What Whales Are Endangered? 12 Species at Risk and How We Can Save Them 

Whales have roamed our oceans for millions of years. Today, some of the largest animals on Earth are fighting for survival. 

If you’re wondering what whales are endangered, the answer is alarming: multiple species — from the massive blue whale to the rare Rice’s whale — are at risk of extinction due to human activity. 

The good news? We still have time to act. 

List of Endangered Whales 

Here are some of the most endangered whale species in the world, based on global conservation assessments: 

Critically Endangered Whales 

These species face an extremely high risk of extinction: 

• North Atlantic right whale: Fewer than 350 remain 
• Eastern population of North Pacific right whale: Fewer than 50 remain  
• Rice’s whale: One of the rarest whales on Earth, found only in the Gulf of Mexico 
• Southern Resident orcas: Found only in the Pacific Northwest, there are only 74 of these orcas left 

Endangered Whales 

These whales are at serious risk of extinction: 

• Blue whale: The largest animal ever to live on Earth 
• Fin whale: The second-largest whale species 
• Sei whale: Fast-moving and heavily impacted by past whaling 
• Sperm whale: Known for deep diving and complex communication 

Vulnerable and At-Risk Whale Populations 

Some whales are recovering but still face major threats: 

• Gray whale: Certain populations are declining 
• Humpback whale: A conservation success story, but not fully safe 

Why Are Whales Endangered? 

Whales today face a combination of threats, many caused by industrial activity and climate change. 

Ship Strikes 

Commercial shipping routes overlap with whale habitats, leading to deadly collisions. Ship strikes are a leading cause of death for gray, blue, fin, and humpback whales off the coast of California. One study estimated that roughly 80 whales are killed by ship strikes off the West Coast each year — and the number of ship strikes could be 20 times higher than what’s observed since most dead whales sink. 

Ocean Noise Pollution 

Fossil fuel companies blast seismic airguns to search for oil and gas — and the noise from the blasts can disturb, injure, or kill marine mammals. The deafening blasts can be blasted every ten seconds for 24 hours a day and can cause hearing loss, disrupt normal behaviors like mating and feeding, and lead to habitat abandonment. 

Offshore Drilling and Oil Spills 

Oil and gas exploration puts whale habitats at risk through seismic blasting, spills, and long-term ecosystem damage. The Deepwater Horizon spill wiped out more than one-fifth of all Rice’s whales — yet fossil fuel companies keep trying to drill in the Gulf of Mexico. Friends of the Earth is actively campaigning and filing lawsuits to stop new offshore drilling projects that threaten marine life and violate endangered species protections. 

Overfishing 

Industrial overfishing is depleting food sources for whales at alarming rates. Southern Resident orcas’ primary food source is the Chinook salmon which is being depleted by overfishing due to catch limits being set too high and a lack of regulation from the National Marine Fisheries Service. Bycatch and dams also contribute to Chinook salmon depletion. 

Fishing Gear Entanglement 

Whales can become trapped in fishing lines and nets, often suffering long, painful deaths or severe injuries. 

Climate Change 

Climate change is one of the biggest threats to whales. Warming oceans disrupt the availability of krill and other prey, forcing whales to travel farther and making survival more difficult — especially for already endangered populations. 

Why Whales Matter for the Planet 

Whales aren’t just beautiful — they’re essential to a healthy planet. 

• They fight climate change by storing carbon in their bodies 
• They fertilize the ocean, supporting plankton growth 
• They help stabilize marine ecosystems 

When whales thrive, oceans thrive, and so do we. 

How You Can Help Save Endangered Whales 

Protecting whales requires bold action — and people like you. 

Here’s how you can make a difference: 

1. Support Ocean Protection Policies: Advocate for stronger protections against offshore drilling and industrial fishing. 
2. Push for Safer Shipping Practices: Support measures like speed limits and route changes to reduce ship strikes. 
3. Support Our Legal Work: Help us continue to win legal victories to support these endangered species. 
4. Take Action with Friends of the Earth: Join our campaigns to protect oceans, stop fossil fuel expansion, and defend endangered wildlife. 

The Bottom Line 

Whales are telling us something is wrong with our oceans. 

From climate change to offshore drilling, the threats they face are human-made — and that means we have the power to change course. 

At Friends of the Earth, we’re fighting for a future where whales — and our oceans — can thrive.