Scientists discovered a new whale - now they fear it may go extinct
Brady Dennis and Dino Grandoni
04:25, Oct 14 2022
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Rice's Whale, also known as the Gulf of Mexico whale, can grow up to the weight of a firetruck. They are endangered by oil and gas exploration activities.
Early last year, researchers with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration detailed a rare finding: After years of study, they had identified a new species of whale that has been seen only in the Gulf of Mexico.
Known as Rice's whale or the Gulf of Mexico whale, the animal can grow to 42 feet (about 13m) long and up to 60,000 pounds (about 27,215kg) - about the weight of a firetruck. Scientists long thought these were Bryde's whales, which are found in oceans around the world. But only in recent years did they confirm that the Gulf of Mexico whales are structurally and genetically distinct.
The newly designated whales also are at risk of extinction; the entire species has only about 50 known individuals, according to NOAA.
On Thursday, more than 100 marine scientists signed a lengthy open letter to the Biden administration, pleading for a range of additional protections for what they called "one of the most endangered marine mammal species" on the planet.
"Some of us have been trying to raise the profile of this whale for many years now," said Peter Corkeron, a senior scientist and whale researcher at the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium.
More:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/world/300712118/scientists-discovered-a-new-whale--now-they-fear-it-may-go-extinct
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Corporations should have to find solutions to the polluting and harm they cause. 
