Newfound whale species that lives exclusively in US waters may already be on the brink of extinction

“A recently discovered species of whale that lives in U.S. waters is already on the brink of extinction, according to an open letter signed by more than 100 marine scientists. The international group of researchers is calling for the Biden administration to take "significant action" to save the newfound species, which was only identified last year and currently has around 50 individuals remaining.

Rice's whale, also known as the Gulf of Mexico whale (Balaenoptera ricei), is a baleen whale endemic to the northeast region of the Gulf of Mexico, making it the only cetacean species that lives exclusively in U.S. waters. The species was previously misidentified as an isolated population of Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera brydei), which can be found across the globe. But in January 2021, a study published in the journal Marine Mammal Science analyzed an individual that washed up dead on a beach and found that Rice's whales are both morphologically and genetically distinct from Bryde's whales. The newfound species can grow up to 40 feet (12 meters) long and has one of the most complex vocal repertoires of all known whale species.

Researchers estimate that there are only 51 Rice's whales remaining. The tiny population is under threat from the oil and gas industry, as well as excessive boat traffic and abandoned fishing gear. The species is listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species, and is also protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act, as well as the Marine Mammal Protection Act.”

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