The "Antarctic Conservation Act" (ACA) protects native mammals, birds, plants and their ecosystems.
The law applies to:
- All U.S. citizens going to Antarctica, whether or not they go to Antarctica with the U.S. Antarctic Program.
- All Antarctic expeditions that originate from the United States.
Without a permit, it is illegal to:
- Take native mammals or birds.
- Engage in harmful interference.
- Enter Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs).
- Introduce species to Antarctica.
- Introduce substances designated as waste.
- Discharge designated waste.
- Import certain Antarctic items into the USA or export them to another country.
For ACA regulations, including definitions of these activities, see CFR Title 45, subtitle B, Chapter VI, U.S. National Science Foundation Part 670 (Conservation of Antarctic Animals and Plants) and Part 67l (Waste Regulation).
Violations of ACA can result in penalties of up to approximately $34,457 and one-year imprisonment per violation, removal from Antarctica, cancellation of a grant and/or sanctions by your employer.
Permit application process
Are you a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) grantee?
- Download the ACA Flora, Fauna, and Protected Area Permit Application form.
- Fill it out on your computer or fill it out and scan a printed copy for email submission.
- Submit it to the ACA permit officer by emailing acapermits@nsf.gov.
An up-to-date list of ASPAs and their management plans are posted on the Antarctic Treaty website. Note that the permit processing time for an ACA Permit is ~45-60 days. A summary of the application is published in the Federal Register for a required 30-day public comment period. Public comments are evaluated, followed by an internal NSF review, and permits are then approved, approved with modifications, or denied.
Are you an NSF non-grantee doing science involving protected areas or fauna and flora?
People who are not funded by NSF and need permits for valid scientific work should also follow the process described above.
Are you an NSF non-grantee (tour or scientific group)?
You may need to apply for an ACA waste permit, particularly if your project involves drones. Please contact the ACA permit officer at acapermits@nsf.gov for further details.
Any other questions about ACA or permits should be directed to the permit office: acapermits@nsf.gov.
History
The "Antarctic Conservation Act" incorporates into U.S. regulations the environmental standards set forth by the Protocol on Environmental Protection, which was developed by consensus by representatives of the United States and other Antarctic Treaty nations. The protocol designates Antarctica as a "natural reserve, devoted to peace and science" (Article 2). The Antarctic Treaty and the Environmental Protocol form the basic guidelines for all human activity on the Antarctic continent, and all have laws in force in their respective home legislation to govern their citizens accordingly. For more information, see the Antarctic Treaty website.