The Oregon Coast Aquarium (OCAq) has opened voucher sales for its “puffin plate” – a new license plate that’s bound to fit the bill for Oregonians – featuring one of the state’s iconic seabirds.
The new plate’s design was created by Artist Cam Mullins, OCAq’s Graphic Design and Marketing Coordinator.
It stars a tufted puffin floating atop the sea, golden brow feathers trailing through the water as it peers at fish swimming below. Tufted puffins are native to Oregon, nesting on rocky islands and headlands along its coast, and OCAq’s Seabird Aviary sustains a flock of its own—fittingly, the new license plate will benefit both the Aquarium’s animals and their wild counterparts.
Those aiming to be among the first to own a puffin plate can now purchase vouchers through the Aquarium’s website. The voucher covers the plate’s $40 surcharge fee, and after the deduction of DMV’s administrative costs, remaining funds will support the Oregon Coast Aquarium’s rehabilitation and conservation efforts.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is the only facility in the state of Oregon authorized to provide critical care to endangered marine animals like sea turtles, northern fur seals and snowy plovers. With construction of its new Marine Wildlife Rehabilitation Center set to begin in 2025, the Aquarium anticipates doubling its capacity for these efforts.
In order to move forward into the production stage, OCAq must sell 3,000 vouchers. Once that goal is reached, the Division of Motor and Vehicle Services estimates a 6-7 month wait time until the plates will be available. About 90 days before the plates become available, OCAq will send the original vouchers to their purchasers, along with details on when and how to exchange them for their physical plates.
The sooner 3,000 vouchers are sold, the sooner production begins. Find more information and purchase your puffin plate voucher at aquarium.org/puffin-plate.
Source: Oregon Coast Aquarium