Notice of Permit Modification Received Under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978

• Published date: 22 October 2021
• Citation: 86 FR 58698
• Record Number: 2021-22206
• Section: Notices
• Court: National Science Foundation

Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 202 (Friday, October 22, 2021)

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 202 (Friday, October 22, 2021)]
                [Notices]
                [Page 58698]
                From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
                [FR Doc No: 2021-22206]
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                NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
                Notice of Permit Modification Received Under the Antarctic
                Conservation Act of 1978
                AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
                ACTION: Notice of permit modification request received and permit
                issued.
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                SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is required to publish a
                notice of requests to modify permits issued to conduct activities
                regulated under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978. NSF has
                published regulations under the Antarctic Conservation Act in the Code
                of Federal Regulations. This is the required notice of a requested
                permit modification issued.
                DATES: November 2, 2017-March 30, 2020.
                FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Polly Penhale, ACA Permit Officer,
                Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower
                Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-292-7420; email: [email protected].
                SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Science Foundation (NSF), as
                directed by the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95-541, 45
                CFR 671), as amended by the Antarctic Science, Tourism and Conservation
                Act of 1996, has developed regulations for the establishment of a
                permit system for various activities in Antarctica and designation of
                certain animals and certain geographic areas as requiring special
                protection.
                Description of Permit Modification Requested
                 The Foundation issued a permit (ACA 2018-015) to Polar Latitudes
                Inc. on November 2, 2017. The issued permit allows the applicant to
                conduct waste management activities associated with coastal camping and
                operating remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) In the Antarctic
                Peninsula region. Coastal overnight camping of no more than 30 campers
                and two expedition staff for a maximum of 10 hours ashore. Camping must
                be away from vegetated sites and at least 150 meters from wildlife
                concentrations or lakes, protected areas, historical sites, and
                scientific stations. The permit holder engages experienced pilots to
                fly small, battery-operated, remotely controlled quadcopter equipped
                with cameras to capture aerial footage for commercial and educational
                uses. The permit expires March 30, 2022. On September 4, 2018, Polar
                Latitudes provided NSF an update based on activities planned for the
                2018-2019 field season. The activities were the same or similar as
                those detailed in the original permit. Hayley Shephard now holds the
                position of Director of Expedition Operations. On February 25, 2019,
                NSF issued a modification to allow waste management activities
                associated with whale tagging research aboard the MS ISLAND SKY, as
                part of an expedition within an expedition. On August 30, 2019, Polar
                Latitudes provided NSF with a permit modification request for
                activities planned for the 2019-2020 field season. The activities were
                the same or similar as those detailed in the original permit and
                previous modifications. On October 14, 2019, Polar Latitudes provided
                NSF an update on the support of whale tagging activities this season
                aboard the MC HEBREDIAN SKY in March 2020. On August 22, 2021, Polar
                Latitudes provided NSF with an update based on activities planned for
                the 2021-2022 field season which included slight changes in operation.
                For the 2021-2022 season, Polar Latitudes plans to operate the MS
                SEAVENTURE, which will carry 149 passengers and 15-20 expedition staff.
                Polar Latitudes requested that the number of individuals permitted for
                coastal camping activities be increased from 30 participants to 40
                participants and four expedition guides, with increased equipment
                brought onshore to support a larger group. Polar Latitudes also updated
                their UAS policies, which are still in accordance with standards put
                forth by IATTO and the ATCM. The Environmental Officer has reviewed the
                modification request and has determined that the amendment is not a
                material change to the permit, and it will have a less than a minor or
                transitory impact.
                 The permit modification was issued on October 5, 2021.
                Erika N. Davis,
                Program Specialist, Office of Polar Programs.
                [FR Doc. 2021-22206 Filed 10-21-21; 8:45 am]
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