Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act by getting to know some of the threatened and endangered species found in the waters of the southeastern United States.
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act by getting to know some of the threatened and endangered species found in the waters of the southeastern United States.
In 1973, with wide bipartisan support, Congress passed and the president signed the Endangered Species Act, one of the most powerful conservation laws in history. This landmark legislation is an effective tool for conserving species and their habitats. Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Act by learning about some of the listed species in the Southeast region.
Rice’s Whale
The Rice’s whale, originally listed as the Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s whale Distinct Population Segment, is listed as endangered. Although researchers have known about these whales for years, they were recognized as a unique species just 2 years ago. The Rice’s whale is one of the most endangered whales in the world. Its population size is estimated to be fewer than 100 animals. The Rice’s whale is the only baleen whale known to reside in the Gulf of Mexico year-round.
With partners, we began a multi-year study in 2018 and 2019. We collected data on the physical, oceanographic, and biological features that may influence Rice’s whale distribution. There is still a lot to learn. Recovery of the species depends on the protection of each remaining whale from threats such as vessel strikes, ocean debris, and entanglement in fishing gear. We developed a recovery outline to provide a preliminary strategy for conservation of the Rice’s whale.
Read more at NOAA Fisheries
Image: A leatherback sea turtle swimming at the ocean surface. (Credit: NOAA Fisheries)
