This application is for the “introduction from the sea” of CITES-listed marine specimens collected from the open ocean by a U.S. registered vessel returning directly to the United States. If your activities also involve the import of Appendix-I specimens collected from territorial waters of other countries, you may include those specimens on this application. Master Files may be obtained for overarching programs that require multiple imports. Once your program is approved, a Master File may be valid for at least one year, not to exceed 3.
U.S. regulations define introduction from the sea as "transportation into a country of specimens of any species which were taken in the marine environment not under the jurisdiction of any country." CITES defines the marine environment not under the jurisdiction of any country as “those marine areas beyond the areas subject to the sovereignty or sovereign rights of a State consistent with international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.” Therefore, if you are collecting in the open ocean (i.e., in the marine environment outside of any country’s territorial jurisdiction), using a U.S. registered vessel and returning directly to the U.S., you will need to obtain an “introduction from the sea” document. However, if you are collecting in the open ocean on a U.S. registered vessel and transporting the specimens directly to a different country, your shipment would require a U.S. CITES export permit and you would submit application form 3-200-29. For Appendix I listed species, submit application form 3-200-37a (live animals) or application form 3-200-37e (samples or specimens) for a U.S. CITES export permit, and you must obtain an import permit issued by the country into which the specimens are transported.
Read more detailed information about permits for sharks and rays.
To Complete this Form, You Will Need the Following:
- Provide evidence that you have permission to collect on the high seas (e.g., copies of your collecting permit, license, contract, highly migratory species license, or agreement).
- If you currently possess a permit or other authorization issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Marine Fisheries Service under the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, or the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to conduct relevant activities, please provide a copy.
- Please note in addition to obtaining this permit for your proposed activity, for any commercial activity you will need to obtain an import/export license from our Office of Law Enforcement. If you are a U.S. entity apply here. For foreign entities apply here.