Notice2026-02595

Marine Mammals; File No. 29471

Primary source

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Published
February 10, 2026

Issuing agencies

Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Abstract

Notice is hereby given that the Fort Wayne Zoo, 3411 Sherman Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46808 (Responsible Party: Rick Schuiteman), has applied in due form for a permit to import one California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) from the West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to the Fort Wayne Zoo for public display.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 27 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 27 (Tuesday, February 10, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Page 5928]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-02595]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

[RTID 0648-XF419]


Marine Mammals; File No. 29471

AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and 
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Commerce.

ACTION: Notice; receipt of application.

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SUMMARY: Notice is hereby given that the Fort Wayne Zoo, 3411 Sherman 
Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46808 (Responsible Party: Rick Schuiteman), has 
applied in due form for a permit to import one California sea lion 
(Zalophus californianus) from the West Edmonton Mall, Edmonton, 
Alberta, Canada, to the Fort Wayne Zoo for public display.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before March 12, 2026.

ADDRESSES: The application documents are available upon written request 
via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#703e3d36235e200241331f1d1d151e0403301e1f11115e171f06"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3b75767d68156b490a785456565e554f487b55545a5a155c544d">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>.
    Written comments on this application should be submitted via email 
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#733d3e35205d230142301c1e1e161d0700331d1c12125d141c05"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f8b6b5beabd6a88ac9bb9795959d968c8bb896979999d69f978e">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>. Please include File No. 29471 in the 
subject line of the email comment.
    Those individuals requesting a public hearing should submit a 
written request via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#420c0f04116c123073012d2f2f272c3631022c2d23236c252d34"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="eca2a1aabfc2bc9eddaf8381818982989fac82838d8dc28b839a">[email&#160;protected]</span></a>. The request 
should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application 
would be appropriate.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Courtney Smith, Ph.D., or Jennifer 
Skidmore (301) 427-8401.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the 
authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended 
(MMPA; 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the regulations governing the taking 
and importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216).
    The applicant is proposing to import one adult female California 
sea lion from the West Edmonton Mall to the Fort Wayne Zoo for public 
display purposes. The subject sea lion (Local ID 10214/``Quinty,'' aged 
18 years), was captive-born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and has resided 
at the West Edmonton Mall since 2008. This acquisition is a 
recommendation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and will 
enhance the social grouping needs at Fort Wayne Zoo. The applicant has 
requested that any issued permit be valid through May 31, 2027.
    In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
(42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), an initial determination has been made that 
the activity proposed is categorically excluded from the requirement to 
prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement.
    Concurrent with the publication of this notice in the Federal 
Register, NMFS is forwarding copies of the application to the Marine 
Mammal Commission and its Committee of Scientific Advisors.

    Dated: February 5, 2026.
Shannon Bettridge,
Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of 
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-02595 Filed 2-9-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P


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Indexed from Federal Register on February 10, 2026.

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