11c. Memo - Ocean Acidification Action Plan and Case Study

COMMISSION 
AGENDA MEMORANDUM                        Item No.          11c 
BRIEFING ITEM                            Date of Meeting        July 13, 2021 
DATE:     June 3, 2021 
TO:        Stephen P. Metruck, Executive Director 
FROM:    Sandy Kilroy, Sr. Director-Environment, Sustainability & Engineering 
Kathleen Hurley, Sr. Environmental Program Manager 
SUBJECT:  Briefing on the Ocean Acidification Action Plan and Case Study 

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 
In 2020, the Port of Seattle was the first port globally to join the International Alliance to
Combat Ocean Acidification (OA Alliance) and by joining the alliance, the Port recognizes the
many ways in which ocean acidification (OA) impacts the maritime sector. In order to fulfill our
commitment as a member in good standing, the Port was required to develop an Ocean
Acidification Action Plan and a Case Study that demonstrates how the Port is taking action on
OA and how the Port will continue to take action on OA. 
OA threatens marine life in the Salish Sea by making it more difficult for organisms with calcium
carbonate shells, like crabs and oysters, to develop these protective structures and by
disrupting the foraging habits of marine wildlife, which impacts mortality and reproduction. OA
threatens key natural resources and associated industries that are core to the Port's mission
and operations. Thus, addressing OA aligns with the Port's mission and Century Agenda goals. 
All three Port operating divisions are represented in the initiatives described in this document. 
This action plan summarizes current Port initiatives and efforts to combat OA and includes
general recommendations for further action. Each of the current initiatives is connected to at
least one of the six action goals of the OA Alliance, as listed below. 
1.  Reduce atmospheric emissions of CO2 
2.  Advance scientific understanding of climate-ocean impacts, locally and globally 
3.  Reduce local pollutions that exacerbate OA 
4.  Protect the environment and coastal communities 
5.  Expand public awareness 
6.  Sustain international support 


Template revised January 10, 2019.

COMMISSION AGENDA  Action Item No. __11c__                             Page 2 of 2 
Meeting Date: July 13, 2021 

Initiative                                                        Goal 1    Goal 2   Goal 3   Goal 4   Goal 5   Goal 6 
Century Agenda                                                                                        
Sustainable Aviation Fuels                                                                 
Northwest Port Clean Air Strategy                                                                                  
Maritime Climate & Air Action Plan                                                                        
Seattle Waterfront Clean Energy Strategic Plan                                                        
Sustainable Aviation Fuels                                                                                  
SEA Emissions Reduction Initiatives                                                                          
Habitat Restoration Program Initiatives                                                                     
Smith Cove Blue Carbon Pilot Project                                                                       
Duwamish River Floating Wetlands Projects                                                                    
Stormwater Initiatives                                                                                   
Exhaust Gas Cleaning Discharge Ban                                                                 
Alternative Bankline Stabilization Program                                                           
Duwamish Valley Community Benefits Commitment                                                            
Duwamish River Green Jobs Program                                                                        

ATTACHMENTS TO THIS BRIEFING 
(1)   Presentation slides 
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTIONS OR BRIEFINGS 
None. 









Template revised June 27, 2019 (Diversity in Contracting).

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