For $40, Oregon drivers can have a whale on their license plate. Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute in Newport is selling the plates to raise money for its research, graduate student education and public outreach.
Institute director Dr. Bruce Mate says they’re looking for ways to be more sustainable.
“We’re looking for some stability of funds so that we can offer the kinds of services we have within our expertise more locally, particularly around species that are most in need and aren’t getting attention,” Mate says.
The institute will receive $35 for each license plate that is sold.
Mate says they’ve already sold over 400 plate vouchers. Once they receive 3,000 orders, the Oregon DMV will begin production and the institute will receive $105,000 for those initial license plate purchases.