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 have a permit to perform that activity. Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act allows NOAA Fisheries Service 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 before the start of proposed activities.

• Northwest Region Fisheries Permits Office
• California Department of Fish and Game
• Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game