this front. Some members of Congress are spearheading efforts to urge NOAA Fisheries to expedite action in safeguarding the oceanic habitat vital for the survival and recovery of the Rice's whales and we need your help!

Add your name to the petition below to urge Congress to take immediate action to protect Rice's whales!