Auction to Support Right Whale Conservation and Promote Environmental Stewardship

BOSTON – November 28, 2025, the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) announced the upcoming auction of low-number Right Whale and Roseate Tern license plates. This is part of its Marine Mammal Conservation Campaign. Proceeds will fund MET grant programs that protect and preserve aquatic and marine life and their habitats. Additionally, these funds promote youth environmental stewardship. 

The auction will run December 1-15, 2025, under the theme “Drive with Purpose. Protect Right Whales.” 

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. These funds also aid 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. It strengthens the protection of endangered species and the interconnected ecosystems they depend on through advocacy, education, and on-the-ground action.” 

History of MET

Since 1997, MET has supported the Massachusetts Large Whale and Sea Turtle Conservation Program, a state-led initiative. This program is administered by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) in partnership with the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) and supported by NOAA. It combines population and habitat monitoring and analysis of North Atlantic right whales. Also, it includes year-round at-sea readiness and response for rescues of right, humpback, and fin whales, as well as 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. This will gradually release 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. These include highly sought-after numbers such as #2, #6, #88, #617, and more. MET also offers other “Preserve the Trust” plates. These feature images represent 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 within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. MET funds and coordinates projects to restore, protect, and improve aquatic resources and ecosystems. It also conserves threatened marine animals. Grant funds are generated through the 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.