What is it?  

In 2019, an unidentifiable whale was found beached in the Everglades and genetically analyzed. Originally identified as a subspecies of Bryde’s whales, research revealed the whale as its own species in 2021, named after Dale W. Rice, the first scientist to publish evidence of them in the Gulf 54 years prior. The Rice’s whale (Balaenoptera ricei) population is made up of about 51 whales, making it one of the rarest marine mammals in the world. These species are predicted to solely reside along the Gulf year-round.  

Rice’s whales are identifiable by the three prominent ridges in front of their blowhole, their sleek bodies, pointed pectoral fins, pale to pink bellies, and heads which make up a quarter of their body. To catch their prey of schooling fish, Rice’s whales gulp large amounts of water which they push against their baleen plates (the bristle-like structures made of keratin) to trap prey and strain out water. As they breathe air, they spend much of their time near the water’s surface, including at night where they stay within a 50-foot range, making them more vulnerable to boat strikes. Little is known about their lifespan, behavior, and reproductive adaptations.  

Why it matters.

Rice's whale injured from likely vessel strike
Whale sighted in 2019 with deformed spine likely from vessel strike. Photo courtesy of NOAA

Due to their rarity and lack of research on the species, the Rice’s whale is classified as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. A vessel speed limit of 10-knots was also issued in potential critical whale habitat after their resting patterns at night were discovered. The Deepwater Horizon oil spillsignificantly impacted the Rice’s whale,  with scientists estimating that nearly half of their habitat was impacted, leading to a significant decline of up to 22% of the species’ population. Other human activities which put this species at risk include ingestion or entanglement of marine debris and plastics, and noise pollution.  

What you can do!

To help protect and support Rice’s whale populations in the Florida Gulf, consider the following actions: 

  • Report whale sightings: Reporting whale sightings to NOAA can help researchers gather more information on this rare species. You can also report violations to fisheries enforcement. If whales are spotted in distress on shore or near the surface, reporting is important so scientists and professional responders can take the appropriate actions. 
  • Keep your distance: If spotted, keeping your distance of at least 100 yards prevents vessel collisions and disruption of whale behavior.  
  • Reuse, reduce, recycle: Adopt this principle to help minimize plastic waste which can reach our oceans and impact species like the Rice’s whale. 
  • Obey posted signs, boat speed limits, and viewing guidelines when encountering whales.  
  • Stay informed about Rice’s whale policy and management decisions. 

By taking even one of these steps, you can contribute to the conservation of Rice’s whale and support the overall health of the Florida Gulf ecosystem!  

Information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), UF IFAS, the Smithsonian, National Archives, and the Marine Mammal Commission. Images from NOAA.