2023-22622. Notice of Antarctic Meteorite Collection, Documentation, and Curation Plan Received Under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978

AGENCY:

National Science Foundation.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

On March 31, 2003, the National Science Foundation (NSF) issued a final rule that authorized the collection of meteorites in Antarctica for scientific purposes only. In addition, the regulations provide requirements for appropriate collection, handling, documentation, and curation of Antarctic meteorites to preserve their scientific value. These regulations implement the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978, as amended by the Antarctic Science, Tourism and Conservation Act of 1996, and Article 7 of the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty. The NSF is required to publish notice of the availability of Meteorite Collection, Documentation, and Curation Plans received under the Antarctic Conservation Act of 1978. This is the required notice.

DATES:

Interested parties are invited to submit written data, comments, or views with respect to this plan by November 1, 2023. This plan may be inspected by interested parties at the Permit Office, address below.

ADDRESSES:

Comments should be addressed to Permit Office, Office of Polar Programs, National Science Foundation, 2415 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22314.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Andrew Titmus, ACA Permit Officer, at the above address, 703–292–4479, or [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

An Antarctic meteorite collection, documentation, and curation plan has been received from James Karner of the University of Utah.

Kimiko S. Bowens-Knox,

Program Analyst, Office of Polar Programs.