Researchers have long known that a group of whales inhabited this corner of the Gulf of Mexico. Drs. Patricia Rosel and Keith Mullen began studying this species baleen whale in the 90's. Significantly, their subject did not mingle with other Bryde's whales, and their feeding habits were different. Bryde's are found all over the planet, whereas these whales tend to stay at home in the Gulf. Because they look very similar, their distinctiveness was unconfirmed by genetic analysis. Prompted by signs of uniqueness, NOAA scientists began collecting tissue samples in 2000, eventually obtaining samples from 36 individuals. In January 2019, an eleven meter specimen washed ashore on an Everglade key. Examination of the skull revealed differences in structure from both Bryde's and Eden's whales, another close relative. Although some in the taxonomic community might want more genetic evidence of a new species, enough evidence exists already to warrant the designation according to researchers involved in the study.
Rice's whales have been protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Act since they were listed as a unique population of Bryde's whale in 2019. Living in the Gulf of Mexico, these whales face threats from oil spills, ship strikes, ocean noise and entanglement in fishing gear. It is unknown whether the massive deep water oil spill by the Deepwater Horizon platform affected the population. The species is also subject to ship strikes since it has an unfortunate habit of sleeping at night just under the surface. Ships would have a difficult time seeing the sleeping giants in time to avoid a collision.