What is the California Coastal Commission?

The California Coastal Commission is a state government agency, whose mission is to "protect and enhance resources of the California coast and ocean for current and future generations." The Whale Tail License Plate was established to provide funding for coastal protection, marine education, habitat restoration and access projects. In addition to funding its own Adopt-A-Beach Program and Coastal Cleanup Day, the Commission distributes funding from the Whale Tail Plate to nonprofit organizations, local government and schools.

Examples of projects that have been funded to date include: school programs emphasizing stewardship of the coast and ocean, watershed education, marine science summer camps, wetland and sand dune habitat restoration, equipment for marine science laboratories, trips to the beach for children from inland and underserved communities, educational boat trips, beach and river cleanups, ocean-related museum exhibits, water quality monitoring and education, pollution prevention programs, tidepool education, and beach wheelchair purchases.

Click Here for more info on how our funds are spent.

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