The state has received about $280,000 in federal funds to help seven towns that border Buzzards Bay protect the bay and the waters that drain into it from pollution.

State Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles said the money will also go toward land conservation and infrastructure improvements to preserve rare species’ habitats and restore herring migration grounds.

Wareham will receive $45,000 to help protect 180 acres in the Plymouth Carver Aquifer, a key source of drinking water and home to important pine barren habitat.

Bourne will get $45,000 to replace a culvert that herring use to enter key spawning grounds.

Rochester receives $45,000 to help buy 35 acres and provide a key link to over 750 acres of protected land.

Other towns receiving funds include Mattapoisett, Marion, Dartmouth and Fairhaven. (AP)