Oysters

Te Mātā and Waipatukahu (Ōtaki Creek to Diehard/Onepoto Stream, out 1 nm): cockles, mussels, oysters, pipi. From 7 Aug 2026.

Marsden Bank and Mair Bank, Whangārei Harbour entrance: all shellfish, including kina, sea cucumbers and packhorse rock lobster (the notice defines shellfish as all echinoderms, molluscs and crustaceans). Pipi, scallop and spiny rock lobster are closed by other measures. From 29 Jun 2026.

Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay and Whangaparāoa Peninsula: all invertebrates and seaweed in rock pools and out to 200 m offshore, from 12 Mar 2026. Kina excluded (normal limits apply); spiny rock lobster and scallops already closed.

Rehuotane Ki Tai (Tutukaka Harbour, Ngunguru Bay, Ngunguru and Horahora Rivers): no taking cockle, crab, garfish, mussel, octopus, pāua, pipi, packhorse rock lobster, rock oyster, sea cucumber, sea horse, sea snail, starfish, tuatua; nets prohibited in harbour/rivers. From 26 Jun 2026.

Standing shellfish restrictions (restricted areas list, no end date shown): Cheltenham Beach, Eastern Beach and Karekare Beach no shellfish gathering; Cockle Bay no taking of shellfish; Whangateau Harbour no cockles or pipi; Ngunguru Estuary no pipi and/or cockles; Te Puna mātaitai no green-lipped, blue or black mussels; Maunganui Bay (Deep Water Cove) no taking of any species except kina.

Western Taranaki (Tapuae Stream to Taungatara Stream, out 1 nm): all shellfish except rock lobster, seaweed (except beach-cast), sea anemones, stingrays and two conger eel species. From 16 Dec 2024.

Tangoiro/Waihirere (Tairāwhiti, near Māwhai Point): all shellfish (incl. rock lobster) and finfish. From 26 Jul 2025.

Motuoroi (Anaura Bay, Tairāwhiti): all shellfish (incl. rock lobster) and finfish. From 26 Jul 2025.

Te Ohooho o Parapara rāhui: small box approx. 6 km north-east of the Port of Napier; any fish, aquatic life or seaweed. From 8 Aug 2025.

Oaro-Haumuri Taiāpure: closed to seaweed and shellfish except scampi, rock lobster, octopus and kina (pāua open in season at 2 per day).

Lyttelton Harbour/Whakaraupō and Extension mātaitai: pāua closed at Gollans Bay, north-east Ōtamahua/Quail Island and Livingstone Bay to Godley Head; cockles closed at Walkers Beach (Quail Island) and Rec Bay; no shellfish from whata kaimoana (aquaculture structures); unlisted shellfish prohibited. Rāpaki mātaitai: all shellfish prohibited.

Tuhawaiki (south of Timaru) and Te Ahi Tarakihi (north of Timaru) mātaitai reserves: all shellfish other than pāua, kina and kūtai (mussels) prohibited. Limits: pāua 3 (black-foot and yellow-foot), kina 20, kūtai 50 per person per day (MPI 973, in force 24 Jun 2019). Rock lobster treated as shellfish under the Fisheries Act definition (inferred, medium-high confidence). Waitarakao mātaitai (same notice) has no shellfish bylaws.

No take or possession of scallops or flat/dredge oysters anywhere in the Fiordland Marine Area (low abundance).

Pikomamaku (Womens Island) mātaitai reserve, North Tītī Islands: all fishing prohibited (fish, aquatic life, seaweed).

Horomamae mātaitai reserve (waters north and north-east of Horomamae/Owen Island, east Stewart Island): all fish, aquatic life and seaweed closed 1 Jun to 31 Mar (open 1 Apr to 31 May only) (MPI 35, 2012).

Kaihuka mātaitai reserve (waters around Kaihuka Island, Breaksea Islands group, east Stewart Island): all fish, aquatic life and seaweed closed 1 Jun to 31 Mar (open 1 Apr to 31 May only) (MPI 37, 2012).

Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve (Poor Knights Islands, about 22 km off the east coast of Northland (boats launch from Tutukaka); covers the sea 800 m out from all islands, islets, rocks and stacks). Marine reserve, no take: No fishing of any kind, from a boat or from shore; no taking or disturbing any marine life, including shellfish and seaweeds; no taking any part of the sea floor, including rocks and shells; no feeding fish.

Whangārei Harbour Marine Reserve (Two sites in Whangārei Harbour, Northland: Motukaroro (Passage) Island at Reotahi, and the Waikaraka mudflats and mangroves off Whangārei Heads Road). Marine reserve, no take: Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve.

Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve (Goat Island) (Cape Rodney to Okakari Point near Leigh, north of Warkworth, Auckland; waters 800 m from shore including Te Hāwere-a-Maki/Goat Island (pre-extension description)). Marine reserve, no take: Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve. Extended (Cape Rodney–Okakari Point Extension Marine Reserve) under the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025 from 25 Oct 2025; the old 800 m boundary no longer marks the edge, check the DOC map.

Tāwharanui Marine Reserve (Northern coast of the Tāwharanui Peninsula (Tāwharanui Regional Park), Rodney, about 90 km north of Auckland). Marine reserve, no take: Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve; no fishing; taking fossils prohibited.

Long Bay-Okura Marine Reserve (Long Bay to the Okura estuary, North Shore, about 20 km north of Auckland CBD). Marine reserve, no take: Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve.

Te Matuku Marine Reserve (Te Matuku Bay, far south-east corner of Waiheke Island, Hauraki Gulf, extending into Tāmaki Strait). Marine reserve, no take: Fishing, collecting, or disturbing marine organisms and resources are prohibited. Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve.

Mōtū Manawa-Pollen Island Marine Reserve (Inner Waitematā Harbour around Pollen and Traherne Islands, between Rosebank Peninsula and Waterview/Pt Chevalier, Auckland). Marine reserve, no take: Do not take or kill fish, crustaceans, shellfish, seaweed, shells, rocks or any other marine life; don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve.

Te Whanganui-o-Hei/Cathedral Cove Marine Reserve (Cathedral Cove to Hahei, Mercury Bay, Coromandel). Marine reserve, no take: No fishing of any kind, from a boat or from shore; no taking or disturbing any marine life, including shellfish and seaweeds; no taking any part of the sea floor, including rocks and shells; no feeding fish. No discharge of waste/ballast/sewage. Extended (Te Whanganui-o-Hei / Cathedral Cove Extension Marine Reserve, Areas A and B) under the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025 from 25 Oct 2025; check the DOC map.

Tūhua (Mayor Island) Marine Reserve (Northern coast of Tūhua/Mayor Island, Bay of Plenty, from high-tide mark to 1 nm offshore between Turanginui Point and Tumutu Point). Marine reserve, no take: Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve. Reserve covers the northern coast only; elsewhere around the island normal rules apply, with set nets and long lines banned within 1 nm.

Te Paepae o Aotea (Volkner Rocks) Marine Reserve (Volkner Rocks, 5 km north-west of Whakaari/White Island and 55 km north of Whakatāne, Bay of Plenty). Marine reserve, no take: Fishing is not permitted. Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve.

Te Tapuwae o Rongokako Marine Reserve (Pouawa coast, about 16 km north of Gisborne, East Coast (access from SH35 at Pouawa)). Marine reserve, no take: Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve.

Te Angiangi Marine Reserve (Central Hawke's Bay coast between Aramoana and Blackhead, about 30 min from Waipukurau/Waipawa). Marine reserve, no take: No fishing, seaweed or shellfish gathering. All plant and animal life, alive or dead, totally protected; reefs and sea floor protected, nothing may be removed. Illegal to discharge firearms or harmful substances, or release non-native species; also an offence to pollute, litter, or erect a structure.

Parininihi Marine Reserve (North Taranaki coast at the Whitecliffs/Parininihi, north of Urenui (road access via Pukearuhe Road), including Pariokariwa reef). Marine reserve, no take: Illegal to take anything, including fish, shellfish, lobster, rocks, shells, driftwood or any other natural feature, plant or animal; don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything. Areas either side were left out of the reserve so customary and recreational fishing continue there.

Tapuae Marine Reserve (Taranaki coast just south-west of New Plymouth, adjoining Ngā Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Protected Area). Marine reserve, no take: No-take: no fishing of any kind, no shellfish gathering, no removal of rocks, shells, driftwood or plants; don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything. Adjoins the Ngā Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands Marine Protected Area, where some fishing is allowed (not a marine reserve).

Kapiti Marine Reserve (Between Kapiti Island and Paraparaumu/Waikanae beaches, Kapiti Coast, about 30 km from Wellington (two areas: inner/eastern and outer/western of the island)). Marine reserve, no take: Fishing within the marine reserve is not permitted. Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve.

Taputeranga Marine Reserve (Wellington south coast around Island Bay and Owhiro Bay, about 6 km from the city centre). Marine reserve, no take: Fishing and the removal or disturbance of any living or non-living marine resource is prohibited (except permitted monitoring/research).

Westhaven (Te Tai Tapu) Marine Reserve (Tidal sandflats and channels at the southern end of Whanganui Inlet, western Golden Bay; inlet entrance 19 km SW of Farewell Spit). Marine reserve, no take: Fishing and shooting are not permitted in the marine reserve. Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve.

Kahurangi Marine Reserve (Far NW South Island (West Coast region), 16 km of coast from Wekakura Point to Crayfish Point, about 5 km offshore; southern half reachable from the Heaphy Track). Marine reserve, no take: Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve - it's illegal.

Tonga Island Marine Reserve (Abel Tasman National Park coast, Nelson/Tasman, surrounding Tonga Island). Marine reserve, no take: Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve.

Horoirangi Marine Reserve (North of Nelson on the eastern side of Tasman Bay/Te Tai-o-Aorere, Glenduan to near Cable Bay (Ataata Point)). Marine reserve, no take: Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve - it's illegal. Fishing is not permitted within the reserve.

Long Island - Kokomohua Marine Reserve (Entrance to Queen Charlotte Sound, Marlborough Sounds, about 35 km from Picton; boat access only). Marine reserve, no take: Taking, disturbing, killing or damaging anything within the reserve is illegal.

Punakaiki Marine Reserve (West Coast, edge of Paparoa National Park, around Dolomite Point (Pancake Rocks), Perpendicular Point to near Maher Swamp, out to 2 nautical miles). Marine reserve, no take: Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve - it's illegal. Exception: eeling, whitebaiting and recreational fishing at river mouths allowed in two defined areas (not shellfish gathering on the reef).

Waiau Glacier Coast Marine Reserve (South Westland, about 11 km from Kohuamarua Bluff (near Ōkārito) south to Omoeroa Bluff, about 4 km offshore, incl. a short way up the Waiho River). Marine reserve, no take: Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve - it's illegal.

Tauparikākā Marine Reserve (Ship Creek visitor site, about 20 min drive north of Haast, South Westland). Marine reserve, no take: Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve.

Hautai Marine Reserve (Remote South Westland coast, from just south of Longridge Point about 6 km south to the Hacket River mouth, >1 km offshore; halfway between Jackson Bay and Milford Sound, 60 km from any road). Marine reserve, no take: Don't take, disturb, kill or damage anything within the reserve.

Hikurangi Marine Reserve (About 10 km south of Kaikōura near Goose Bay, extending offshore over the Kaikōura Canyon). Marine reserve, no take: No-take area: you may not remove or disturb any marine life, or take any other material, including shells from the beach, water or seabed.

Pōhatu Marine Reserve (Flea Bay, south-east (outer) coast of Banks Peninsula, Canterbury; 4WD-only land access). Marine reserve, no take: It is not permitted to take any animal or natural item from the reserve (fish, shellfish, shells, seaweed, rocks, driftwood).

Akaroa Marine Reserve (Mouth of Akaroa Harbour, Banks Peninsula, Canterbury; boat or kayak access). Marine reserve, no take: You are not permitted to take any animals or natural items from the reserve (fish, shellfish, shells, seaweed, rocks, driftwood).

Waitaki Marine Reserve (North Otago coast south of the Waitaki River; foreshore access limited (much via private land)). Marine reserve, no take: 'No take' area: all fishing (commercial, recreational, customary), taking or killing marine life, removing or disturbing marine life or materials, feeding fish, discarding fish waste. In force 1 Jul 2026 (Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia network). Only exception is Ngāi Tahu Whānui wānaka (incl. wānaka hī ika with limited take); fish caught outside may be carried through.

Papanui Marine Reserve (Entirely offshore off the Otago Peninsula/Dunedin coast; boat access only). Marine reserve, no take: 'No take' area: all fishing (commercial, recreational, customary), taking or killing marine life, removing or disturbing marine life or materials, feeding fish, discarding fish waste. In force 1 Jul 2026 (Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia network). Only exception is Ngāi Tahu Whānui wānaka (incl. wānaka hī ika with limited take); fish caught outside may be carried through.

Ōrau Marine Reserve (Dunedin coast, Harakeke Point to St Clair; accessible from Otago Peninsula beaches (Sandfly Bay to St Clair)). Marine reserve, no take: 'No take' area: all fishing (commercial, recreational, customary), taking or killing marine life, removing or disturbing marine life or materials, feeding fish, discarding fish waste. In force 1 Jul 2026 (Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia network). Only exception is Ngāi Tahu Whānui wānaka (incl. wānaka hī ika with limited take); fish caught outside may be carried through.

Ōkaihae Marine Reserve (Around Ōkaihae/Green Island, offshore island (nature reserve) on the Otago coast south of Dunedin; boat access only). Marine reserve, no take: 'No take' area: all fishing (commercial, recreational, customary), taking or killing marine life, removing or disturbing marine life or materials, feeding fish, discarding fish waste. Landing on Ōkaihae (Green Island) without DOC permission prohibited. In force 1 Jul 2026 (Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia network). Only exception is Ngāi Tahu Whānui wānaka (incl. wānaka hī ika with limited take); fish caught outside may be carried through.

Hākinikini Marine Reserve (Remote southern Otago coast; limited road access, walk in via Akatore Creek at low tide). Marine reserve, no take: 'No take' area: all fishing (commercial, recreational, customary), taking or killing marine life, removing or disturbing marine life or materials, feeding fish, discarding fish waste. In force 1 Jul 2026 (Te Au Roa o Te Rakihouia network). Only exception is Ngāi Tahu Whānui wānaka (incl. wānaka hī ika with limited take); fish caught outside may be carried through.

Ulva Island-Te Wharawhara Marine Reserve (Outer Paterson Inlet/Whaka ā Te Wera, east coast of Stewart Island/Rakiura, around Ulva Island). Marine reserve, no take: Fishing, or taking or disturbing anything that occurs naturally in the reserve; feeding fish; discharging pollutants or ballast water; introducing living organisms. Surrounded by Te Whaka a Te Wera (Paterson Inlet) mātaitai reserve, which has its own bylaws.

Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) Marine Reserve (Northern side of Milford Sound/Piopiotahi from the head of the sound to Dale Point). Marine reserve, no take: All marine life is totally protected. No fishing, netting, taking, or killing of marine life. No polluting, disturbance or damage. No removal of any natural thing from the marine reserve.

Te Hapua (Sutherland Sound) Marine Reserve (Sutherland Sound, northern Fiordland (shallow-sill entrance)). Marine reserve, no take: All marine life is totally protected. No fishing, netting, taking, or killing of marine life. No polluting, disturbance or damage. No removal of any natural thing from the marine reserve.

Hawea (Clio Rocks) Marine Reserve (Inner Bligh Sound/Hāwea, northern Fiordland). Marine reserve, no take: All marine life is totally protected. No fishing, netting, taking, or killing of marine life. No polluting, disturbance or damage. No removal of any natural thing from the marine reserve.

Kahukura (Gold Arm) Marine Reserve (Gold Arm, Charles Sound/Taiporoporo). Marine reserve, no take: All marine life is totally protected. No fishing, netting, taking, or killing of marine life. No polluting, disturbance or damage. No removal of any natural thing from the marine reserve.

Kutu Parera (Gaer Arm) Marine Reserve (Gaer Arm, Bradshaw Sound (Doubtful Sound complex), incl. Camelot River entrance estuary). Marine reserve, no take: All marine life is totally protected. No fishing, netting, taking, or killing of marine life. No polluting, disturbance or damage. No removal of any natural thing from the marine reserve.

Te Awaatu Channel (The Gut) Marine Reserve (The Gut channel, Doubtful Sound/Patea, near Secretary Island). Marine reserve, no take: All marine life is totally protected. No fishing, netting, taking, or killing of marine life. No polluting, disturbance or damage. No removal of any natural thing from the marine reserve.

Taipari Roa (Elizabeth Island) Marine Reserve (Around Elizabeth Island, inner Doubtful Sound/Patea). Marine reserve, no take: All marine life is totally protected. No fishing, netting, taking, or killing of marine life. No polluting, disturbance or damage. No removal of any natural thing from the marine reserve.

Moana Uta (Wet Jacket Arm) Marine Reserve (Entire length of Wet Jacket Arm, Dusky Sound/Tamatea complex). Marine reserve, no take: All marine life is totally protected. No fishing, netting, taking, or killing of marine life. No polluting, disturbance or damage. No removal of any natural thing from the marine reserve.

Taumoana (Five Fingers Peninsula) Marine Reserve (Beside Five Fingers Peninsula at the entrance to Tamatea/Dusky Sound (wave-exposed coast)). Marine reserve, no take: All marine life is totally protected. No fishing, netting, taking, or killing of marine life. No polluting, disturbance or damage. No removal of any natural thing from the marine reserve.

Te Tapuwae o Hua (Long Sound) Marine Reserve (Long Sound, Preservation Inlet, southern Fiordland). Marine reserve, no take: All marine life is totally protected. No fishing, netting, taking, or killing of marine life. No polluting, disturbance or damage. No removal of any natural thing from the marine reserve.

Aldermen Islands / Te Ruamahua (north) High Protection Area (waters around the northern Aldermen Islands, off Tairua, east Coromandel; boundary per SO plan in the Act, see DOC map). Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025, in force 25 Oct 2025: no recreational or commercial fishing, including rock lobster and all other shellfish. Customary fishing allowed only with written authorisation from a tangata kaitiaki for a customary purpose (e.g. hui, tangi).

Aldermen Islands / Te Ruamahua (south) High Protection Area (waters around the southern Aldermen Islands, off Tairua, east Coromandel; boundary per SO plan in the Act, see DOC map). Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025, in force 25 Oct 2025: no recreational or commercial fishing, including rock lobster and all other shellfish. Customary fishing allowed only with written authorisation from a tangata kaitiaki for a customary purpose (e.g. hui, tangi).

Cape Colville High Protection Area (off Cape Colville, northern tip of the Coromandel Peninsula (inside the Cape Colville SPA); boundary per SO plan in the Act, see DOC map). Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025, in force 25 Oct 2025: no recreational or commercial fishing, including rock lobster and all other shellfish. Customary fishing allowed only with written authorisation from a tangata kaitiaki for a customary purpose (e.g. hui, tangi).

Kawau Bay High Protection Area (Kawau Bay, north of Auckland (inside the Kawau Bay SPA); boundary per SO plan in the Act, see DOC map). Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025, in force 25 Oct 2025: no recreational or commercial fishing, including rock lobster and all other shellfish. Customary fishing allowed only with written authorisation from a tangata kaitiaki for a customary purpose (e.g. hui, tangi). Limited commercial ring-netting (kahawai, grey mullet, trevally, 1 Mar to 31 Aug, authorised existing operators only) is the only fishing exception; it does not apply to recreational fishers.

Mokohīnau Islands High Protection Area (around the Mokohīnau Islands, outer Hauraki Gulf; boundary per SO plan in the Act, see DOC map). Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025, in force 25 Oct 2025: no recreational or commercial fishing, including rock lobster and all other shellfish. Customary fishing allowed only with written authorisation from a tangata kaitiaki for a customary purpose (e.g. hui, tangi).

Motukawao Islands High Protection Area (around the Motukawao Islands, western Coromandel coast; boundary per SO plan in the Act, see DOC map). Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025, in force 25 Oct 2025: no recreational or commercial fishing, including rock lobster and all other shellfish. Customary fishing allowed only with written authorisation from a tangata kaitiaki for a customary purpose (e.g. hui, tangi).

Pakatoa and Tarahiki / Shag Island High Protection Area (around Pakatoa and Tarahiki/Shag Islands, east of Waiheke Island; boundary per SO plan in the Act, see DOC map). Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025, in force 25 Oct 2025: no recreational or commercial fishing, including rock lobster and all other shellfish. Customary fishing allowed only with written authorisation from a tangata kaitiaki for a customary purpose (e.g. hui, tangi).

Rangitoto and Motutapu High Protection Area (around Rangitoto and Motutapu Islands, inner Hauraki Gulf; boundary per SO plan in the Act, see DOC map). Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025, in force 25 Oct 2025: no recreational or commercial fishing, including rock lobster and all other shellfish. Customary fishing allowed only with written authorisation from a tangata kaitiaki for a customary purpose (e.g. hui, tangi). Limited commercial ring-netting (kahawai, grey mullet, trevally, 1 Mar to 31 Aug, authorised existing operators only) is the only fishing exception; it does not apply to recreational fishers.

Slipper Island / Whakahau High Protection Area (around Slipper Island/Whakahau, off Tairua-Pāuanui, east Coromandel; boundary per SO plan in the Act, see DOC map). Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025, in force 25 Oct 2025: no recreational or commercial fishing, including rock lobster and all other shellfish. Customary fishing allowed only with written authorisation from a tangata kaitiaki for a customary purpose (e.g. hui, tangi).

Te Hauturu-o-Toi / Little Barrier Island High Protection Area (around Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island, outer Hauraki Gulf; boundary per SO plan in the Act, see DOC map). Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025, in force 25 Oct 2025: no recreational or commercial fishing, including rock lobster and all other shellfish. Customary fishing allowed only with written authorisation from a tangata kaitiaki for a customary purpose (e.g. hui, tangi).

The Noises High Protection Area (around The Noises islands, north-east of Rangitoto/Motutapu; boundary per SO plan in the Act, see DOC map). Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025, in force 25 Oct 2025: no recreational or commercial fishing, including rock lobster and all other shellfish. Customary fishing allowed only with written authorisation from a tangata kaitiaki for a customary purpose (e.g. hui, tangi).

Tiritiri Matangi High Protection Area (around Tiritiri Matangi Island, off Whangaparāoa Peninsula (inside the Tiritiri Matangi SPA); boundary per SO plan in the Act, see DOC map). Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Act 2025, in force 25 Oct 2025: no recreational or commercial fishing, including rock lobster and all other shellfish. Customary fishing allowed only with written authorisation from a tangata kaitiaki for a customary purpose (e.g. hui, tangi).

Kermadec Islands Marine Reserve (Rangitāhua): all waters around the islands and rocks out to 12 nautical miles. Marine reserve, no take of any marine life. Visits need a DOC permit.