Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

A permit is required when an individual wishes to conduct an activity within a national marine sanctuary that is otherwise prohibited. Activities prohibited in sanctuaries are listed in program regulations at 15 CFR Part 922; if your proposed activity includes any prohibited action, a permit is likely required.

For most proposed activities, an ONMS permit application must be completed. Submit completed applications to the office for the sanctuary in which you plan to conduct the activity — for filming off the Santa Barbara County coast, that is the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary.

The placement and recovery of objects related to commercial filming may be eligible for a special use permit, as may the operation of aircraft below the minimum altitude in restricted zones of national marine sanctuaries. Special use permits have requirements that differ significantly from general permits.