Scientific Collection License For Scientific Research License Details
The licenses listed on this page allow for the collection of the following species for scientific research:
- Fish (freshwater)
- Wildlife
- Shellfish (freshwater)
- Crustaceans (freshwater)
- Aquatic insects
- Bird nests or eggs
- Birds listed as migratory by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (includes non-native species). To view the list, visit the USFWS Migratory Bird List
- For the collection of marine species, see License to Collect, Possess or Sell: Marine Resources
- For the collection of freshwater mussels associated with waterbody disturbance projects (e.g. bridge maintenance/construction, dredging, etc.), see Freshwater Mussel Survey / Relocation License to Collect or Possess
Fee
There is no fee for this license.
Duration
Licenses are valid for 1 year from license issuance.
What This License Allows
- Possession of captive bred or permanently disabled native non-endangered or non-threatened species of fish and wildlife for scientific purposes.
- Possession and collection of native wild non-endangered or non-threatened species of fish and wildlife or birds listed as migratory by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife for or scientific purposes.
- Possession of captive bred or permanently disabled native and non-native endangered or threatened species of fish and wildlife for scientific purposes.
- Possession and collection of native and non-native wild endangered or threatened species of fish and wildlife for scientific purposes.
What This License Does Not Allow
- Possession of regulated species as pets.
- Sale or propagation of regulated species.
- Exhibition of regulated species.
Definitions
Scientific: the purpose of the use of fish, wild animals, wildlife, dangerous animals, shellfish, crustacea, protected insects, or parts thereof by a scientific institution, clinic, laboratory or individual researcher, affiliated with a recognized or accredited scientific or educational institution, including consulting firms, is to expand scientific knowledge or to gain knowledge of a fish, wild animal or wildlife species, dangerous animal, population or community. Captive-bred populations may be established and maintained as part of a scientific endeavor. The determination of whether a use is an appropriate scientific use will be made in the sole discretion of the Commissioner or the Commissioner’s designee.
Threatened: native species designated by the department, which are likely to become endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of their range; or are species listed as threatened by the U.S. Department of the Interior in the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR part 17).
Endangered: native species designated by the department, in imminent danger of extirpation or extinction in New York State; or are species listed as endangered by the U.S. Department of the Interior in the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR part 17).
How To Apply
- Complete the Scientific Collection License (PDF) application form available in the table above. You may also contact the Special Licenses Unit at [email protected] to request an application.
- Obtain any additional required permits, licenses or letters as noted in "other possible requirements" below
- Send completed application along with any other required information and documents to: NYSDEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233-4752
Current License Holder Information
License Renewal
- All licenses expire 1 year from the date of issuance.
- To renew your license, you must complete the renewal paperwork that will be mailed to you approximately 6 weeks prior to license expiration. Please note: renewal of a license is the licensee’s responsibility, if you do not receive a renewal application from the Department at least 4 weeks prior to license expiration, please contact the Special Licenses Unit to receive the application.
Annual Report of Activities
Licensees are required to compile and submit an annual report of activities each year as specified by their license conditions.
License Amendments
License amendments can be submitted using the License Amendment Request (PDF) form.
Licenses to Collect Possess - Banding License Details
The license listed on this page allows for the temporary possession of migratory birds for banding purposes. USFWS Migratory Bird List.
Fee
There is no fee for this license
Duration
Licenses are valid for 5 years from license issuance.
What This License Allows
- Possession and collection of migratory birds for banding purposes.
- Possession of migratory birds for blood collection.
- Possession of migratory birds for feather collection.
What This License Does Not Allow
- Possession of regulated species as pets.
- Sale or propagation of regulated species.
- Exhibition of regulated species.
Definitions
Threatened: native species designated by the department, which are likely to become endangered species within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of their range; or are species listed as threatened by the U.S. Department of the Interior in the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR part 17).
Endangered: native species designated by the department, in imminent danger of extirpation or extinction in New York State; or are species listed as endangered by the U.S. Department of the Interior in the Code of Federal Regulations (50 CFR part 17).
Endangered and Threatened Species Lists
- New York State listing of endangered and threatened species
- Federal listing of endangered and threatened species
How To Apply
- Complete the License to Collect or Possess Banding application (PDF) application form available in the table above. You may also contact the Special Licenses Unit at [email protected] to request an application.
- Obtain a USGS Banding Permit- needed to conduct any banding activity in New York
- Obtain any additional required permits, licenses or letters as noted in "other possible requirements" below
- Send completed information to the following address: NYSDEC Special Licenses Unit, 625 Broadway, Albany NY 12233-4752
Current License Holder Information
License Renewal
- All licenses expire 5 years from the date of issuance.
- To renew your license, you must complete the renewal paperwork that will be mailed to you approximately 6 weeks prior to license expiration. Please note: renewal of a license is the licensee’s responsibility, if you do not receive a renewal application from the Department at least 4 weeks prior to license expiration, please contact the Special Licenses Unit to receive the application.
Annual Report of Activities
- Banding licensees are required to compile and submit annual reports of activities each year as specified by their license conditions.
License Amendments
- License amendments should be submitted using the License Amendment Request form (PDF).
Applicable Laws and Regulations
Environmental Conservation Law (ECL)
Please visit New York State Legislature website.
- 11-0515 Licenses to Collect, Possess or Sell for Propagation, Scientific or Exhibition Purposes
- 11-0535 Endangered and Threatened Species, Species of Special Concern
- 11-0536 Sale of Certain Wild Animals or Wild Animal Products Prohibited
- 11-0537 Bald and Golden Eagles; Prohibited Acts
New York Codes Rules and Regulations (NYCRR)
- 6 NYCRR Part 175 - Special Licenses and Permits - Definitions and Uniform Procedures
- 6 NYCRR Part 182 - Endangered and Threatened Species of Fish and Wildlife Species of Special Concern
Contact Information
Please contact the Special Licenses Unit with any questions or concerns about qualifying or applying for these licenses.
DEC Special Licenses Unit
625 Broadway, 5th Floor
Albany, NY 12233-4752
Phone: 518-402-8985
E-mail: [email protected]
For other permit or license requirements noted above, please contact the appropriate organization listed below.
