Rally for Gulf Wildlife in Summer 2026

Over the last 50 years, the Endangered Species Act (ESA) has protected more than 20 species living in the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf sturgeon, Nassau grouper, oceanic white-tip sharks, and smalltooth sawfish still swim in the Gulf of Mexico today because of the ESA. These species, and more, need us to use our voices to defend marine life and protect Gulf ecosystems.

Unfortunately, on March 31, 2026, a government committee met and decided that the potential extinction of these 20 Gulf species is a fair price to pay to expand the offshore oil and gas industry. Meanwhile, hundreds of this year’s sea turtle hatchlings have run the perilous race from eggshell to waters edge only to swim out into the Gulf where they are not protected in the face of industry.

ESA protections exist for species like rough cactus corals, that don’t have the ability to relocate when their habitat becomes harmful or unsafe for them; for species like Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles and loggerhead turtles who come to the Gulf to lay their eggs in our sandy shores; for species like the 51 Rice’s whales and 1,600 sperm whales who live only in the Gulf of Mexico; and for manatees and queen conchs who need suitable habitat for them to grow up and become icons of the Gulf of Mexico itself.

Removing ESA protections for these species is condemning these species to potential extinction. And if this decision stands, it won’t stop in the Gulf. It will open the door to overturning protections for nature anywhere.

We can’t let that happen. Join us to stand up for the ocean’s marine life and demand Congress pass the Protect Gulf Life Act and use every oversight tool available to restore Endangered Species Act protections from offshore drilling for Gulf species.