Marine reserve research

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

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

We will invoice you once we have processed your application. Your fee is likely to be $1,540 plus GST ($1,771 including GST). If the application is particularly complex further costs may be charged above the estimated fee. There is no charge for non-commercial applications. 

If your application is approved we will send you a contract which you must sign and return before proceeding with your activity.

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.