Federal Register #29889

NMFS Southwest Fisheries Science Center applies for research permit on Antarctic pinnipeds

This opportunity involves a permit application by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), part of NOAA under the Department of Commerce, for research on Antarctic pinnipeds. - Government Buyer: - National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Southwest Fisheries Science Center - NOAA, Department of Commerce - Research Scope: - Six pinniped species in the Antarctic peninsula region - Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) - Southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) - Crabeater seals (Lobodon carcinophaga) - Leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) - Ross seals (Ommatophoca rossii) - Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) - Activities include: - Capturing, handling, and observing animals - Administering drugs - Instrumentation and marking - Behavioral observations and photo-identification - Use of uncrewed aircraft systems - Importing tissue samples from captured or salvaged animals - Unique Requirements: - Permit covers both live animal research and importation of biological samples - Long-term ecosystem monitoring program established since 1986 - Proposed duration is ten years - No OEMs or vendors are specified, as this is a regulatory permit application rather than a procurement opportunity.

Description

NMFS' Southwest Fisheries Science Center has applied for a permit to conduct research on six pinniped species in the Antarctic peninsula region, primarily at Cape Shirreff, Livingston Island. The research involves capturing, handling, and observing species such as Antarctic fur seals, leopard seals, and Weddell seals, including administering drugs, instrumentation, and marking. The permit also requests permission to import tissue samples from captured or salvaged animals. The research is part of a long-term ecosystem monitoring program and is proposed to occur over 10 years. Public comments on the application must be received by October 28, 2026.

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