West Marine named 11 organizations as recipients of its annual Marine Conservation Grants.
The retailer said the grants are being awarded to organizations that are working to “improve and protect marine habitat,” which West Marine said is a key part of its mission.
The grants are a component of West Marine’s BlueFuture initiative to help create a sustainable future for the planet. The company said the focus of this year’s awards is projects that enhance marine habitat, engage anglers in data collection and educate anglers about barotrauma.
The recipients’ efforts are focused in California, Washington, New York, Louisiana, Florida, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Michigan and Hawaii.
West Marine said it has donated more than $5 million since 1994 to organizations that support youth boating, boating safety and the marine environment.
