Most monitoring or research activities within a marine reserve will require a permit. See the information below for what does and doesn’t require a permit and how to apply.
If you do not require a permit it is still a good idea to contact your local DOC office, as this helps us to understand what research is being undertaken in an area.
When a permit is required
A permit is required for:
- the use of toxic substances (eg, rotenone for gathering fish)
- taking living samples of marine life
- taking non-living samples of marine life (including shell, rock, sand or marine artefacts)
- taking specimens to the surface for measuring and later release
- handling species under water (eg, lifting kina to measure)
- catching fish (eg, lining, potting)
- tagging of fish or other marine life
- placing structures on the sea bed (eg, cages, exclusion devices or traps)
- baited underwater video.
When a permit is not required
Techniques that involve counting or measuring marine life in situ and without interference to marine life do not require a permit. This includes:
- underwater visual censuses
- underwater video/sled tows used for filming
- invertebrate counts or measurements (eg, paua or kina that are measure on the rock without their movement).
Apply for a permit
- Fill in the Scientific research in a marine reserve application form (PDF, 44K) or (Word, 91K).
- Email the form along with the relevant documents requested to permissions@doc.govt.nz.
Identify the name and status of the marine reserve you wish to use by checking DOC maps.
If your application is approved we will send you a contract which you must sign and return before proceeding with your activity.
Find out more about the process and how to prepare your application.
Permissions application process
Preparing a permission application
Amending a permit
To make an amendment to your permit, see Amending a permit.
Timeframe
Complex applications could take a number of months to be processed.
See How long it takes to process an application for more information on application timeframes.
Fees
There is no application processing fee for non-commercial research applications.
We charge a processing fee for all other applications based on the time required to process your application and staff hourly charge-out rates. Complex applications cost more as they take longer to process. After you apply, we will assign your application to a processing category that reflects its complexity. Each category has a minimum processing fee.
Learn more about processing categories and minimum fees
If you seek pre-application advice, we can tell you the category and minimum processing fee that will most likely apply to your application. We will confirm your minimum processing fee once your application is accepted and assigned to a processing category. If we expect your processing fee to exceed the minimum fee, we will give you a non-binding fee estimate before we start work.
We will usually invoice your fee after processing is complete. If you withdraw your application, you will be charged for any work already done.
If your application is approved, ongoing permission fees may apply.
Additional applications
You may also require additional authorisations such as:
- Dive safety plans to ensure a safe working environment (see Worksafe New Zealand)
- Fisheries Act permits to ‘take’ fish life
- Animal ethic approval if live animals will be manipulated
- Safe ship management certification for all vessels.
Contact us
For more information or assistance with your application contact the nearest of these DOC offices.