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., Highly Migratory Species (Tunas, Sharks), High Seas, 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.