Rare Rice’s Whale at Centre of Dispute Over US Offshore Drilling Expansion

A proposed expansion of oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico under US President Donald Trump has drawn sharp concern from scientists and environmentalists, with the fate of one of the world’s rarest marine mammals—the Rice's whale—now at stake.

Endemic to the Gulf, the species is found nowhere else in the world. Researchers estimate that fewer than 100 individuals remain, with some suggesting the population may be as low as 50. First recognised as a distinct species in 2021, Rice’s whale primarily inhabits a narrow stretch of the northeastern Gulf, typically in waters between 100 and 400 metres deep.

A Species Living on the Edge

Scientists describe the whale as highly vulnerable due to its specialised habitat and feeding behaviour. It dives deep during the day in search of fatty prey—mainly silver-hued drift fish—and returns closer to the surface at night to rest. This pattern exposes it to multiple threats, including vessel strikes and underwater noise pollution.

According to marine experts, increased offshore drilling could significantly disrupt the whale’s feeding grounds. Industrial noise may interfere with its ability to locate prey, while climate change—driven in part by fossil fuel use—could alter the distribution of its food sources.

The species has already suffered major losses. A significant portion of its small population is believed to have been impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, highlighting its susceptibility to environmental disasters.

Wider Ecological Risks

The risks extend beyond a single species. Experts warn that expanded drilling activity could threaten a range of marine life in the Gulf, including endangered manatees, sea turtles, seabirds, and coral ecosystems. The interconnected nature of marine environments means disturbances in one area can have far-reaching consequences.

Policy Push and Legal Controversy

Amid rising global energy concerns, particularly linked to geopolitical tensions, the US administration is reportedly exploring exemptions from protections under endangered species laws. These laws typically prohibit harming or killing protected species, including Rice’s whale.

A key development is the involvement of the so-called “God Squad”—formally known as the Endangered Species Committee. This high-level federal body has the authority to grant exemptions allowing projects to proceed even if they risk driving species toward extinction.

Convened by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, the committee is expected to review a proposal to open approximately 1.27 billion acres of US federal waters for offshore drilling, including areas critical to the whale’s habitat.

A Rarely Used Power

Established in 1978, the committee has exercised its exemption powers only twice. One case involved a dam project affecting the habitat of the whooping crane, while another concerned logging in the habitat of the northern spotted owl—a decision later withdrawn following legal challenges.

Environmental groups fear that the current administration may seek to expand the scope of these exemptions, reducing oversight and enabling broader use of the mechanism for future projects.

Legal Challenges and What Lies Ahead

Environmental organisations, including the Center for Biological Diversity, have filed emergency legal petitions to block the committee’s proceedings, arguing that scientific safeguards and transparency requirements are being bypassed.

The committee is scheduled to meet on March 31, 2026, to decide whether to grant the proposed exemptions. The outcome could have far-reaching implications—not only for Rice’s whale but for the broader framework of environmental protections in the United States.

As one expert warned, if protections can be set aside in this case, it may set a precedent for similar actions elsewhere, raising concerns about the long-term security of endangered species worldwide.