Program Funded through a Marine and Coastal District of New York Environmental Custom License Plate Initiative 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in partnership with New York Sea Grant (NYSG), today announced the availability of $85,000 in small grant funding to support projects advancing the mission of the Marine and Coastal District of New York (MCD) Conservation, Education, and Research Board. The grants support projects that help increase participation in marine recreational fishing and promote research, public awareness, and appreciation of the State’s marine and estuarine resources, and encourage conservation of marine fisheries. 

“Maintaining and managing New York State’s living marine, estuarine and anadromous resources is vital to protecting and enhancing our region’s diverse and self-sustaining populations for future generations,” DEC Division of Marine Resources Director Martin Gary said. “DEC’s continued partnership with NYSG is helping achieve our conservation and recreation objectives and new projects funded by these grants will provide New Yorkers with more opportunities to enjoy the uniqueness of our coastline.”

The MCD’s Environmental Custom License Plate initiative entirely funds this small grant program, with $25 of each annual vanity plate fee supporting the MCD Conservation, Education, and Research Fund. Information on how to order a custom MCD vanity plate is available on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles website. 

“As a subscriber to the license plate myself, I’m proud that NYSG partners with the DEC on this dynamic and impactful program that benefits the people and communities that rely on and enjoy New York’s marine waters, coasts, and associated resources,” said Director of NYSG Becky Shuford. “Purchases of the plate support important services for coastal and marine conservation and communities in New York, including opportunities for environmental stewardship, education, and sustainable use and conservation of natural resources.” 

“We are thrilled to be involved in a second round of this funding opportunity,” said MCD Research Board Chair Melissa Dearborn. “Six projects were supported in 2019 to deliver wonderfully diverse and engaging projects across the Marine and Coastal District. We thank the New Yorkers who subscribed to the MCD license plate, making this small grant program possible as a testament of our commitment to stewardship by way of community involvement, to conserve the resources that define our beautiful coastal region.” 

One project funded in 2019 was an ADA-Complaint Bait Station. Friends of the East River Esplanade constructed the El Barrio Bait Station, enabling anglers along the East Harlem Esplanade to clean and safely handle their catch, and use the guide to identify common fish. The ADA-compliant prototype designed by Jacobschang Architecture uses solar power to accommodate anglers who fish after dark, and a pump to supply non-potable water to clean catch. 

Eligible projects include youth marine fishing camps or clubs; coastal and shoreline cleanups and other coastal restoration activities to improve shoreline access; citizen science; signage; programs to increase public awareness about marine and coastal sport fishing and heritage; piloting technology or methods to support conservation; activities to increase engagement in fisheries management planning; and developing tools to improve public access to marine and coastal resources and related services. 

Grants will be administered as Cost Reimbursable Awards (CRA), with project budgets ranging between $1,000 to $15,000. Projects selected for funding must be completed within 12 months. 

Grant applications are due by May 19, 2026. Full details about the grant opportunity, including project eligibility requirements are available on MCD’s Small Grant Program website. 

MCD will host an applicant guidance webinar on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Interested parties are encouraged to register for the webinar here. 

The funding announced today complements Governor Kathy Hochul’s recent actions to support nature-based and green infrastructure projects designed to reduce flood risk and enhance community resilience to extreme weather. 

About New York Sea Grant 

New York Sea Grant, a cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York, is one of 33 university-based programs under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program. Since 1971, New York Sea Grant has promoted coastal vitality, environmental sustainability, and citizen awareness about the State’s marine and Great Lakes resources. New York Sea Grant maintains offices across Long Island including its main office at Stony Brook University. Visit NY Sea Grant for updates on Sea Grant activities.