The Port of LA-Protecting Rich Habitat in North America’s Busiest Seaport
Rachel McPherson, Port of Los Angeles
The Port of Los Angeles is the gateway to commerce, connecting Los Angeles to the world and the country. The Port is entrusted to facilitate trade at the busiest seaport in North America, while protecting the environment. The Port Environmental Management Division (EMD) focuses on several disciplines to achieve this task: Air Quality, California Environmental Quality Act, Site Restoration and Water Quality.
The Port is largely human-made and has miles of shoreline comprised of rock dikes and revetments, wharfs and piers held up by concrete and sheet piles, yet through water quality improvements, mitigation efforts, training and education, there is rich and diverse habitat. To protect the habitat and the flora and fauna that flourish here, Port planners, engineers, operators and tenants play key roles in protecting the Port’s biological diversity. Learn about the programs that are implemented to protect the environment, including bird monitoring, marine mammal lookouts, and visits with Port users. From birds, to marine mammals, eelgrass and rocky reefs, we will explore the rich biological diversity and various programs which protect these original Port inhabitants.
Rachel McPherson is an Environmental Specialist for the City of Los Angeles Harbor Department, Port of Los Angeles. She oversees the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permits for storm water, biological resources such as migratory bird management, and is the Sustainability Coordinator implementing Los Angeles’ Green New Deal.
