The Buzzards Bay Coalition was awarded a $15,000 state grant to repair a stone pier on Wickets Island in Onset Bay.

The Baker-Polito administration announced that the Buzzard Bay Coalition’s grant was among a series of grants awarded to “improve access to saltwater fishing areas popular with Massachusetts’ recreational fishing community,” according to a press release.

The stone pier that will be repaired with the grant money is part of the Onset Bay Reserve, which is owned and being improved by the Buzzards Bay Coalition. “The Onset Bay Reserve protects over 100 acres of beach, dune, saltmarsh, tidal flats, and coastal forest,” said the press release. 

The funds were awarded by the Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Marine Fisheries. Dan McKiernan, the director of the Division of Marine Fisheries, said the projects would help maintain a state-local partnership that benefits recreational anglers. 

“These projects will improve fishing opportunities for shore-based anglers who utilize the facilities in Beverly, Danvers, and Wareham,” he said.

Along with the Buzzards Bay Coalition, the City of Beverly and Town of Danvers were awarded grants.

“Through these grants, we are proud to work with municipalities and nonprofits to improve saltwater fishing opportunities and support the tourism economy along the coast,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides.

Wareham’s state legislators expressed support for the grants. State Senator Marc Pacheco praised the Buzzard Bay Coalition’s work to protect the Onset Bay Reserve. 

“This grant will ensure that the Coalition will be able to continue their efforts to improve the area and protect access upon the shoreline,” Pacheco said.

State Representative Susan Gifford said the grant was a great example of state and local agencies collaborating to improve residents’ access to the town’s natural resources. 

“Wickets Island is a diamond in the rough and this grant will go a long way in assisting the Buzzards Bay Coalition to turn the Island into the gem that it will be for all to enjoy,” she said.