Research Permit

Researchers who want to use Reserve components as a location for their work are required to obtain a research permit from the research team.

These permits are used for three important purposes:

  1. To help manage all research projects on the reserve sites to help prevent conflicts (like sample plot encroachment and incompatible projects being conducted at the same time). 
  2. To help justify the usefulness of the National Estuarine Research Reserve System as a research platform to various funding agencies and Congress. The National Estuarine Research Reserve System requires reporting of permitted projects at all reserve sites as part of annual performance-measure tracking.
  3. To keep track of projects as they reach completion and assist with the dissemination of results and final reports. Please help the Reserve accomplish these goals by filling out the research permit application below. 

Research Permit Application

To begin research on a Reserve component, complete the form below and wait for an authorization email from the Reserve research team. Please review the Research Permit Condition below by toggling the drop-down arrow.

For questions, please email Justin Ridge, justin.ridge@deq.nc.gov.

Tab/Accordion Items

  1. The Research Permit is valid through the expiration date on the permit. Permit length shall not exceed three years. 
  2. Permits may be renewed if the duration of the project exceeds three years. For renewal requests, please contact the Reserve research coordinator.
  3. While conducting research in Reserves, the permittee must comply with all Reserve rules and regulations (see NC Administrative code, Title 15: subchapter 7O and relevant site management plan) and with any other applicable local, state and federal regulations. It isthe permittee’s responsibility to be aware of legal obligations.
  4. The Research Permit does not eliminate the need to obtain any other state, local, or federal authorization. Research that involves alteration of the shore, bank, or bottom of the Atlantic Ocean or any sound, bay, river, creek in a designated Area of Environmental Concern may be considered “development” under the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) and require the permittee to go through the necessary approval and permitting processes prior to conducting research within Reserves. The permittee is responsible for obtaining all required local, state and federal permits (e.g. CAMA, NC Division of Marine Fisheries collecting permits).
  5. All experiments and equipment left in the field during a project should be clearly marked and include the permittee’s name and address. The Research Permit number should be attached. Any items in the Reserve not labeled as above may be removed by Reserve staff.
  6. All experimental gear, trash, and equipment related to the permitted project must be removed from the Reserve(s) within one month from the permit expiration. Practicing good stewardship ensures the Reserves continue to function as living laboratories for use by future scientists. Failure to meet this condition may result in revocation of research privileges in the Reserves.
  7. If there are deviations during the project that involve physical or chemical disturbances the permittee should contact the Reserve research coordinator to discuss permit revisions. 
  8. Carry a copy of your Reserve Research Permit(s) when you conduct permitted research within the Reserve. Reserve staff or other law enforcement officers have the right to request to see your Research Permit.
  9. A final project report is required within one year of Permit expiration. The following are acceptable for a final project report: peer-reviewed publication, dissertation or thesis chapter(s), grant final reports or progress reports, or a short review of what was accomplished and associated findings. If manuscripts are published after a final report has been submitted, we would like to receive copies. We use the results of your work to improve site management, as a reporting performance measure, and to communicate science to diverse audiences
Indicates required field
Are you a student?
At which Reserve component(s) will your research be conducted? (Please select all that apply)
If you are granted a research permit, we require a report/summary submitted to the Reserve. Please provide the estimated date for submitting this.
Please include the source and annual amount if this project is being supported by grants or institutional funding.
How were you informed of the requirement to apply for a research permit?
Are you aware of the Reserve's long-term water quality and meteorological monitoring data?
If not, please contact us or visit the NERRS Centralized Data Management Office.
E.g., meteorological data from Masonboro Island Reserve
I agree to adhere to the research permit terms and conditions listed in the permit guidelines, including submitting Final Report at the end of the project, and notify Reserve staff of any permit deviations.
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human
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