The NOAA Fisheries Service's Office of Protected Resources, Northwest Regional Office, and Southwest Regional Office are pleased to announce the launch of the Authorizations and Permits for Protected Species (APPS) online permit system. The goal of APPS is to provide 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. (https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov <https://apps.nmfs.noaa.gov/>) APPS covers permits/authorizations for a variety of different species including, but not limited to, sea turtles, Pacific salmonids, shortnose sturgeon, whales, dolphins, seals, and sea lions. The types of permits and authorizations that are currently available online through APPS are: . 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 tell researchers what type of permit they need, if any. The PAG informs the user 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 researchers a variety of advantages both during the application process and after their permit has been issued. APPS provides researchers the security of a password-protected profile. Researchers have a customized Portfolio page that displays all current and previous permits that they are/were affiliated with. Applications can be edited until the researcher is ready to submit. Researchers have the ability to track their application through the review and clearance process. By viewing the Status page, researchers can find out whether their application has been published in the Federal Register, who has been assigned as their permit analyst, and what types of analyses (e.g., National Environmental Policy Act) are required. After a permit has been issued, researchers can continue to access APPS to instantly view their take tables, personnel list, and other key dates. Permit holders can request modifications to their permits via APPS. Annual, incident, and final reports may also be submitted online. Permit holders will automatically receive emails reminding them of when their reports are due and recommending when they should begin preparing a new application. If researchers are currently a NMFS permit holder they will need a temporary password to log in and view their portfolio for the first time. Contact the Office of Protected Resources, Permits Conservation, and Education Division for more information (301) 713-2289. Please note: You may still submit paper applications if you prefer.