The US port of San Diego has formally agreed to coordinate with the US Navy to prepare for potential impacts of sea level rise. At its meeting on 8 May, the Board of Port Commissioners authorized a Memorandum of Agreement with Commander Navy Region Southwest, the first agreement of its kind between the US navy and a West Coast port.
As informed, the parties will share information, evaluate scientific information and modeling related to sea level rise, and collaborate to identify complementary adaptation policies and measures. Chairman Rafael Castellanos, Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners, stated:
The Port and the Navy are responsible for the San Diego Bay coastline – it’s vital that we work together to evaluate and plan for the potential impacts of sea level rise. Our partnership ensures that we will continue to be a resilient, strategic port and economic engine well into the future.
Working with the Navy to prepare for sea level rise also plays a role in safeguarding regional, national and global security with support of military deployment activities. Rear Admiral Yancy Lindsey, Commander Navy Region Southwest, added:
The potential impacts of sea level rise do not recognize jurisdictional boundaries and demand collaboration among all stakeholders. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Port, local municipalities, and other interested parties on this challenge to ensure the resiliency and viability of our Navy installations, San Diego Bay, and its surrounding communities, now and into the future.
The agreement also builds on the Port and Navy’s existing partnership for the implementation of the agencies’ baywide Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, a collaborative strategy for managing the bay’s natural resources.
In parallel, the Port has recently begun conducting its own formal evaluation and assessment of the potential impacts of sea level rise on its public facilities and infrastructure, land uses, diverse ecosystems and more. The first phase is underway and includes a vulnerability assessment of coastal flooding and inundation caused by projected sea level rise and severe storms on San Diego Bay and the surrounding waterfront.
This analysis will also help the Port to meet state requirements (AB 691), guidance (Ocean Protection Council and California Coastal Commission) and will contribute to the environmental review process of the comprehensive Port Master Plan Update.