Press Release  Massachusetts Environmental Trust Launches 2nd Whale License Plate Auction to Support Right Whale Conservation

Boston — Today, the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) announced the upcoming auction of low-number Right Whale and Roseate Terns license plates as part of its Marine Mammal Conservation Campaign. The auction will run December 1-15, 2025, under the theme “Drive with Purpose. Protect Right Whales.” 

Proceeds will fund MET grant programs that protect and preserve aquatic and marine life and their habitats while promoting youth environmental stewardship. 

Coinciding with the return of North Atlantic Right Whale mothers and calves to Massachusetts waters, the auction ensures that 100% of these tax-free contributions directly support right whale conservation efforts and the organizations that rely on MET funding at this critical time.  

“By bidding in the auction or making a donation, you’re driving with purpose—helping ensure continued, critical funding for the highly trained teams who rescue whales and sea turtles,” said MET Program Manager Kim Tilas. “Every contribution fuels research on marine and freshwater wildlife and strengthens the protection of endangered species and the interconnected ecosystems they depend on through advocacy, education, and on-the-ground action.”

Since 1997, MET has supported the Massachusetts Large Whale and Sea Turtle Conservation Program, a state-led conservation initiative administered by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) in partnership with the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) and supported by NOAA. It combines monitoring and analysis of the population and habitat of North Atlantic right whales, with readiness and response year-round at-sea rescues of right, humpback, fin whales, and leatherback sea turtles in waters from New Hampshire to Rhode Island.

MET has awarded over $28 million to more than 1,000 projects, supporting environmental conservation across Massachusetts. However, license plate revenues have declined over time. During the inaugural low-number whale plate auction, MET successfully raised approximately $79,000. This time, the goal is even more ambitious as the organization works to address growing conservation needs.

The auction provides vital funding to sustain protection, monitoring, and conservation efforts for North Atlantic right whales and other marine animals. MET plans to continue these auction opportunities every 3-6 months over the next 2-3 years, gradually releasing more low-number whale plates (RW and RT plates 1-999) to support ongoing conservation efforts.

How to Participate

Registration for the auction is now open through two convenient options:

• Register on MET's Auction Homepage
• Text "Right" to 76278

The auction features 25 coveted low-number WHALE plates, including highly sought-after numbers such as #2, #6, #88, #617, and more. MET also offers other “Preserve the Trust” plates that display images representing the unique characteristics of the state’s coastal, central, and western regions. 

Current MET plate holders who wish to support right whale conservation can make a direct donation. Every contribution advances purpose-driven conservation. For more information about the specialty environmental license plates, visit MET’s webpage.  

About Massachusetts Environmental Trust

The Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) is a state trust operated within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. MET funds and coordinates projects to restore, protect, and improve aquatic resources and ecosystems, and conserve threatened marine animals. Grant funds are generated through sales of four specialty license plates—Right Whale, Brook Trout, Striped Bass, and Blackstone Valley—as well as donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. MET accepts individual contributions and gifts from Donor Advised Funds, wills, and bequests. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent provided by law. 

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