Dear John,

One of the most critically endangered whales in the world needs your help.

The Rice's whale, also known as the Gulf of Mexico whale, is teetering on the edge of extinction. Scientists approximate that fewer than 100 of these whales remain.1

Recovery of this awesome and unique species depends upon the survival of every single Rice's whale. That's why we're calling on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to implement safeguards for the Rice's whale in the Gulf of Mexico. Will you join us, John?

Sign onto our petition to NOAA in support of protections for the Rice's whale.

The decline of the Rice's whale is devastating. These magnificent mammals were only recently confirmed to be a distinct species of whale. They are incredibly rare and only live in the Gulf of Mexico, but the whales are facing threats that make it harder to save them.2

One of the leading harms to Rice's whales are vessel strikes. Speeding boats can injure and even kill Rice's whales. In addition, boating and shipping traffic cause noise and water pollution, which degrade Rice's whales' critical habitat.3

A way to reduce these deadly boat strikes is to force boats to slow down around known Rice's whale habitat.

Currently, NOAA is accepting public input on a proposed strategy to protect the Rice's whale. NOAA is legally obligated to review and consider all comments in its decision-making process. By adding yours today, you'll help build the necessary public support to see the strongest possible protections enacted.

NOAA is only accepting public comments through July 6. Submit yours today.

Thank you for all you do,

Wendy Wendlandt
President

1. "Rice's whale," NOAA Fisheries, last accessed June 27, 2023.
2. Carolyn Cowan, "How the Rice's Whale Became a New Species," Smithsonian Magazine, February 18, 2021.
3. "Rice's whale," NOAA Fisheries, last accessed June 27, 2023.