Notice2026-03474
Marine Mammals; File No. 28985
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
February 23, 2026
Issuing agencies
Commerce DepartmentNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Abstract
Notice is hereby given that Minnesota Zoological Gardens, 13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124 (Responsible Party: John Frawley), has applied in due form for an enhancement permit for one captive Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi).
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Page 8467]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-03474]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
[RTID 0648-XF551]
Marine Mammals; File No. 28985
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 Minnesota Zoological Gardens,
13000 Zoo Boulevard, Apple Valley, MN 55124 (Responsible Party: John
Frawley), has applied in due form for an enhancement permit for one
captive Hawaiian monk seal (Neomonachus schauinslandi).
DATES: Written comments must be received on or before March 25, 2026.
ADDRESSES: The application and related documents are available for
review by selecting ``Records Open for Public Comment'' from the
``Features'' box on the Applications and Permits for Protected Species
(APPS) home page, <a href="https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov">https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov</a>, and then selecting File
No. 28985 from the list of available applications. These documents are
also available upon written request via email to
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#bef0f3f8ed90eecc8ffdd1d3d3dbd0cacdfed0d1dfdf90d9d1c8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2c62616a7f027c5e1d6f4341414942585f6c42434d4d024b435a">[email protected]</span></a>.
Written comments on this application should be submitted via email
to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#e6a8aba0b5c8b694d7a5898b8b83889295a688898787c8818990"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fdb3b0bbaed3ad8fccbe9290909893898ebd93929c9cd39a928b">[email protected]</span></a>. Please include File No. 28985 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#1b55565d48354b692a587476767e756f685b75747a7a357c746d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="07494a41542957753644686a6a62697374476968666629606871">[email protected]</span></a>. The request
should set forth the specific reasons why a hearing on this application
would be appropriate.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jennifer Skidmore or Sara Young, (301)
427-8401.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The subject permit is requested under the
authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16
U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), the regulations governing the taking and
importing of marine mammals (50 CFR part 216), the Endangered Species
Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and the regulations
governing the taking, importing, and exporting of endangered and
threatened species (50 CFR parts 222-226).
The Minnesota Zoological Gardens proposes continued maintenance of
one non-releasable Hawaiian monk seal for enhancement purposes. This
animal would be provided with daily husbandry care and treatment for
current medical conditions, routine veterinary care, and would be made
available for opportunistic research. The zoo will continue public
awareness through education and observation, and non-intrusive
husbandry and medical studies conducted incidental to the routine care
and husbandry of the animals. The permit is requested for a 10-year
period.
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 18, 2026.
Shannon Bettridge,
Chief, Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Conservation Division, Office of
Protected Resources, National Marine Fisheries Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-03474 Filed 2-20-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-22-P
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