Life as we know it depends on ocean shipping and our ports. Our ports bring us food and goods, provide thousands of jobs, and fuel the economy. But ports can also pollute, and may act as a bottleneck in key supply chains.
On November 10 and 17 the Aquarium of the Pacific in partnership with the Port of Long Beach will explore these important issues and more in a two-part series Aquatic Academy course taught by leading experts on port operations, ocean policy, and sustainability. Participants will learn about how ports work in general, while discussing why the Long Beach Port is considered one of the world’s cleanest and most sustainable ports. We will explore the challenge of maintaining clean water and air, while also maximizing shipping volume.
The first session will address port history, operations, and economics. We will answer these questions:
· Why do we have two side-by-side ports?
· How do vessels move through our harbor?
· How are containers transported to and from marine terminals?
· What are the economic impacts of ports on our community?
· How have ports been impacted by COVID-19?
· What is behind the traffic jam of ships waiting to unload their goods in Long Beach?
The second session will focus on environmental efforts by the Port of Long Beach. Topics will cover:
· What is the Clean Air Action Plan and why does it matter?
· What technologies are on the horizon to reduce impacts of port operations on the environment?
· How is the Port of Long Beach working to improve water quality and protect wildlife and habitat?
· What is the Port doing to protect against sea level rise and climate change?
The Ports and Sustainability course will take place on two consecutive Wednesday evenings, November 10 and 17, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Ocean Theater. Capacity is limited to 75 participants and advance registration is required. The program is designed for adults and lifelong learners. Scholarships and certificates are given to college and high school students who participate. The Aquarium’s top priority is to keep guests and staff members safe, and face masks are required.
The Aquarium’s Aquatic Academy courses are offered on timely topics that bring together experts in science, business, conservation, policy and education to share their knowledge and experiences with attendees. There are two speakers for each evening session, breaks to mingle and stretch your legs, and complimentary refreshments. People have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the speakers and with each other with robust discussions. The Aquatic Academy is a great way to enjoy informal learning and meet new people. The $25 per person course fee includes parking validation, refreshments, and course materials. The sessions take place in person and are not live-streamed.
To register for the upcoming Ports and Sustainability course, visit pacific.to/aquaticacademy, or call the Aquarium’s Guest Services Center at 562-590-3100, ext. 0. For more information, email [email protected].