Scientific Research Permits Online System

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A new system for Scientific Permits will launch on the evening of Wednesday, August 13, 2025. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve and modernize our permitting systems, we are transitioning to a new online platform for managing scientific research permits and applications. Once the new system launches, our Department will no longer process renewals or major amendments through the old system. If you need to renew a permit or request a major amendment, you will be required to submit a new application for that project in the new online system.

Why the Change?

The decision to implement a new system is driven by the need to introduce modern efficiencies, such as online payments, streamline administrative processes, and ensure more effective management of our scientific permitting program. This new system will allow us to process permits more efficiently, improve data usability, and better support the critical research being conducted in the field.

Who this affects?

Existing scientific research permits will remain valid until their expiration date. Applications for a new permit or requests for a major change to existing permits will need to use the new system.

Key Policy Changes and Transition Details

Included on the sidebar is a link to our Scientific Research Permit Projects Guide, a comprehensive document outlining a key policy change: projects will now be issued on a project-specific basis. Please review the Scientific Research Permits Projects Guide carefully, as it provides a thorough explanation of what constitutes a project for the purposes of this permit. As the launch date nears, we will provide further guidance to ensure a smooth transition and encourage you to visit our website once these changes have been made.

Blackout Period

The blackout period is currently in effect from June 14, 2025, through August 13, 2025. During this time, our office will not accept any new permit applications, renewals, or amendment requests as we prepare for the transition to the new system. Requests submitted during this period will not be processed and must be resubmitted after August 13, 2025. Requests submitted prior to June 14, 2025, will continue to be processed normally. To avoid delays, we encourage you to submit any necessary requests well in advance.

Resources Available

To support you through this transition, we will offer several resources, including:

• Webinars
  • Webinar Recording - April 11, 2025
• User guides (available at time of launch)
• Scientific Research Permit FAQs
• Scientific Research Permit Projects Guide
• Help desk support (available at time of launch)

Q&A and Questions

We understand you may have questions about the system transition. While we are unable to process permit requests during the blackout period (June 14 - August 13, 2025), we're still available to answer general questions about the new system. Please refer to our FAQ document for common questions, or feel free to contact us. Additional resources and detailed guidance will be available when the new system launches on August 13, 2025.

Next Steps and Follow-Up

We recognize that these changes may raise questions and concerns, and we are committed to providing clear communication throughout this process. The new system will launch on the evening of August 13, 2025. Additional guidance and instructions for accessing the new system will be provided at launch.

Thank you for your continued partnership. We look forward to supporting you through this transition. Please monitor this website for periodic updates and additional information.