Permit

Permits enable the public to engage in legitimate wildlife-related activities that would otherwise be prohibited by law. Under ESA, a document issued by FWS or NOAA Fisheries under authority of section 10 of the ESA allowing an action otherwise prohibited under section 9. The FWS has two different programs that issue ESA permits. The Endangered Species Program issues ESA permits for native species (except for permits to import/export native species). The Division of Management Authority issues ESA permits for non-native species and also for the import/export of both non-native and native species. NOAA Fisheries issues ESA permits for marine species, and FWS/NOAA have joint responsibilities for some species such as sea turtles.