West Marine offers $30,000 in local fishing grants

In celebration of World Oceans Day today, West Marine is launching a marine conservation grants program and donating $30,000 to local recreation fishing and conservation organizations.

The grants will be awarded to groups that offer conservation projects that are beneficial to recreational fishing and sustainable commercial fishing. The projects must also be focused on preserving natural resources. There will be five to 10 grants awarded in amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000 per recipient.

"We believe that all recreational fishing and marine conservation groups should work together to improve marine habitats and support healthy fish stocks," said Randy Repass, chairman of the board and founder of West Marine, in a recent release.

Applications are available online and the deadline for entries is Sept. 1. Official rules and application information can be found here.