The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) just made it easier to pre-order a Salton Sea specialty license plate online using a credit card. The new online payment option at Salton Sea Plate replaces the need to fill out a hard copy and mail it in.

Funds raised from the sale of the plates help to restore the Salton Sea’s air quality, wildlife habitat and precious water.

Under the Department of Motor Vehicle’s rules regarding the issuance of specialty license plates, 7,500 specialty plates must be pre-ordered by Jan. 30, 2017, before they can be produced and distributed.

The Salton Sea is one of the world’s largest inland seas and at 227 feet below sea level, it is one of the lowest spots on earth. Once a thriving recreation area, the health of the sea is now in decline, with water level dropping and salinity rising.

However, due to its location along the most important flyway in North America, it still provides critical habitat for more than 400 species of resident and migrating birds. The sea also sustains an abundant population of tilapia, which are critical for the many fish eating birds such as pelicans and cormorants.

Funds raised from the specialty plates will support the Salton Sea Ecosystem Restoration Program, a coordinated effort among the California State Legislature, various federal, state and local agencies, stakeholders and the general public. To view current and proposed restoration projects, please visit Salton Sea Plate.

To pre-order your Salton Sea specialty license plate, please visit Salton Sea Plate and be one of the first to Save the Sea!