[Federal Register Volume 66, Number 137 (Tuesday, July 17, 2001)]
[Notices]
[Pages 37245-37246]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 01-17854]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION


Notice of Permit Applications Received Under the Antarctic 
Conservation Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95-541)

AGENCY: National Science Foundation.

ACTION: Notice of permit applications received under the Antarctic 
Conservation Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95-541.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is required to publish 
notice of permit applications received to conduct activities regulated 
under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978. NSF has published 
regulations under the Antarctic Conservation Act at Title 45 Part 670 
of the Code of Federal Regulations. This is the required notice of 
permit applications received.

DATES: Interested parties are invited to submit written data, comments, 
or views with respect to this permit application by August 16, 2001. 
Permit applications may be inspected by interested parties at the 
Permit Office, address below.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be addressed to Permit Office, Room 755, 
Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson 
Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Nadene G. Kennedy at the above address 
or (703) 292-7405.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The National Science Foundation, as directed 
by the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95-541), has 
developed regulations that implement the ``Agreed Measures, developed 
by the

[[Page 37246]]

Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties, recommended establishment of a 
permit system for various activities in Antarctica and designation of 
certain animals and certain geographic areas a requiring special 
protection. The regulations establish such a permit system to designate 
Specially Protected Areas and Sites of Special Scientific Interest.''
    The applications received are as follows: 1. Applicant, Permit 
Application No. 2002-001, Jerry, Mullins, U.S. Geological Survey, MS-
521, Reston, VA 20192.

Activity for Which Permit is Requested

    Enter Antarctic Specially Protected Area. The McMurdo Dry Valleys 
are a primary site for calibration and validation of NASA's ICESat 
satellite data, set for launch in the coming year. The applicant plans 
to use a scanning laser altimeter from a Twin Otter to measure very 
precisely the surface elevation and topography of the valleys within 
the 70-meter footprint of the laser. Due to the relatively confined 
region of the Dry Valleys, it is necessary to survey all of the ice-
free portions for the satellite calibration data set, including the 
Barwick Valley (ASPA #123). For optimal data, the survey will require 
that flights be conducted over the region at a minimum altitude of 1500 
feet above ground level. All ground support activities will be provide 
this data set, without new aerial photography and intensive ground-
based activities in the Valley.
Location
ASPA 123--Barwick Valley, Victoria Land, and other McMurdo Dry Valleys
Dates
December 1, 2001 to February 20, 2003

    2. Applicant, Permit Application No. 2002-002, Robert L. Pitman, 
Southwest Fisheries Science Center, NOAA/NMFS, 8604 La Jolla Shores 
Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037.

Activity for Which Permit is Requested

    Take and Import into the U.S. The applicant proposes to collect 
biopsy samples (tiny bits of skin) from up to 50 Killer whales (Orcinus 
orca) in the Ross Sea to determine the status of the resident stock. 
Killer whales were described as a separate species years ago but 
molecular genetic analysis is needed to confirm or deny the allegation. 
Samples will be returned to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center DNA 
tissue bank.
Location
Ross Sea, Antarctica
Dates
December 20, 2001 to March 31, 2003

    3. Applicant, Permit Application No. 2002-003, Randall Davis, 
Department of Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, 5007 Avenue U, 
Galveston, TX 77551

Activity for Which Permit is Requested

    Take and Import into the U.S. The applicant proposes to enter White 
Island (ASPA #137) to conduct a census and assess Weddell seal 
abundance, distribution and habitat. Access to the site for one day 
will be by helicopter or surface vehicle.
Location
Northwest White Island, McMurdo Sound--ASPA #137
Dates
October 1, 2001 to December 20, 2001

Nadene G. Kennedy,
Permit Officer, Office of Polar Programs.
[FR Doc. 01-17854 Filed 7-10-01; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-M