How can I apply for a permit?

1. Fill out an application: NMS Permit Application and instructions can be found on the Office of National Marine Sanctuary permits page.
2. Submit application to CHNMS.permit@noaa.gov and cc CHNMS Resource Protection/Permit Specialist kirsten.white@noaa.gov

What are permits used for?

NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has the authority to issue permits to allow some types of activities that are otherwise prohibited by sanctuary regulations, but which generally present a public benefit by furthering the management and protection of sanctuary resources.

See Office of National Marine Sanctuaries permits frequently asked questions for more information.

When is a permit required?

A permit is required when an individual wishes to conduct an activity within a sanctuary that is otherwise prohibited and not exempted. You can find a summarized version of the prohibited activities on the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary regulations page, and the final regulatory details in 15 CFR, Part 922, Subpart V.

What types of permits can Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary issue?

Once an application is received, NOAA determines which type of permit, or approval, to process. This could be a sanctuary general permit, authorization, certification, or special use permit.

• Sanctuary general permits can be issued for specific purposes, including: research, education, management, or promoting or enhancing certain local Native American activities.
• Authorizations. NOAA can authorize activities that are allowed under a separate local, state, or federal permit, lease, license, or other approval.
• Certifications apply to activities existing at the time the sanctuary takes effect (November 30, 2024) that are already approved by a separate local, state, or federal permit, lease, license, or other authorization. NOAA could "grandfather" these existing activities into the sanctuary by certifying the underlying permit, lease, or license. NOAA may also impose terms and conditions as necessary to achieve the purposes for which the sanctuary was designated. For more information, see certification guidance and information document and ONMS' public notification letter.
• Special use permits can be issued to authorize the conduct of specific activities in a sanctuary if such authorization is necessary (1) to establish conditions of access to and use of any sanctuary resource or (2) to promote public use and understanding of a sanctuary resource.

See Office of National Marine Sanctuaries special use permits page for more information.

Note: for a two-year period, this special use permit category does not apply to commercial submarine cables in any new sanctuaries designated after August 16, 2024, which includes Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary. See Federal Register Notice 89 FR 66689 for more information.