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NOAA Fisheries
Office of Protected Resources
Acropora palmata thicket on Mona Island, Puerto Rico. Andy Bruckner, 1996Coho salmon painting, Canadian Dept of Fisheries and OceansMonk seal, C.E. BowlbyHumpback whale, Dr. Lou Herman
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Permits
Application Types
Endangered Species Permits
FAQs
Marine Mammal Permits
FAQs
Pre-Application Guide
Review Select Permits & Applications
  Contact OPR
Glossary
OPR Site Map

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Permits and Authorizations

Overview
Permits and authorizations are required under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) to conduct activities that may result in the "taking" of a protected species. Take is defined by the ESA as "to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect, or to attempt to engage in any such conduct." Take is defined by the MMPA as "to harass, hunt, capture, collect, or kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, collect, or kill any marine mammal."

Do I need a permit?
Please use our Pre-Application Guide to find out, or see our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Marine Mammal Permits
Application Types
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
LOA/IHA Applications for Public Review
Proposed Changes to Permit Regulations

Endangered Species Permits
Application Types
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Environmental Impact Statements for Permits
Steller Sea Lion and Northern Fur Seal Research
Right Whale Research

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