Greetings, The NOAA Fisheries Service’s Office of Protected Resources is pleased to announce the launch of a new option in the Authorizations and Permits for Protected Species (APPS) online permit system (https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov). You may now apply for a Letter of Confirmation (LOC) under the General Authorization for marine mammal research. *You may need an LOC if: * · You will be conducting scientific research on marine mammals in the wild that are not listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. · Your research will not exceed Level B harassment. Qualifying activities may include: photo-identification, aerial surveys, and passive acoustics. For more information on LOCs, visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/permits/general_authorization.htm *If you currently have an LOC from NOAA Fisheries, you can use APPS to: * · Request modifications to your LOC. · View your current personnel and request personnel changes. · Request authorization to allow a film crew to accompany you during research. · Submit annual reports online and track when they are due. · Receive automatic email reminders for report due dates and notification to prepare a new Letter of Intent before your LOC expires. *Advantages of using APPS* APPS provides a consolidated location where researchers can apply online for several different types of permits under the authority of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972. APPS covers permits/authorizations for a variety of different species including, but not limited to, sea turtles, Pacific salmonids, sturgeon, whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. *You can currently apply for the following types of permits and authorizations through APPS:* · MMPA General Authorization · MMPA/ESA scientific research/enhancement · MMPA/ESA parts · ESA 10(a)(1)(A) scientific research/enhancement · 4(d) authorizations for Pacific marine and anadromous fish APPS includes a Pre-Application Guide (PAG) to help you determine what type of permit you need, if any. The PAG will tell you how to obtain the appropriate application online or by contacting a permit analyst. Besides providing the convenience of applying for a permit online, APPS offers a variety of advantages both during the application process and after a permit has been issued. APPS provides the security of a password-protected profile. Your customized Portfolio page displays all current and previous permits that you are/were affiliated with. Applications can be edited until you are ready to submit. You can also track your application through the review and clearance process. Best regards, Jonathan Shannon *Outreach Specialist* NOAA Fisheries Office of Protected Resources U.S. Department of Commerce Office: 301-427-8431 jonathan.shannon@noaa.gov *Webwww.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr <http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr>Facebookwww.facebook.com/usnoaafisheriesgov <http://www.facebook.com/usnoaafisheriesgov>Twitterwww.twitter.com/noaafisherie <http://www.twitter.com/noaafisheries>sYouTubewww.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov <http://www.youtube.com/usnoaafisheriesgov> *