About Rice’s Whales
( Balaenoptera ricei )
The Rice’s whale (Balaenoptera ricei) is a recently described species of baleen whale found exclusively in the Gulf of Mexico. Sleek and streamlined, these whales have a dark grey upper body contrasted by a pale to pink underside. One of their most distinctive features is the trio of parallel ridges running along their rostrum. Adult Rice’s whales can reach lengths of up to 41.5 feet and weigh between 13.87 and 27.2 metric tons (30,578–59,965 lbs.).
Historical accounts suggest that these whales were likely first observed by American whalers operating in the Gulf during the 1780s. Scientifically, however, the species’ story began in the 1960s when marine biologist Dale Rice documented them—though he initially identified them as a population of the closely related Bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera brydei). A genetic study in 2014 confirmed that the Gulf whales represented a unique lineage, but they were still classified as a subspecies of Bryde’s whale at that time. Finally, in 2021, new genetic evidence confirmed that these whales constitute a completely distinct species. Rice’s whales are now recognized as the only baleen whale species that inhabits the Gulf of Mexico year-round.
At the time of this writing, their known range includes the U.S.-controlled portions of the Gulf, though they show a strong preference for deepwater habitat—particularly undersea canyons at depths of 100–400 meters (330–1,300 feet).
Habitat of Rice’s Whales
( Balaenoptera ricei )
At the time of this writing, their known range includes the U.S.-controlled portions of the Gulf, though they show a strong preference for deepwater habitat—particularly undersea canyons at depths of 100–400 meters (330–1,300 feet).
How you can help!
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To those living in the coastal regions of the U.S. States of Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas, If you see any plastic pollution, oil pollution (including oil sludge) and/or fishing gear on the beach, shoreline, or in the water….photograph it if you can and DISPOSE OF IT AND/OR DESTROY IT FAR FROM THE WATER IMMEDIATELY (photographing the fishing gear to see if it’s owner can be identified and then be held legally accountable). Your actions might save a Rice’s whale’s life.
To everyone, refrain from buying any oil and gas products derived from oil and gas harvested by from oil and gas facilities operating in the Gulf of Mexico (especially those operating in the proposed the critical habitat of the Rice’s whales). Also, refuse to buy any aquatic creatures and/or aquatic creature derived products caught by commercial fishermen operating in the proposed the critical habitat of the Rice’s whales in the Gulf of Mexico.
If you see a stranded Rice’s whale in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas, pour water on its skin to keep the animal moist except it’s blowhole, call 911, and/or the following:
- For Florida: FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline (888-404-FWCC (3922)), dial *FWC or #FWC on a cellphone.
For Texas: Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) at 1-800-9MAMMAL (1-800-962-6625).
For Florida and everywhere else: NOAA Fisheries Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at 877-942-5343 and (if unavailable) 251-207-1303, Coastal Wildlife Network at 504-235-3005.
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GULF GUARDIANS
Key References:
Rosel, P. E., & Wilcox, L. A. (2014). Genetic evidence reveals a unique lineage of Bryde’s whales in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Endangered Species Research, 25, 19–34. https://doi.org/10.3354/esr00606
Rosel, P. E., Wilcox, L. A., Yamada, T. K., & Mullin, K. D. (2021). A new species of baleen whale (Balaenoptera) from the Gulf of Mexico, with a review of its geographic distribution. Marine Mammal Science, 37(2), 577–610. https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.12776
Additionally Resources:
Photo credit:
Rice’s whale,”Ms. Clean” showing a clear view of the dorsal fin. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #21938)