Rice’s Whale Photo Gallery

Images of the endangered Rice’s whale taken and compiled by NOAA’s Southeast Fisheries Science Center and partners.

Endangered Species Conservation, Science & Data |

Southeast

Formerly known as Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s whale, Rice’s whale was designated as a new species of whale in 2021. The endangered Rice’s whale population has approximately 51 individuals.

Positive visual identification of a Rice’s whale in the Gulf of Mexico requires a good view of three ridges on the whale’s rostrum (dorsal head). This can be challenging to see based on the angle of view, animal behavior (whale swimming rapidly), and environmental conditions such as sea state and glare.

Help Keep Whales Safe

Harassing, harming, pursuing, wounding, killing, capturing, or collecting protected marine mammals is prohibited by the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. Observe marine animals from a safe and respectful distance and never approach or touch them. Observe whales from a distance of at least 100 yards—the length of a football field. Please report whale sightings to (877) WHALE HELP (877) 942-5343.

Learn more about research efforts regarding these rare whales

Photos were taken during scientific research under NOAA permits #779-1633, #14450, or #21938. If you use a photo, please include the permit number associated with it, which is found in the photo's caption, and credit NOAA Fisheries. For example: Credit: NOAA Fisheries (Permit #21938)

Rice’s whale photographed using an unmanned aircraft system. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Lisa Conger/ Beth Josephson (Permit ...

Rice’s whale at the surface showing the three ridges on its rostrum. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #14450)

A Surfacing Rice’s whale, note the ridges on its rostrum. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Errol Ronje (Permit #14450)

Rice’s whale in the foreground with the NOAA Ship Gordon Gunter. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #21938)

Rice’s whale plowing through the water’s surface. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Melody Baran (Permit #14450)

Rice’s whale at the surface. Credit: NOAA Fisheries (Permit #779-1633)

Rice’s whale blow in calm conditions in the Gulf of Mexico. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #14450)

Rice’s whale blow in the Gulf of Mexico. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #14450)

Rice’s whale at the surface in the Gulf of Mexico. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #14450)

Rice’s whale blow. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #21938)

Surfacing Rice’s whale showing a clear dorsal fin. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #21938)

Surfacing Rice’s whale. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #21938)

Surfacing Rice’s whale photographed slightly from behind. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #21938)

Rice’s whale at the surface. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #21938)

Rice’s whale,”Ms. Clean” showing a clear view of the dorsal fin. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #21938)

A known Rice’s whale, “Ms. Clean” in the photo catalog. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #21938)

Rice’s whale. Credit: NOAA Fisheries (Permit #779-1633)

Fin of a Rice’s whale. Credit: NOAA Fisheries (Permit #779-1633)

Rice’s whale, rostrum to dorsal fin. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Paula Olson (Permit #21938)

Rice’s whale with ridges on the rostrum visible. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #14450)

Rice’s whale blow. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #14450)

Three ridges on the rostrum (dorsal head) of this Rice’s whale. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #14450)

Rice’s whale at the surface after a blow. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #14450)

Rice’s whale at the surface. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Laura Dias (Permit #14450)

Last updated by Southeast Fisheries Science Center on 02/16/2024