Did you know that one of the rarest and most endangered whales on Earth lives right here in the Gulf — mostly just off the Florida coast? Join us for an evening exploring the incredible story of the Rice’s whale — a story of discovery, survival, and the challenges it continues to face, all unfolding in our own backyard.

Our speaker, Laura Engleby, brings decades of experience to the conversation. She recently retired from NOAA Fisheries (former Marine Mammal Branch Chief, Southeast Region) and now serves as Chair of the Rice’s Whale Collaborative Network Steering Committee. Laura has spent her career working to protect endangered marine mammals and has a unique perspective on what makes this species so important.

The Rice’s whale is a symbol of the Gulf’s changing history, having endured the BP disaster oil spill, powerful hurricanes, and centuries of environmental change. But this isn’t only a story about whales. It’s a story about the Gulf itself — a living system that supports fisheries, coastal communities, and a way of life that connects us all.

This event marks the kickoff of the 2026 Gulf Coast Whale Festival, which is Saturday March 7 from 9 am – 3 pm at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Snacks will be served and drinks are available for purchase.

More about Laura:

Laura Engleby is the former Chief of the Marine Mammal Branch at NOAA Fisheries Southeast Region, where she led conservation and recovery efforts for endangered Rice’s whales, North Atlantic right whales, and bottlenose dolphins. With nearly 40 years in the field, she continues to advance marine mammal science through research, restoration, and mentoring. She is currently the Chair of the Rice's Whale Collaborative Network.