SeaWorld Permit Application for the Import of a Pacific White-sided Dolphin
Overview
Authority
Marine Mammal Protection Act
Action Status
Notice
Published
03/12/2020
Affected Species
Summary
The National Marine Fisheries Service has issued a permit to SeaWorld, LLC. (Responsible Party: Christopher Dold, DVM), 9205 Southpark Center Loop, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida, 32819 to import one stranded, non-releasable (captive) adult female Pacific white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obliquidens) from Vancouver Aquarium (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada) for public display purposes at SeaWorld of Texas (San Antonio, Texas). The permit expires on September 15, 2023, or upon importation of the dolphin, whichever occurs first. The permit authorizes the importation only, which may occur over the 3-year duration of the permit. Once the dolphin is transported to SeaWorld of Texas, a permit is not required for its holding under public display.
The issued permit and relevant documents are provided below under Supporting Materials.
The 30-day public comment period ended on April 13, 2020. Public comments may be viewed via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal.
Federal Register
Supporting Materials
- Cover Letter and Permit No. 22382 (PDF, 9 pages)
- Recommendation Memo for Permit No. 22382 (PDF, 5 pages)
- Permit Application File No. 22382 (PDF, 10 pages)
- 01 2018 Ocean Discovery Educational Script (PDF, 5 pages)
- 02 USDA License (PDF, 1 page)
- 02 Addendum: Updated USDA License (PDF, 1 page)
- 03 Japan Fisheries Agency Letter (PDF, 2 pages)
- 04 Vancouver Aquarium (Ocean Wise) Assurance (PDF, 2 pages)
- 05 Transport Information (PDF, 2 pages)
- 06 Personnel Table and CI Experience (PDF, 2 pages)
- 07 Facility Details (PDF, 2 pages)
- 08 Nollens Veterinary Statement (PDF, 1 page)
- 08 Addendum: Updated Veterinary Statement - Robeck (PDF, 1 page)
- 09 References (PDF, 2 pages)