California Coastal Commission

Whale Tail^® Dollars at Work

Read below about one example of a project that is happening thanks to California drivers who purchased WHALE TAIL license plates. Find more examples of projects funded by the WHALE TAIL® Grants Program on our website.



Have you ever driven on Highway 101 near San Luis Obispo or Pismo Beach and noticed the exit to Avila Beach? Next time you're in the area on a weekend, consider taking that exit and stopping by the Central Coast Aquarium, which features a collection of local sea life including some hands-on exhibits. (Don't miss the octopus who loves his green football!)

Besides hosting families on the weekends, during the week the Aquarium stays busy leading school children of all ages in marine science activities both indoors and out on the water. A new WHALE TAIL® grant is supporting a program for over 400 youth from underserved schools in neighboring counties. They will explore the open bay (some taking their very first boat trip), the shoreline, and the sandy beaches to examine interesting, diverse marine life; do scientific investigations and data collection; and discover how they can protect these habitats of the central coast.