You must submit a 

 if you intend to conduct any scientific research in Bermuda’s marine environment.

Permits are issued for a maximum of 12 months but can be renewed annually following the review of a research progress report.

Please allow at least four weeks for the application approval process.

Application requirements

• Project summary
  • brief summary of the proposed project
• Detailed project description
  • Include rationale, objectives and proposed methods.
• Benefits for Bermuda
  • Indicate how the proposed research will benefit Bermuda
• Collaborators
  • Names and contact details for any other individuals who will be collaborating in this project.
• Project duration and fieldwork dates
• Specimen collection and/or fieldwork activities
  • Indicate the ultimate fate of any specimens you wish to collect

Research Permit Conditions

1. This application, and any other documents, will be sent to the relevant Government of Bermuda officers for comment. You may be asked to modify your research plans based on these comments.
2. You as the permit holder are responsible for the actions of any person designated to undertake research or collect specimens on your behalf.
3. Specimens collected under a Research Permit may not be used for any commercial interest without the explicit sanction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Minister responsible, under terms that the Government deems appropriate. This includes any genetic material obtained from specimens and associated knowledge.
4. All relevant permits should be obtained before you export any specimens out of Bermuda. Export Permits should be requested from the Marine Management Section at least two days before your departure from Bermuda.
5. If a CITES Permit is required, you should be aware that specimens must be inspected no earlier than one day before export to ensure compliance with CITES regulations. You will need to contact the Government Veterinary Officer at (441) 239-2316 or jwnisbet@gov.bm to arrange a suitable time.
6. A copy of any reports and publications resulting from research conducted under a Research Permit show be forwarded to the Marine Management Section.
7. Research Permits will not be renewed unless a satisfactory research progress report has been received by the Marine Management Section.

Research on a Protected Species

If the research involves a species listed under the Protected Species Act 2003, you must also complete an additional application to do research on a protected species.

Exporting Samples

If you intend to export samples you must indicate as such on your application to conduct research. You may be require an export permit.

If the samples are from a species covered under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), you must apply for a CITES export permit.

Search the CITES online database to find out if your study species is listed.

Always check and follow the regulations of the destination country and the countries the samples will transit.

Research Permit Conditions

 1. Your application and any accompanying documents will be sent to the relevant Government of Bermuda officers for comment. You may be asked to modify your research plans based on these comments.

2. You are responsible for the actions of any person designated to undertake research or collect specimens on your behalf.

3. Specimens collected under a Research Permit may not be used for any commercial interest without the explicit sanction of the Department of Environment and Natural Resource and the Minister responsible, under terms that the Government deems appropriate. This includes any genetic material obtained from specimens and associated knowledge.

4. All relevant permits should be obtained before you export any specimens out of Bermuda. Export Permits should be requested from the Marine Management Section at least two days before your departure from Bermuda.

5. If a CITES Permit is required, you should be aware that specimens must be inspected no earlier than one day before export to ensure compliance with CITES regulations. You will need to contact the Government Veterinary Officer at (441) 239-2316 or jwnisbet@gov.bm to arrange a suitable time.

6. A copy of any reports and publications resulting from research conducted under a Research Permit should be forwarded to the Marine Management Section and the Department of Conservation Services at environment@gov.bm.

7. Research Permits will not be renewed unless a satisfactory research progress report has been received by the Marine Management Section.