# Federal Register #2026-20623

NSF notice of five Antarctic Conservation Act permit applications

**Buyer:** U.S. National Science Foundation
**Posted:** October 08, 2026
**Respond By:** November 09, 2026
**Identifier:** 2026-20623

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is notifying the public about five proposed Antarctic activities that require permits under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978.
- **Government buyer and office:** National Science Foundation (NSF), Office of Polar Programs. This is a permit notice, not a procurement opportunity or award.
- **Applications cover:**
  - Emperor penguin oxygen-transport research involving capture, temporary instrumentation, and sampling of up to 35 penguins.
  - Operation and maintenance of stream gauges, water-quality monitoring, and limited moss and soil sampling in Antarctic protected areas.
  - Waste management supporting NOAA Antarctic Marine Living Resources research, including field camps, vessels, and autonomous platforms.
  - NOAA Antarctic Marine Living Resources ecosystem research and surveys involving seals, penguins, and other seabirds, with annual take limits specified for some bird species.
  - Waste management and logistical support for Antarctic fieldwork, expeditions, and tourism, including remote camps and aircraft operations.
- **OEMs and vendors:** None identified. NOAA is referenced as a government research agency, not as a vendor.
- **Procurement items:** No products, quantities for purchase, part numbers, or contracted services are requested. The notice invites public comments on the permit applications.

### Description

The National Science Foundation (NSF) announces receipt of five permit applications for activities regulated under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978. The proposed activities include penguin and seal research, monitoring and sampling in Antarctic protected areas, field research and logistics waste management, and support for Antarctic expeditions and tourism. Interested parties may submit written data, comments, or views on the applications by November 9, 2026. Comments may be submitted through Regulations.gov or to the NSF Permit Office.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/08/2026-20623/notice-of-permit-applications-received-under-the-antarctic-conservation-act-of-1978)