Permitting

Permits are generally issued by the appropriate sanctuary manager. Their decisions on permit applications are guided by review criteria that are listed in the NMSP regulation. A common consideration for issuance of a permit is the permit applicant’s professional and financial ability to perform the proposed activity in a manner that will ensure compliance with the permit. The manager will also consider the methods being proposed by the applicant, the expected impacts of the activity on sanctuary resources, the benefits of the activity to the sanctuary, and whether or not the activity needs to take place within the sanctuary.

Application Guidelines

If you think you may need a permit to conduct an activity, please download the guidelines and contact information contained in the following pdf: "Guidelines for Submitting Applications for National Marine Sanctuary Permits and Authorizations." (pdf, 404K)