It is difficult to evaluate the population size of species like M. carlhubbsi, because they occur far from shore, and because they are not very conspicuous animals. Although they are sighted infrequently, as are most members of the genus, it is difficult to tell whether the low incidence of sightings is due to rarity of animals, or is simply an artifact of their unobtrusive behavior in a remote habitat.

However, all species of Cetacea are listed by CITES as being on Appendix II unless listed on Appendix I. This places all Mesoplodon species on Appendix II.

US Federal List: no special status

CITES: appendix ii

IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: data deficient