Protected Resources Division
Permits and Authorizations
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."
Marine Mammal Authorization Program
- Marine Mammal Authorization Program for incidental take of marine mammals by commercial fishermen
Permits or Authorizations for Marine Mammal Takes
- Do You Need to Apply? (for researchers, photographers, military and industry)
- Apply Online
- Review Pending Applications and Select Permits
- Federal Register Notices of issued or extended permits