Use this application to apply for a permit to film (i.e., photograph / video) marine mammals under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in the United States (sea otters, polar bears, walrus, and manatees). A permit may be issued for educational or commercial photography activities in the wild that are limited to Level B harassment.
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Level B harassment includes activities that have the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including, but not limited to, migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering. Level B harassment does not include any activities that have the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild (i.e., such activities are considered Level A harassment). Note, this application is for discrete photography projects and time-frames that will result in products such as documentary films, magazine articles, commercial photographs, etc.
To Complete This Form You Will Need the Following:
- The proposed start and end dates of the entire photography/filming project. Please note: the start date must not be prior to the date you successfully submit the application and should be at least 3 months after the submission date.
- Describe planned filming methods and platforms, as well as answer other questions in detail, such as how filming will not exceed Level B harassment of animals of your target species.
Process
Submit an Application
To submit an application online or through the mail, follow the instructions on our ePermits site.
Application Processing Fee
- $150
- $75 for Amendment