The Port of Seattle is saying that it has become the first port ever to develop an ocean acidification action plan as part of its commitment to the International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification (OA Alliance).
“Last year, the Port of Seattle was the first port in the world to join the International Alliance to Combat Ocean Acidification (OA Alliance), recognizing the many ways in which ocean acidification impacts the maritime sector and acknowledging the important role ports can play in leading environmental action,” port Commissioner Stephanie Bowman said. “We encourage other ports to join in on these efforts.”
The port has been working on decarbonization and curbing greenhouse gas emissions, a big part of fighting ocean acidification. The port is also part of the Smith Cove Blue Carbon Pilot Project, an effort to study its local ecosystem to help bolster its resiliency against ocean acidification over three years.
Climate change and ocean acidification are global problems that demand local actions, said port Commissioner Peter Steinbrueck, who co-chairs the port's environment committee.
“The Port of Seattle cannot stop global environmental challenges alone, but the Port is taking many innovative steps to help stem the tide,” Steinbrueck said. “Efforts we’re making here at Smith Cove can serve as a model for marine habitat restoration across Puget Sound.”