Application Types
Marine Mammal Permits and Authorizations
Permits and authorizations are required to conduct activities that may impact marine mammals, whether covered under the ESA (for endangered/threatened) and/or MMPA (all marine mammals).
- General Authorization for Scientific Research (GA)
- Import for Public Display Permit
- Import and/or Export of Marine Mammal Parts Authorization
- Incidental Take Authorizations
Incidental Harassment Authorization (IHA)
Letter of Authorization (LOA) - Marine Mammal Authorization Program for Commercial Fishing Operations
- Photography (Commercial or Educational) Permit
- Scientific Research and/or Enhancement Permit
Endangered Species Permits
These permits are required to conduct activities that may impact endangered or threatened non-marine mammal species under NMFS' jurisdiction.
- Incidental Take Permits:
- Sea Turtles
- Other Listed Species (other than Sea Turtles)
- Conservation Plans (also known as Habitat Conservation Plans)
- Scientific Research and/or Enhancement Permit
Additional Federal and State Permits
- Centers for Disease Control issues permits to import disease-causing agents/microorganisms.
- NOAA Fisheries issues fishing permits (e.g., High Seas, Limited Entry, Tuna, Pacific Salmon).
- States may have additional requirements.
- U.S. Department of Agriculture issues permits for importation of animal products.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues permits for freshwater and terrestrial endangered species, sea otters, walruses, manatees, dugongs, polar bears, and land-based sea turtle activities, as well as import/export under CITES.
- U.S. National Park Service issues permits for activities in a National Park.