Requesting permission for filming and/or photographing cetaceans in the waters of mainland Portugal

Permission is needed to be able to film and photograph cetaceans (whales and dolphins) in the waters of mainland Portugal for commercial purposes.

Companies and/or professionals working in the field of audiovisual recordings may apply for permission to collect and record images or sound for commercial purposes (e.g. making a documentary or gathering images for a book on cetaceans).

Service channels

  • Request online

    Request permission to film or photograph cetaceans

Procedure and requirements

Procedure

Below are the steps to follow to apply for permission to film or photograph cetaceans for commercial purposes in mainland Portugal.

  1. Download the form ‘Request for permission for scientific observation and audiovisual recording of cetaceans in the waters of mainland Portugal’. You can find the form on the ICNF website in the "Cetaceans Watching" section
  2. Complete the form with the information indicated.
  3. Send the form, together with a copy or copies of the vessel registration book(s), to rtn@icnf.pt.
  4. Wait for the ICNF to verify the information and documents.
  5. If any information is missing or there are any queries regarding the request for permission, the applicant will be contacted by email.
  6. Once any such queries have been resolved, the application will be examined.
  7. Issuing the authorization or issuing the authorization with conditions or rejecting the authorization request.

Additional Data

Mainland Portugal (all cetacean species occurring in inland waters, territorial waters and the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) – Subzone 1).

Competent Entity

Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, I.P.

Address: Avenida da República n.º 16 1050-191 LISBOA

Phone number: 213507900

Email address: icnf@icnf.pt