Summary
Rice's whales, a very rare species, live only in the Gulf of Mexico. President Trump's administration plans to increase oil and gas drilling there, which scientists worry could harm these whales and other endangered animals.
Key Facts
- Rice's whales are among the world's rarest, with fewer than 100 left in the Gulf of Mexico.
- This whale species was recognized as distinct in 2021.
- They live in a specific area of the northeastern Gulf, in waters 100 to 400 meters deep.
- President Trump's administration seeks to exempt drilling from laws meant to protect endangered species.
- The Endangered Species Committee approved a request for this exemption citing national security.
- Oil and gas drilling could threaten whales with pollution and noise, affecting their food and habitat.
- Other Gulf species, like manatees and sea turtles, could also be at risk from increased drilling activities.
- Rice's whales may have been affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
