DATE: June 20, 2017
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING SUPPORT OF NATIONAL OCEAN MONTH FOR JUNE 2017
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On June 1, 2017 President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation declaring June as National Ocean Month to recognize the importance of the nation’s offshore areas for security and economic independence, all while protecting the marine environment for present and future generations. Staff is recommending the Board adopt a resolution proclaiming support of June 2017 as National Ocean Month.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Adopt a Resolution Proclaiming support of June 2017 as National Ocean Month at the San Diego Unified Port District.
Body
FISCAL IMPACT:
This agenda item has no fiscal impact.
Compass Strategic Goals:
This agenda item highlights the valuable contributions made by professionals who support our ocean-based blue economy, marine conservation and protection, and public safety by promoting public awareness for healthy, prosperous, and safe ocean waters.
This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goal(s).
• A Port with a healthy and sustainable bay and its environment
• A Port with a comprehensive vision for Port land and water uses integrated to regional plans.
• A Port that is a safe place to visit, work and play
• A Port that the public understands and trusts.
• A vibrant waterfront destination where residents and visitors converge.
• A financially sustainable Port that drives regional job creation and regional economic vitality.
DISCUSSION:
On June 1, 2017, President Donald J. Trump issued a proclamation recognizing June 2017 as National Ocean Month. This proclamation calls upon Americans to reflect on the value and importance of the oceans not only to our security and economy, but also as a source of recreation, enjoyment and relaxation. The proclamation recognizes the importance of the nation’s offshore areas for security, economic independence, all while protecting the marine environment for present and future generations. The proclamation also recognizes the importance of fisheries resources and the opportunities for expansion of our seafood exports. Attachment A illustrates the Presidential proclamation and states: “The fisheries resources of the United States are among the most valuable in the world. Growing global demand for seafood presents tremendous opportunities for expansion of our seafood exports, which can reduce our more than $13 billion seafood trade deficit.”
The San Diego region is home to 70 miles of iconic coastline along the Pacific Ocean and a rich and diverse community of interest with a common passion for our shared ocean resources. This community of interest includes: a strong military presence anchored by the U.S. Navy and supported by the U.S. Coast Guard and other armed services; an active fishing industry comprised of a contemporary commercial fishing, sportfishing, and aquaculture community; a modern shipbuilding and maritime technology hub; a network of academic institutions with a commitment to ocean studies -including Scripps Institute of Oceanography; an engaged cross-section of professional and advocacy organizations, such as the Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association, San Diego Military Advisory Council, and The Maritime Alliance to name a few; and a broad collection of government agencies and environmental organizations with ocean-centric responsibilities and interests.
As coastal communities celebrate National Ocean Month, the District stands as a proud supporter and advocate. A few notable examples that exemplify the District’s support for National Ocean Month are summarized below.
San Diego Ocean Planning Partnership
October 13, 2016, the Board of Port Commissioners adopted Resolution No. 2016-159, whereby the District and the California State Lands Commission (SLC) formed the San Diego Ocean Planning Partnership to collaborate on an “Ocean Planning Pilot” (Pilot) in the ocean space offshore of San Diego County. Ocean planning is a comprehensive, stakeholder-driven process that considers the dynamic and interconnected relationship between the ocean environment and human uses. Through the Pilot, the District and SLC will identify current ocean uses and characterize the relationships between them to effectively plan for present and future uses of the ocean. The Pilot will consider all Public Trust uses, which both Partners manage, including commerce, navigation, recreation, fishing, and environmental stewardship.
Partner in “Pathway to Permitting Aquatic Farms in U.S. Marine Waters”
The District has partnered with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Sea Grant, National Ocean Service, SLC, and Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute on submittal of a NOAA grant entitled “Pathway to Permitting Aquatic Farms in U.S. Marine Waters”. This grant application proposed a highly integrated project designed to obtain entitlements for ocean aquaculture. Obtaining these entitlements would represent an unprecedented guide for the advancement of marine farming in ocean waters. This proposed project would foster the expansion of sustainable marine aquaculture, which has the potential to increase our domestic supply of safe, secure and healthful seafood; but also the potential to conserve and revitalize working waterfronts; and provide other compatible uses for the environment and for the commercial fishing industry.
Fostering Development of Our Next Generation of Ocean Leaders
The Presidential proclamation also ties directly to the District’s education partnership with NOAA and the California Sea Grant program. The Sea Grant Program provides a unique educational and professional opportunity for graduate students who are focused on coastal and marine resources and the policy decisions affecting those resources, by providing “on the job” experience. The Sea Grant partnership benefits are two-fold, as it serves to increase the staffing capacity at the District to assist in ocean and coastal planning with highly motivated and talented graduate students; and it facilitates the training and development of the next generation of ocean and coastal leaders. The District is proud to be participating in our inaugural year of the California Sea Grant program.
The District is committed to our partnerships and healthy, prosperous, and safe ocean waters. Therefore, staff recommends the Board adopt a resolution proclaiming support of June 2017 as National Ocean Month.
General Counsel’s Comments:
The Office of the General Counsel has reviewed the issues set forth in this agenda and found no legal concerns as presented.
Environmental Review:
The proposed Board action does not constitute a “project” under the definition set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378 because it will not have a potential to result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment and is, therefore, not subject to CEQA. No further action under CEQA is required.
In addition, the proposed Board Action allows the District to administrate its obligations under the Port Act and/or other laws. The Port Act was enacted by the California Legislature and is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine. Consequently, the proposed action is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine.
Finally, the proposed Board action does not allow for “development,” as defined in Section 30106 of the California Coastal Act, or “new development,” pursuant to Section 1.a. of the District’s Coastal Development Permit Regulations. Therefore, issuance of a Coastal Development Permit or exclusion is not required.
Equal Opportunity Program:
Not applicable.
PREPARED BY:
Eileen Maher
Acting Principal, Aquaculture and Blue Tech
Jason Giffen
Assistant Vice President, Planning & Green Port
Attachment(s):
Attachment A: Proclamation of National Ocean Month, 2017 by the President of the United States of America