FR Notice Initiation of a Status Review for the Rice’s Whale and Request for Information

The Prairie Hills Audubon Society, a volunteer-run nonprofit conservation organization, argues that the Rice’s whale should maintain its endangered status under the Endangered Species Act. They contend that the best available science confirms the species is critically small, genetically impoverished, and faces intensified threats from industrial activity and vessel strikes.

The Natural Resources Defense Council, representing a coalition of conservation organizations, supports the status review of the Rice’s whale while urging the agency to use the best available scientific data to maintain protections. They provide specific evidence on population size, demographics, and taxonomic distinctions to support the whale's status as a distinct, critically endangered species.

Cecily Majerus, CEO of The Marine Mammal Center, opposes the initiation of a status review for the Rice’s whale. She argues that the scientific classification of the Rice’s whale as a distinct species is well-supported by rigorous genetic, geographic, and morphological evidence.

Kyla Bennett, representing Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, argues that the Rice’s whale (Balaenoptera ricei) is a distinct species that must remain listed as Endangered under the ESA. The commenter provides scientific evidence of its genetic distinctness and warns against any reduction in protections.

The Louisiana Wildlife Federation and the National Wildlife Federation argue that the Rice's whale is a distinct biological species that remains in grave danger of extinction. They urge the NMFS to maintain the species' endangered status under the Endangered Species Act, citing peer-reviewed genetic and morphological evidence and the ongoing threats to its small population.

The commenter argues that the Rice's whale must maintain its endangered status and receive strengthened protections due to critical population numbers and threats from oil pollution, acoustic disruption, and vessel strikes. They urge the agency to enforce stricter regulations on the offshore energy sector and commercial shipping to prevent the species' extinction.

Aidan Bodeo-Lomicky, writing on behalf of the nonprofit Animal Counsel, urges the NMFS to reaffirm the Rice’s whale's endangered status. The commenter argues that current scientific data shows the species remains critically endangered due to small population size, habitat threats, and industrial noise, and that there is no basis for downlisting or delisting.

Lynda Heideman argues that the Rice’s whale is a unique, critically endangered species that requires continued and strengthened protections under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). She opposes the removal of protections for the species, citing threats from oil and gas development, vessel strikes, noise, and prey loss.

Michael D. Massimi, writing in his capacity as the Invasive Species and Marine Programs Coordinator for the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program (BTNEP), strongly advocates for maintaining the "Endangered" status for the Rice's whale. He argues that the species is on the brink of extinction due to its small population and industrial pressures in the Gulf, and that strict ESA protections are necessary to ensure its survival.

The commenter argues that the Rice's whale is a distinct, unique species and urges the Secretary to maintain its status as Endangered. They cite scientific research on the whale's unique genetics, behavior, and diet, while highlighting threats such as climate change, ship strikes, and oil and gas development.