What: On May 5, 2026, the National Marine Fisheries Service announced an Endangered Species Act (ESA) status review for Rice’s Whale.
Why: Rice’s whale was initially listed in 2019 under the ESA as an endangered subspecies of the Bryde’s whale. Under the ESA, a status review is conducted at least once every five years to ensure that the listing classification of a species is accurate. A status review can determine whether a species should:
- Be removed from the list of endangered and threatened species (delisted)
- Be changed in status from an endangered species to a threatened species (downlisted)
- Remain listed
To ensure that the status review is based on the best scientific and commercial data available, the NMFS is soliciting new information on:
- Species biology including, but not limited to, population trends, distribution, abundance, demographics, and genetics
- Habitat conditions include, but are not limited to, amount, distribution, and suitability
- Conservation measures that have been implemented that benefit the species
- Status and trends of threats
- Other new data regarding Rice’s whales that have become available since December 2016
If you are a small business that is impacted by Rice’s Whale or the critical habitat for Rice’s Whale, contact the Office of Advocacy.
Action: Read the Federal Register notice and submit comments before the July 6, 2026, deadline.
Is your small business or entity being impacted by a proposed rule? If yes, write a comment letter to the proposing agency.