Issuance of Marine Mammal Protection Act Scientific Research Permit to Mystic Aquarium for the Importation and Take of Captive Beluga Whales (Delphinapterus leucas)

Updated: This EA evaluates the potential effects of NMFS’ proposed action and alternatives for consideration of whether to issue a permit to Mystic Aquarium to import five captive born beluga whales from Marineland of Canada Inc., to Mystic Aquarium for conducting scientific research.
Previous: This EA evaluates impacts of three Action alternatives on the human environment including the No Action alternative (Alternative 1, permit denial), permit issuance with prohibited breeding and special conditions (Alternative 2, preferred), and permit issuance as requested (Alternative 3). The EA also considers whether permit issuance would comply with applicable laws, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act and NMFS’ implementing regulations at 50 CFR Part 216. NMFS’ preferred alternative is Alternative 2, which is not likely to result in significant impacts on the human environment.