NSF Seeks Comments on Drone Use for Antarctic Krill Fishing Research
Published Date: 12/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The National Science Foundation just announced a new permit application to use drones for tracking krill fishing in Antarctica. This affects researchers and environmental groups who must follow strict rules to protect wildlife and special areas. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until January 16, 2026, to speak up—no fees involved, just your voice!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Drone (RPAS) use approved with limits
Several applicants seek permits to operate small drones (remotely piloted aircraft systems) in Antarctic regions such as the Antarctic Peninsula and Ross Sea between January 2026 and March 2030. The applications include strict rules: drones must not be flown over wildlife, Antarctic Specially Protected or Managed Areas or Historic Sites without authorization; pilots must be experienced and pre-approved; flights must maintain visual line of sight and include measures such as flotation devices, high-visibility coloring, go-home features, prop guards, maximum operational ranges (500 meters in one application), altitude limits (below 400 ft in one application), wind limits (only fly when wind is less than 12 m/s in one application), and minimum battery reserves (terminate flights with at least 40% battery life in one application).
Helicopter tourism operations permitted
Oceanwide Sail Expeditions applied for a permit to use up to four chartered helicopters for aerial sightseeing and landings in the Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea on cruises dated December 2025 through February 2027. The application says helicopter landings will avoid disturbing wildlife and will not enter Antarctic Specially Protected Areas.
Research deployments of sensors and fiberoptic cable
Caltech applied for a permit to deploy instruments at Union Glacier from January 5, 2025 through February 28, 2027, including up to 20 km of thin single-strand fiberoptic cable weighing less than 10 kg, up to 500 accelerometers, and 20 geophones; trenches for cables will be backfilled and equipment removed at project end. The work supports research on glacier dynamics.
Public comment window for permits
You can submit written comments about these Antarctic permit applications by January 16, 2026. The applications may be inspected at the NSF Permit Office in Alexandria, Virginia.
U.S. inspectors authorized to enter many ASPAs
The U.S. Department of State applied for a permit for an interagency team to enter numerous Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) to verify compliance with the Antarctic Treaty and its Environmental Protocol and to review management measures. The permit dates are January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2030.
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