Por El Latino Newsroom
The Port of Hueneme marked World Oceans Day with its fourth annual “Sustaining the Seas Summit,” bringing together maritime industry leaders, environmental advocates, community organizations and port staff to discuss efforts to protect the ocean and advance sustainable practices.
The Aug. 18 event, held at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum in Oxnard, focused on some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing the world’s oceans, including climate change, marine biodiversity, plastic pollution, underwater noise and the protection of marine wildlife.
The summit also highlighted the Port of Hueneme’s ongoing efforts to reduce emissions and promote cleaner operations throughout the maritime industry.
“We have an ambitious but achievable goal to reach zero-emissions status at the Port of Hueneme by 2030,” said Oxnard Harbor District Board President Jason Hodge. “As leaders in clean port operations, it’s exciting to bring together leading minds in environmental stewardship in pursuit of real progress when it comes to protecting our oceans.”
Summit highlights sustainable kelp farming and marine research
World Oceans Day is observed annually on June 8 and is intended to raise awareness of the critical role oceans play in ecosystems and communities around the world. The observance also draws attention to environmental challenges that threaten marine ecosystems, including plastic waste, biodiversity loss, climate change and threats to wildlife.
This year’s keynote speaker was Kaira Wallace, regulatory and engagement lead for Ocean Rainforest, who presented “Kelp us Farm,” a discussion focused on aquaculture and innovative approaches to sustainably harvesting kelp for human consumption.
Wallace’s work includes navigating complex environmental permitting processes while supporting the development of a sustainable seaweed industry. Her presentation offered attendees an opportunity to explore how kelp farming and other forms of aquaculture could contribute to sustainable ocean-based industries.
The summit featured additional discussions addressing marine ecosystems and the relationship between human activity and ocean wildlife.
Among the sessions was “Below the Bubbles: A Dive into Underwater Noise,” which examined an environmental issue associated with maritime activity. Another session, “Whale Routes Revealed: A Youth Conversation on the Deep,” focused on whales and encouraged young people to engage with issues affecting marine ecosystems.
The event underscored the importance of collaboration among ports, shipping companies, government agencies, environmental organizations and local communities as efforts continue to reduce the environmental impact of maritime operations.
Shipping companies recognized for reducing vessel speeds
The summit also provided an opportunity for the Port of Hueneme and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to recognize shipping companies participating in the “Blue Whales Blue Skies” program.
The program provides incentives to shipping companies that participate in NOAA’s Vessel Speed Reduction Program and incorporate more sustainable practices into their global supply chains.
Reducing vessel speeds can help lower the risk of ship strikes involving whales while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and underwater noise.
This year’s Blue Whales Blue Skies award recipients were Glovis, K Line, Champion Tankers, MOL ACE, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Maersk and NYK Line.
The recognition reflects an effort to encourage voluntary cooperation within the maritime industry while addressing environmental concerns in California’s coastal waters.
“The ocean is central to everything we do at the Port of Hueneme and we all must work together to protect its future,” said Kristin Decas, CEO and port director of the Port of Hueneme. “The Blue Whales Blue Skies Program illustrates how collaboration with our great ocean line customers can support the health of our marine ecosystem. We’re proud to recognize so many companies for doing their part to make our waters cleaner, quieter, and safer.”
The Port of Hueneme has positioned environmental sustainability as a key part of its operations. The port was the first Port Ambassador for the Blue Whales Blue Skies Program, reflecting its involvement in efforts to encourage cleaner and safer maritime practices.
The port also has a history of participating in environmental certification programs. In 2017, it became the first port in California to achieve Green Marine certification.
Green Marine is a third-party environmental certification program that measures environmental performance within the maritime industry. The program evaluates participating organizations on a range of environmental issues and provides a framework for improving performance.
During its 2025 recertification, the Port of Hueneme achieved its highest scores on record, according to port officials.
The sustainability summit comes as ports and shipping companies across the industry face increasing pressure to reduce emissions and address the environmental effects of maritime transportation. For the Port of Hueneme, the event provided a forum for discussing those challenges while highlighting initiatives already underway.
The port’s goal of achieving zero emissions by 2030 represents one of its most ambitious environmental targets. Hodge said the goal is achievable through continued leadership, collaboration and investment in clean port operations.
By bringing together environmental experts, maritime companies, government agencies and community representatives, organizers said the Sustaining the Seas Summit is intended to encourage dialogue and identify practical approaches to protecting ocean health.
The event also reinforced the connection between the Port of Hueneme’s economic activities and the surrounding marine environment. As a working port on California’s Central Coast, its operations intersect with marine wildlife, coastal communities and regional environmental resources.
Through programs such as Blue Whales Blue Skies, participation in Green Marine and its broader emissions-reduction goals, the Port of Hueneme is seeking to integrate environmental stewardship into its long-term operations.
The fourth annual summit served both as a forum for education and as a showcase for partnerships designed to address challenges facing the ocean. Port officials said continued cooperation among maritime stakeholders will be essential to achieving cleaner, quieter and safer waters while supporting the future of the region’s marine ecosystem.
