The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) issues permits for activities involving marine turtles in South Carolina under authority granted to the state through Cooperative Agreements with the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service and NationalMarine Fisheries Service under Section 6 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). All activities must be authorized under Chapter 15 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. To qualify for a marine turtle permit, the applicant must have the appropriate knowledge and experience and demonstrate that the proposed activity adds to the conservation of marine turtles.  Please submit an application to our office using our online form. For applications for research permits, please submit the form and mail your proposal to our office. Please submit all research proposals between the months of November to February prior to the preferred start date. This will allow the SCDNR marine turtle program enough time to review your application. Please note that submission of this form does not constitute the issuance of a permit.

Application Deadlines:
Nest Protection and Stranding: February 15
Educational and Rehabilitation Captivity: December 31
Research: November to February prior to start date