The Port of San Diego operates as an environmental steward for the San Diego Bay
As an environmental champion for the San Diego Bay and surrounding tidelands, the Port is responsible for contributing to the region’s prosperity while protecting and enhancing the bay’s natural resources. One of the Port’s strategic goals is for “A Port with a healthy and sustainable bay and its environment.” Through its Environmental Conservation department, the Port oversees the protection, conservation and enhancement of the bay’s natural resources, including management of endangered species and sensitive wetland habitats.
Mission:
To conserve and enhance natural resources in balance with the Port’s trustee responsibilities for commerce, navigation, fisheries and recreation by expanding native habitats and ensuring regulatory compliance through sound resource management.
Vision:
To advance a thriving waterfront that is sustainable and prosperous while enhancing the quality of the natural environment for present and future generations.
The Environmental Conservation department operates within the following core areas:
Natural Resources Management
- Over 300 species of marine and coastal birds
- Over 640 species of marine invertebrates
- Over 100 species of marine fishes
- 11 threatened or endangered species and 50 special status species
Environmental Education & Community Outreach
- Support for numerous diverse environmental education programs
- Over 500,000 students reached
- Numerous volunteer efforts
- Fellowships and Internships
Protection, Restoration & Enhancement
- Permitting & Guidance
- San Diego Bay Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan
- Chula Vista Bayfront Natural Resources Management Plan
- Advisory Groups
- Tijuana River Valley Pollution Crisis
What's Happening at the Port?
Experiences
The Imperial Beach Pier is a regional attraction and widely recognized landmark for the City of Imperial Beach and Port of San Diego, and is a key part of the city’s downtown and economic vitality, which has gone through a revitalization with a new…
Waterfront Development
The new Shelter Island Boat Launch Facility was officially dedicated on January 22, 2019 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community leaders and boating enthusiasts. The facility opened up to the public on December 21, 2018. It is now a…
Environment
The Port of San Diego is proposing to construct 76.5 acres of coastal wetland habitat at Pond 20 to create a mitigation bank, the first of its kind for San Diego Bay. Pond 20, a former salt evaporation pond in south San Diego Bay, is currently vacant…