NOAA Checks Up on Rare Rice's Whale Endangered Status
Published Date: 5/5/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is kicking off a fresh checkup on the Rice's whale to see if it still needs protection as an endangered species or if its status should change. They want anyone with new info about these rare whales to share it by July 6, 2026. This review helps make sure the Rice's whale gets the right kind of care and attention to keep it safe in the wild.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
NOAA Starts Rice's Whale Review
NOAA (NMFS) has begun a status review of the Rice's whale under the Endangered Species Act and is requesting any scientific or commercial information that has become available since December 2016. Submit information electronically at https://www.regulations.gov (docket NOAA-NMFS-2026-1222) so it is received no later than July 6, 2026. After the review NMFS may recommend delisting, downlisting, or uplisting the species, but any recommended change would require a separate rulemaking and the final determination will be posted on the NMFS website.
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