[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]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P