"Imperiled Gulf of Mexico Whales Eyed for Federal Protection"

"The only resident group of whales in the Gulf of Mexico, a population numbering fewer than 50 animals off the Florida panhandle, has moved one step closer to possible federal protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

The National Marine Fisheries Service said on Monday there is sufficient scientific evidence to consider granting protected status to the Byrde's (pronounced BROO-dus) whales, which environmentalists say are threatened by ship traffic and energy exploration in the Gulf.

The Marine Fisheries Service, an agency of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, made its finding in response to a petition filed in September by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)."

Steve Gorman reports for Reuters April 6, 2015.