Research and Education Permits

diver conducting research

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary may issue permits for research and educational activities, including restoration projects, that would otherwise not be allowed by sanctuary regulations. Requests for permits are considered when the proposed activities will further research or monitoring related to sanctuary resources and qualities, will further the educational value of the sanctuary, or will further the natural resource value of the sanctuary, and meet application requirements.

Permit applications for research and education activities are reviewed based on the priority needs of sanctuary managers to inform resource protection. Permit applications proposing activities that involve stony corals are additionally reviewed per the Guidance on Permit Applications for Activities that Impact Florida Stony Corals. Permit applications for restoration projects with corals or other organisms, or for research aimed at improving restoration practices, are additionally reviewed per the Restoration Guidelines for Coral Reefs and Associated Habitats in FKNMS. Other agency permits may be required for restoration activities; applicants should review the Authorization Guidance for Coral Restoration Activities on Florida's Coral Reef.

Please carefully review information about permit timelines before submitting an application.

Applicants are encouraged to contact the appropriate sanctuary staff well in advance of submitting a formal application to discuss any questions or issues they feel may complicate or delay the application process. There is no guarantee a permit application will be processed by the requested effective date.

Apply for a Research and Education Permit

Permit applications and instructions may be downloaded here. The Restoration Guidelines for Coral Reefs and Associated Habitats in FKNMS may be downloaded here.

Completed applications should be submitted to Dr. Harrison Albert, FKNMS Permit Coordinator, at Harrison.Albert@noaa.gov.