80 FR 57237 - Notice of Permit Applications Received Under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95-541)

NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION

Federal Register Volume 80, Issue 183 (September 22, 2015)

Page Range		57237-57238
FR Document		2015-24004

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is required to publish a 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 671 of the Code of Federal Regulations. This is the required notice of permit applications received.

Federal Register, Volume 80 Issue 183 (Tuesday, September 22, 2015)

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 183 (Tuesday, September 22, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 57237-57238]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2015-24004]


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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), as amended by the Antarctic 
Science, Tourism and Conservation Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-227).

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SUMMARY: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is required to publish a 
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 671 
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 October 22, 2015. 
This application may be inspected by interested parties at the Permit 
Office, address below.

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Polly A. Penhale, Environmental 
Officer, at the above address or [email protected] or (703) 292-7149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:  The National Science Foundation, as 
directed by the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95-541), as 
amended by the Antarctic Science, Tourism and Conservation Act of 1996 
(Pub. L. 104-227), has developed regulations for the 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

[[Page 57238]]

system to designate Antarctic Specially Protected Areas.

Application Details

 Permit Application: 2016-011

1. Applicant: Stephanie Jenourvrier, Woods Hole Oceanographic 
Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02453.

    Activity for Which Permit is Requested: The applicant intends to 
collect a multi-scale and temporal baseline data set on the largest 
cluster of Adelie penguin breeding colonies in the Antarctic Peninsula 
(AP). The area near the Danger Islands in the Weddell Sea (eastern AP) 
may account for half of the total breeding population of Adelie 
penguins in the AP, yet these colonies are little known. Penguin 
population shifts have been documented in the western AP and this study 
will help reduce uncertainty for the eastern AP populations. Should the 
weather preclude reaching the site, alternative study sites have been 
identified.
    Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Filming: The applicant wishes to fly 
a small, battery operated, remotely-controlled quadrotor Unmanned 
Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in order to photograph penguin colonies as part of 
a multiscale spatial survey of penguin colonies. The primary flight 
mode for the vehicles will be automatic take off, landing, and waypoint 
using ground station software. The secondary/emergency mode is remote 
control operation of the UAV by a trained pilot on the ground. In both 
flight modes the quadcopter will always be flown within visible sight 
of the pilot and designated observers. Operations will only be 
conducted inside the 10m/s maximum wind speed estimate. The UAV will 
only be flown in visual meteorological conditions. Flights will be 
flown between 50 and 200 ft. above the colonies in keeping with 
previous experience by other researcher engaged in similar UAV-based 
surveys of wildlife in the Antarctic. A risk analysis and mitigation 
measures should reduce the risk of loss the UAV. The UAV pilots will be 
trained to the standard of ground school training provide for a private 
pilot's license and training on simulators and significant flight time 
with the UAVs will be conducted before deployment. The applicant is 
seeking a Waste Permit to cover any accidental releases that may result 
from flying a UAV.
    Remote Cameras: The applicant wishes to deploy a network of four 
solar-powered, satellite-linked remote cameras to examine penguin vital 
rates. The time-lapse cameras, specially designed for this application, 
have been field tested over the winter at other sites in the 
Antarctica. The cameras will be mounted on a scaffold pole supported by 
an aluminum tripod. No malfunctions or adverse effects were seen in 
previous deployments. The instruments also record air temperature. The 
cameras are intended to remain in situ and operate remotely for five 
seasons. The units are completely weatherproof and are powered by 
batteries that are charged via a solar cell.
    Dates: 1 December 2015 through 1 January 2016.

Nadene G. Kennedy,
Polar Coordination Specialist, Division of Polar Programs.
[FR Doc. 2015-24004 Filed 9-21-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7555-01-P

Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 183 / Tuesday, September 22, 2015 / Notices 57237

directed by the Antarctic Conservation Dates: 1 December 2015 through 30 modification request and has
Act of 1978 (Public Law 95–541), as June 2016. determined that the amendment is not
amended by the Antarctic Science, a material change to the permit, and it
Nadene G. Kennedy,
Tourism and Conservation Act of 1996, will have a less than a minor or
Polar Coordination Specialist, Division of transitory impact.
has developed regulations for the Polar Programs.
establishment of a permit system for The permit modification was issued on
[FR Doc. 2015–24005 Filed 9–21–15; 8:45 am]
various activities in Antarctica and September 16, 2015.
BILLING CODE 7555–01–P
designation of certain animals and Nadene G. Kennedy,
certain geographic areas a requiring Polar Coordination Specialist, Division of
special protection. The regulations NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION Polar Programs.
establish such a permit system to [FR Doc. 2015–24000 Filed 9–21–15; 8:45 am]
designate Antarctic Specially Protected Notice of Permit Modification Received BILLING CODE 7555–01–P
Areas. Under the Antarctic Conservation Act
of 1978
Application Details
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
Permit Application: 2015–012
ACTION: Notice of Permit Modification Notice of Permit Applications Received
1. Applicant: Dr. Stephanie Jenourvrier, Request Received and Permit Issued Under the Antarctic Conservation Act
Woods Hole Oceanographic under the Antarctic Conservation Act of of 1978 (Pub. L. 95–541)
Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02453. 1978, Public Law 95–541.
AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
Activity for Which Permit is SUMMARY: The National Science ACTION: Notice of Permit Applications
Requested: The applicant intends to Foundation (NSF) is required to publish Received under the Antarctic
collect a multi-scale and temporal a notice of requests to modify permits Conservation Act of 1978, (Pub. L. 95–
baseline data set on the largest cluster issued to conduct activities regulated 541), as amended by the Antarctic
of Adelie penguin breeding colonies in and permits issued under the Antarctic Science, Tourism and Conservation Act
the Antarctic Peninsula (AP). The area Conservation Act of 1978. NSF has of 1996 (Pub. L. 104–227).
near the Danger Islands in the Weddell published regulations under the
Sea (eastern AP) may account for half of Antarctic Conservation Act at Title 45 SUMMARY: The National Science
the total breeding population of Adelie Part 671 of the Code of Federal Foundation (NSF) is required to publish
penguins in the AP, yet these colonies Regulations. This is the required notice a notice of permit applications received
are little known. Penguin population of a requested permit modification and to conduct activities regulated under the
shifts have been documented in the permit issued. Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978.
western AP and this study will help DATES: September 16, 2015 to March 15, NSF has published regulations under
reduce uncertainty for the eastern AP 2016. the Antarctic Conservation Act at Title
populations. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Li 45 Part 671 of the Code of Federal
Take, Import, Enter Antarctic Ling Hamady, ACA Permit Officer, Regulations. This is the required notice
Specially Protected Areas: The Division of Polar Programs, Rm. 755, of permit applications received.
applicant intends to obtain small National Science Foundation, 4201 DATES: Interested parties are invited to
samples of blood, tissue, feathers, and Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, VA 22230. submit written data, comments, or
eggshells from Macaroni, Gentoo, Or by email: ACApermits@nsf.gov views with respect to this permit
Chinstrap, and Adélie penguin colonies SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The application by October 22, 2015. This
the Antarctic Peninsula. Organic Foundation issued a permit (ACA 2012– application may be inspected by
remains in soil samples will also be WM–001) to Dr. George Watters on interested parties at the Permit Office,
collected. Samples taken at the sites will September 29, 2011. The issued permit address below.
be sent back to the United States and the allows the applicant to run a field camp ADDRESS: Comments should be
United Kingdom for analysis. The including deployment of instruments addressed to Permit Office, Room 755,
breeding sites will be censused by (radio tags on animals) and use of Division of Polar Programs, National
ground or by a hexacopters-based aerial hazardous materials including radio Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
photography system. isotopes. A recent modification to this Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230.
permit, dated December 21, 2013,
Location: The focus of the study is the permitted the applicant to install up to FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
penguin colonies in the Danger Islands, 12 remote, autonomous, and easily Polly A. Penhale, Environmental
Antarctic Sounds, Antarctic Peninsula. removable camera systems near Officer, at the above address or
Should weather conditions preclude breeding aggregations of Adélie, gentoo, ACApermits@nsf.gov or (703) 292–7149.
this area, the focus will shift to Elephant and chinstrap penguins throughout SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Island and vicinity, Low Island and ASPA #128 on King George Island. The National Science Foundation, as
vicinity and/or the South Shetland cameras will provide time-lapse directed by the Antarctic Conservation
Islands. Visits may include the photography during breeding and non- Act of 1978 (Pub. L. 95–541), as
following ASPA’s: ASPA No. 151, Lions breeding seasons to estimate key amended by the Antarctic Science,
Rump, King George Is; ASPA No. 126, monitoring parameters such as arrival Tourism and Conservation Act of 1996
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

Byers Peninsula, Livingston Island; timing, reproductive chronology and (Pub. L. 104–227), has developed
ASPA No. 152, West Bransfield, Low success, chick production, overwinter regulations for the establishment of a
Island; ASPA No. 132, Potter Peninsula; attendance, and census data. Now the permit system for various activities in
ASPA No. 128, West Admiralty Bay; applicant proposes a permit Antarctica and designation of certain
ASPA No. 150, Ardley Island; ASPA No. modification to install up to 22 of these animals and certain geographic areas a
133, Harmony Point; and ASPA No. 149, cameras within ASPA 128 The requiring special protection. The
Cape Shirreff. Environmental Officer has reviewed the regulations establish such a permit

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57238 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 183 / Tuesday, September 22, 2015 / Notices

system to designate Antarctic Specially in the Antarctica. The cameras will be certain geographic areas a requiring
Protected Areas. mounted on a scaffold pole supported special protection. The regulations
by an aluminum tripod. No establish such a permit system to
Application Details
malfunctions or adverse effects were designate Antarctic Specially Protected
Permit Application: 2016–011 seen in previous deployments. The Areas.
1. Applicant: Stephanie Jenourvrier, instruments also record air temperature. APPLICATION DETAILS:
Woods Hole Oceanographic The cameras are intended to remain in 1. Applicant
Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02453. situ and operate remotely for five Brent S. Stewart, Ph.D., J.D., 3889
Activity for Which Permit is seasons. The units are completely Creststone Place, San Diego, CA
Requested: The applicant intends to weatherproof and are powered by Permit Application: 2016–010
collect a multi-scale and temporal batteries that are charged via a solar cell.
Dates: 1 December 2015 through 1 Activity for Which Permit Is Requested
baseline data set on the largest cluster
of Adelie penguin breeding colonies in January 2016. Take; Applicant desires to visit sites
the Antarctic Peninsula (AP). The area Nadene G. Kennedy, accessible by IAATTO registered tourist
near the Danger Islands in the Weddell Polar Coordination Specialist, Division of vessels and utilize a miniature (<1kg
Sea (eastern AP) may account for half of Polar Programs. mass), multi-rotor (<20 cm rotor arm
the total breeding population of Adelie [FR Doc. 2015–24004 Filed 9–21–15; 8:45 am] radius), remotely operated, battery
penguins in the AP, yet these colonies BILLING CODE 7555–01–P
powered (electric motor) UAS
are little known. Penguin population (Unmanned Aerial System) equipped
shifts have been documented in the with a small high resolution camera.
western AP and this study will help NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION The project will photo document
reduce uncertainty for the eastern AP Antarctic landscapes and the
populations. Should the weather Notice of Permit Applications Received distribution and abundance of birds that
preclude reaching the site, alternative Under the Antarctic Conservation Act occur at those sites. Bird species may
study sites have been identified. of 1978 include rockhopper, chinstrap, Adelie,
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and emperor penguins, and skuas,
AGENCY: National Science Foundation
Filming: The applicant wishes to fly a sheathbills, kelp gulls, and giant petrels,
small, battery operated, remotely- ACTION: Notice of Permit Applications and birds may be roosting and/or
controlled quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Received under the Antarctic breeding. ‘‘Take’’ would be unintended
Vehicle (UAV) in order to photograph Conservation Act of 1978, Public Law and unexpected incidental, brief, minor
penguin colonies as part of a multiscale 95–541. disturbance to 50 or less individual
spatial survey of penguin colonies. The SUMMARY: The National Science birds of each species (depending on the
primary flight mode for the vehicles will Foundation (NSF) is required to publish species, as noted in the application)
be automatic take off, landing, and a notice of permit applications received during aerial vehicle flights at 25 to 60m
waypoint using ground station software. to conduct activities regulated under the in altitude, no further than 200m lateral
The secondary/emergency mode is Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978. distance away from the human operator,
remote control operation of the UAV by NSF has published regulations under for no longer than 25 minutes in
a trained pilot on the ground. In both the Antarctic Conservation Act at Title duration. The applicant has successfully
flight modes the quadcopter will always 45 Part 670 of the Code of Federal deployed the equipment array over 75
be flown within visible sight of the pilot Regulations. This is the required notice times in various temperate, tropical and
and designated observers. Operations of permit applications received. sub-polar environments, without
will only be conducted inside the wildlife disturbance.
DATES: Interested parties are invited to
10m/s maximum wind speed estimate.
submit written data, comments, or Location
The UAV will only be flown in visual
views with respect to this permit Various sites visited by IAATO
meteorological conditions. Flights will
application by October 22, 2015. This registered vessels at Sub-Antarctic
be flown between 50 and 200 ft. above
application may be inspected by Islands, South Orkney Islands, South
the colonies in keeping with previous
interested parties at the Permit Office, Shetland Islands, and the Antarctic
experience by other researcher engaged
address below. Peninsula.
in similar UAV-based surveys of
ADDRESSES: Comments should be
wildlife in the Antarctic. A risk analysis Dates
and mitigation measures should reduce addressed to Permit Office, Room 755,
the risk of loss the UAV. The UAV Division of Polar Programs, National October 15, 2015–October 14, 2020
pilots will be trained to the standard of Science Foundation, 4201 Wilson
Boulevard, Arlington, Virginia 22230. Nadene G. Kennedy,
ground school training provide for a Polar Coordination Specialist, Division of
private pilot’s license and training on FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Li
Polar Programs.
simulators and significant flight time Ling Hamady, ACA Permit Officer, at
[FR Doc. 2015–23999 Filed 9–21–15; 8:45 am]
with the UAVs will be conducted before the above address or ACApermits@
nsf.gov or (703) 292–7149. BILLING CODE 7555–01–P
deployment. The applicant is seeking a
Waste Permit to cover any accidental SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
releases that may result from flying a National Science Foundation, as NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION
UAV. directed by the Antarctic Conservation
tkelley on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES

Remote Cameras: The applicant Act of 1978 (Public Law 95–541), as Notice of Permit Modification Received
wishes to deploy a network of four amended by the Antarctic Science, Under the Antarctic Conservation Act
solar-powered, satellite-linked remote Tourism and Conservation Act of 1996, of 1978
cameras to examine penguin vital rates. has developed regulations for the
The time-lapse cameras, specially establishment of a permit system for AGENCY: National Science Foundation.
designed for this application, have been various activities in Antarctica and ACTION:Notice of Permit Modification
field tested over the winter at other sites designation of certain animals and Request Received and Permit Issued

VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:39 Sep 21, 2015 Jkt 235001 PO 00000 Frm 00094 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\22SEN1.SGM 22SEN1

Document Created: 2015-12-15 09:35:20
Document Modified: 2015-12-15 09:35:20

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice of Permit Applications Received under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, (Pub. L. 95-541), as amended by the Antarctic Science, Tourism and Conservation Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-227).
Dates		Interested parties are invited to submit written data, comments, or views with respect to this permit application by October 22, 2015. This application may be inspected by interested parties at the Permit
Contact		Polly A. Penhale, Environmental
FR Citation		80 FR 57237