About our Low-Plate Auctions
Since 1994, MET has reserved low-number Whale Plates. Over the next 2-3 years, we will auction Right Whale (RW) plates 1-999 and Roseate Tern (RT) plates 1-999, along with a selection of low-number Striped Bass plates ranging from 9-99.
By purchasing one of these exclusive plates, you contribute to crucial grantmaking efforts aimed at protecting and conserving our precious marine animals, restoration efforts in trout streams, striped bass research and angler education, and aquatic habitat improvements.
The time to act is now. With federal cuts threatening our grantees' crucial work, your immediate support is needed to create a stable foundation. Don't let their progress be undone. Your tax-free donation or bid in the low-number plate auction is a direct and powerful way to make a difference. Every contribution provides essential stabilizing income, empowering our partners to continue their life-changing services. Be the force for good and act now.
Already have an MET plate, please consider making a donation: Donate Here!
Video: Drive With Purpose Auction
Skip this video Drive With Purpose Auction.Upcoming Auction
The right whale season will soon be upon us and by bidding on a rare whale plate you will be celebrating the holidays by welcoming them back to our waters. Please visit our Auction page for instructions on how to register and place a bid.
Whale Plate Auction Proceeds
Funds from MET’s WHALE plate auctions strengthen our grantmaking to:
- Protect endangered whales, like the North Atlantic right whale, sea turtles, and other marine species through rescue, research, and disentanglement programs.
- Support long-term partnerships like the Massachusetts Large Whale and Sea Turtle Conservation Program, a 28-year effort combining habitat research, population monitoring, and at-sea rescues.
- Advance development of safer fishing gear and fisher training to reduce entanglements and injuries.
- Fund research on feeding, migration, and behavior of whales, seals, turtles, and other coastal wildlife including shore birds like the endangered Roseate Tern.
- Deliver environmental education and workshops that promote stewardship of aquatic ecosystems.
We’re thrilled to share that our first-ever whale plate auction in early 2025 was a success! Low-number plates like RW3, RT5, RW100, and RW133 are now on the road — with proceeds supporting vital grantmaking for marine animal protection, aquatic habitat restoration, and environmental education. This launch coincided with the seasonal return of endangered right whales to Cape Cod Bay — a powerful reminder of what’s at stake and why our community’s support matters.
“You are the best! Thank you, Kim, for your commitment to MET and for a terrific auction process and patience with me. The plates are gorgeous. I wouldn’t have donated without you. Whales everywhere are lucky to have your care. With my best regards and congrats on the auction success.”
Low-Number Striped Bass License Plate Auctions
The Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) and MA Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) held an online auction of a selection 20 of low-number Striped Bass license plates in October 2025.
Don’t worry if you don’t see your special number, many plates numbers ranging from 9-99 will be available to bid on during the next auction.
The Striped Bass plate was designed by local artist Janet Biondi, this specialty license plate depicts a striped bass in pursuit of alewives, a favorite forage fish for stripers.
Striped Bass plate Auction Proceeds
Proceeds from the auctions are used to raise funds and awareness for conservation of striped bass that includes:
- Research on striped bass populations, movement, and ecology
- Habitat restoration projects, including efforts to enhance migratory fish passage for alewives, blueback herring, and American shad
- Important research on angler behavior and improving catch-and-release survival of striped bass
- Education for anglers about proper striped bass handling to reduce mortality
- Distribution of free hook replacements to anglers to improve striped bass survival
- Angler education clinics for youth to engage the next generation in saltwater fishing