Massachusetts Right Whale Day 2024 Commemoration
Join the Mass Environmental Trust and the New England Aquarium on Wednesday, April 24, as we celebrate the second annual Massachusetts Right Whale Day and the 30th Anniversary of the Whale Plate! The North Atlantic right whale is one of the rarest whale species in the world but can often be seen right in our backyard. Learn more about how you can help honor and protect this critically endangered species at Right Whale Day.
11:00–12:30 p.m.
Harbor Tent & Terrace (behind the Aquarium)
Hear from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, the New England Aquarium, Center for Coastal Studies, state legislators, and more. Organizations and businesses advancing right whale conservation efforts will also have tables with information on right whale research, on-demand or “ropeless” fishing gear, and the Massachusetts Environmental Trust Right Whale license plate program. The event is free and open to the public.
Saving whales one plate at a time
The Whale Plate features the fluke of a North Atlantic right whale (RW) and two roseate terns (RT). Both animals are federally recognized as endangered species and depend upon healthy ecosystems for their survival.
How Can I Help?
Everyone loves catching a glimpse of a whale on one of Massachusetts’ famed whale watches. Of all the whales that visit Massachusetts, the North Atlantic Right Whale is the most endangered. It’s hard to believe the dangers these spectacular animals face from ocean vessels and fishing gear. With less than 400 individual right whales left, the loss of even one can push the species closer to extinction. Your Whale Tail license plate can make a real difference. Did you know that the Whale Tail plate really helps whales? Proceeds support whale research, fund the teams that disentangle whales, improve water quality, restore aquatic habitat, and provide environmental education.
How Much Does A Plate Cost?
A passenger vehicle registration in Massachusetts is $60 every two years. The special plate fee is an additional $40. The total cost is $100 every two years.
How Do I Get A Plate For My Car?
Easy! Click HERE. The site will guide you through the process and let you browse the different plates available.
Having trouble? Contact us and we can walk you through it: 617-626-1068 or met@mass.gov
Save A Whale In 6 Easy Steps
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Visit The Link Provided
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Accept The Terms & Conditions
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Choose The Whale Plate
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Fill Out Information
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Pay
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Save A Whale!
Click Here To Get Started
Visit Our Site
Email Us
Sign Up For Notifications
Check out our other plates that are also helping to preserve the trust.
Learn More About Where Your Donation Is Going
The North Atlantic Right Whale
The sight of a whale from a boat or from the shore is one of the most exciting spectacles of nature. The waters of Massachusetts are home to numerous species of whales but none capture the imagination quite like the Humpback Whale and the North Atlantic Right Whale.
Danger Of Extinction
With less than 400 individuals left, right whales find refuge in Massachusetts to feed on the vast resources here from December through April each year. These slow moving animals swim near the surface where they can be hit by vessels or entangled in fishing gear. For a population so small, the loss of even one whale can push to species closer to extinction.
Ecosysystem Restoration
In addition to helping whales, the MET funds water projects in areas such as ecosystem restoration, water quality improvement, and environmental education. If you are interested in seeing where the money goes, a list of the most recent projects can be found HERE.
