West Marine announced the recipients of its first marine conservation grants program.

Grants totaling $30,000 were awarded to non-profit organizations that are working to "improve and protect marine habitat," which West Marine says is part of its mission. The recipients live in California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas.

"We are proud to support recreational boating and fishing groups and marine environmental groups that put our resources first," said Randy Repass, chairman of the board and founder of West Marine, in a statement. "The work of these organizations will benefit recreational fishing and sustainable commercial fishing, as well as the goals of most marine environmental groups."

The marine conservation grants are awarded through a formal application process in which organizations submit proposals directly to West Marine. The marine conservation action team reviews them.

Since 1994, West Marine has donated more than $4.5 million to non-profit groups that support youth boating, boating safety and the marine environment.

Click here for the complete list of recipients.