Public Display Permit for Marine Mammals (Import)
A public display permit is needed to import marine mammals into the United States under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
About
You need a public display permit if you want to:
- Capture marine mammals from the wild
- Import marine mammals (see below for export information)
A public display permit is not required to maintain marine mammals in public display facilities, such as zoos and aquariums.
Public display permits for import or capture from the wild are not available for species listed as depleted under the MMPA or threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Do I need a scientific research permit for research on public display animals?
No, provided that in the reasonable judgment of the attending veterinarian, the research activities would not constitute a risk to the health or welfare of the captive animal. However, there may be requirements under the Animal Welfare Act for research activities.
What You Will Need
For Import, you need to provide:
- Individual animal information (species, sex, age, name/identification number);
- Confirmation each animal was originally obtained legally from their country or origin;
- Confirmation each animal is being held legally in the country where it currently resides; and
- Detailed information about the transport methods used to bring the animal(s) into the United States to ensure the MMPA “humane” standard is met.
- Documentation that your facility meets the MMPA criteria to hold marine mammals for public display.
How to Apply
In your application, you must provide a proposed permit duration.
You should apply:
- To import marine mammals at least 6 months in advance of import
Note: The last request for a collection permit was received in 1988. An application for collection may be considered controversial and the appropriateness of an Environmental Impact Statement under NEPA will need to be considered.
Application instructions:
Import of Public Display: You must submit an application using the marine mammal public display import permit application instructions [DOCX, 12 pages]. A PDF version of the application instructions [12 pages] is also available.
You must also supply a current Qualifications Form (QF) (DOCX, 4 pages) for the Personnel identified in the application instructions including Transport Lead and Veterinarian. The QF must demonstrate that the qualifications and experience of the person matches their duties as described in your Letter of Intent. Here is an example qualifications form (PDF, 2 pages).
The application can be submitted by mail:
Permits and Conservation Division
Office of Protected Resources, NOAA Fisheries
1315 East-West Highway, Suite 13705
Silver Spring, MD 20910
You must include one signed original and one electronic copy (call our office at (301) 427-8401 for an email contact).
What Happens After You Submit
You can expect a decision on your application within 6 months for imports.
Permit Processing
- After you submit your application, two permit analysts will be assigned to review the application.
- Following the initial review, you may be asked for additional information. You should address any questions on the application within 60 days or your application will be considered abandoned and withdrawn.
- Once the application is determined to be complete, we will publish a notice in the Federal Register, which starts a mandatory 30-day public comment period. We will also send your application to subject matter experts (e.g., partner institutions, federal agencies, and state organizations) for review. Public display applications will be sent to the Marine Mammal Commission and to the USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for their review and comment.
- You may be asked to address any questions received during the comment period.
- A final decision on your application will be made by the Office Director.
You can check on the status of your application by contacting your permit analyst.
If your permit is issued
You will need to sign your permit and return a copy of the signature page to us.
Reporting: You will be required to submit an updated marine mammal data sheet for each animal within 30 days of import.
Changes to your permit: You can request change to your permit once it has been issued. Minor changes are simple and can be done quickly (e.g., personnel changes). Changes such as adding animals or species are more involved and will require a 30-day public comment period and may take up to 6 months to process.
More Information
- For information regarding exporting marine mammals, please visit our Public Display Page.
- USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has jurisdiction over animal care and maintenance for all marine mammals held for public display purposes under the Animal Welfare Act. Applications for public display permits are forwarded to APHIS for review concurrently with the public comment period.
- Marine Mammal Commission: The MMC was established under the MMPA to provide independent oversight of the marine mammal conservation policies and programs being carried out by federal regulatory agencies. Applications for public display permits are forwarded to the MMC for review concurrently with the public comment period.
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) is a multinational agreement to prevent species from becoming endangered or extinct because of international trade. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Management Authority is responsible for implementing CITES in the U.S. Import and export of species listed under this agreement will require CITES permits.
Need Help?
Permits and Conservation Division
Office of Protected Resources