The Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Subpesca) has announced new regulations to simplify the process for obtaining research fishing permits, particularly for low-impact environmental sampling. The changes aim to make administrative procedures more efficient while focusing on the protection of vulnerable species in both marine and freshwater ecosystems.
Marcelo Garcia and Jorge D’Albora P. from Subpesca’s Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management Unit explained: “Until now, many sampling activities required a formal research fishing permit. With the new rule, several types of environmental sampling will no longer need authorization, provided they are low impact and do not affect sensitive species.” These activities include plankton sampling (both animal and plant), collecting small invertebrates from the seabed, aquatic plants, and biological remains such as feathers, feces, or regurgitations from marine mammals and birds.
The updated rules also exempt public services like the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (Sernapesca) from having to request research fishing permits when taking samples or conducting rescue actions during environmental emergencies involving native aquatic species with significant conservation status. In addition, sampling activities already regulated by existing aquaculture environmental regulations are excluded from further permitting requirements to avoid redundant administrative work.
These measures were formalized through Exempt Resolution (Subpesca) No. 3034 of 2025, which amends Exempt Resolution No. 1843 of 2024. The regulatory update aligns with Law No. 21.770 on Sectoral Authorizations and Streamlining Procedures.
According to Subpesca, this regulation is expected to optimize processing times for applications, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, and provide faster responses to users’ requests.
However, Subpesca clarified that there are clear limits to these simplifications. Authorization will still be required when:
– Sampling involves species subject to management measures under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Law.
– Native aquatic species classified as Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN), or Critically Endangered (CR) are involved.
– There is handling of live animals or interference with young or reproductive groups of marine mammals, birds, or reptiles.
– Organisms with very slow recovery rates such as corals or microbialites are sampled.
– Research is conducted or led by foreign institutions.
In these cases, researchers must also submit a report detailing their findings as required by law.
When permission is needed, applications should continue to be submitted through Subpesca’s electronic system for research fishing permits.
