A genetically distinct group of whales—possibly an entirely new species—has been discovered off the coast of Florida’s Panhandle region. About 50 of these whales are estimated to remain.
The whales' home, DeSoto Canyon, is adjacent to the canyon where the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill occurred. The whales don’t migrate from the Gulf, and have more in common genetically with Pacific Bryde’s whales than with their Atlantic cousin, according to the study.
“New oil and gas leases are slated for the eastern Gulf, encroaching further on their habitat and adding to the risk of future spills,” wrote Jasny. “With so few remaining, the loss of even one Bryde’s whale puts the entire population in jeopardy.”