SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The National Science Foundation, 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. The regulations establish such a permit system to designate Antarctic Specially Protected Areas.

Application Details

Permit Application: 2023-002

1. Applicant: Dr. Paul Ponganis, Scripps Institute of Oceanography, UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093-0204

Activity for Which Permit is Requested: Take, Harmful Interference, Enter Antarctic Specially Protected Area. The applicant seeks an Antarctic Conservation Act permit authorizing take and harmful interference associated with ongoing research examining the oxygen transport systems of emperor penguins ( Aptenodytes forsteri) in Antarctica. The applicant proposes capturing up to 32 non-breeding or sub-adult penguins from the McMurdo Sound region or, if necessary, in Cape Washington (ASPA 173). The applicant will access ASPA 173 by fixed-wing aircraft in accordance with the ASPA management plan. Throughout the course of the physiology study, penguins will be kept captive on the sea ice, but will be allowed to dive and forage at will. Research activities involve the administration of general anesthesia and the attachment of instrumentation to measure oxygen levels, heart rate/stroke rate, and dive depth/activity. In some penguins, blood samples may be collected during dives. At the end of each dive study, equipment will be removed, and the penguins will be released at the McMurdo Sea ice edge, where they will be able to rejoin nearby colonies.

Location: McMurdo Sound, ASPA 173: Cape Washington and Silverfish Bay.

Dates of Permitted Activities: October 1-December 20, 2022.

87 FR 29393