Improving knowledge about marine mammals is one of the top priorities of the Agoa Sanctuary. Since these species already face several threats in the French West Indies, research efforts must be managed in order to reduce disturbance for the animals. 

Marine mammals are protected at national level on French territory. Within the Agoa Sanctuary, specific regulation was put in place to reinforce this protection. As such, several procedures need to be followed in order to collect data on marine mammals in compliance with the existing legislation. 

Important : Please note that all the following procedures must be carried out in French. 

A Marine Scientific Research authorization delivered by the DDGAEM (the prefect of Martinique) is needed for any marine research project in the French West Indies. This RSM authorization must be obtained whatever the research subject, including for studies not related to marine mammals.

Please find below the required information to apply for a RSM authorization: 

• Identity of the applicant
• Nature and objectives of the research project 
• Methods and means to be used. Should be specified: name, tonnage, type and category of vessels, as well as description of facilities and scientific equipment to be used to carry out this research project. 
• Precise areas where the project will be carried out, with geographic coordinates in WGS 84 degrees, decimal minutes. 
• Estimated duration of research operations, as well as expected dates of first arrival and last departure of the research vessels, or following the case, dates of installation and removal of research equipment. 

This RSM authorization request must be submitted to the Action de l'Etat en mer 6 weeks prior to the campaign start: czm-antilles.cmi.fct@intradef.gouv.fr

This request must be submitted through diplomatic circuits if it comes from a foreign state, an international organization or a physical or moral person of foreign identity. The request must be made through the State of nationality, the flag State of the chartered vessel or by the State where the vessel was registered in. In this case, all requests must be submitted 6 months before the start of the campaign. 

Last but not least, if the project requires to approach marine mammals within 100 meters in the Agoa Sanctuary, it is mandatory to request a derogation from protected species obligations. 

Derogations from protected species obligations are issued by the DEAL in Martinique and Guadeloupe, including Saint-Martin. In Saint-Barthélemy, derogations may be issued by the Director of the Agence Territoriale de l'Environnement or by the President of the territorial council of the Collectivité of Saint-Barthélemy. 

This procedure is quite long and requires an application assessment by the Conseil National de la Protection de la Nature. There is a statutory deadline of 4 months for any DEP request, but it is advised to get in touch with the DEAL at least 6 months before the start of the research project.

For further information, visit the dedicated pages of the Martinique DEAL website (Martinique DEP application) and the Guadeloupe DEAL website (Guadeloupe DEP application).