Endangered Species Act Section 10 Permits for Operation of Artificial Propagation Programs
Individuals planning to conduct any activity that may "take" (harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect) a threatened or endangered species must possess a permit to perform that activity. Section 10 of the ESA allows the NOAA Fisheries to issue permits for scientific purposes or to enhance the propagation or survival of listed species. "Section 10" permits may also be issued to entities engaging in otherwise lawful activities that may incidentally take a listed species. To allow sufficient time for evaluation and processing, and to ensure the timely issuance of a permit (should one be granted), individuals are urged to apply at least four months prior to the start of proposed activities.
Each permit application must include a conservation plan; a Hatchery and Genetic Management Plan (HGMP) may be used to serve as or to supplement a conservation plan. The NOAA Fisheries Service Office of Protected Resources Web section has Applications for Section 10 permits and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about ESA permits.
Note: NOAA Fisheries Section 10 permits do not include fishing permits/licenses; these can be obtained from the following offices:
NOAA Fisheries Service Permits Office
(The links below take you to non-U.S.-government Websites.)
