Oakland, Calif. – September 19, 2019: The Port of Oakland is holding two events Saturday: a climate change study kick-off with the new Float Lab at the Port’s Middle Harbor Shoreline Park; and the annual CA Coastal Cleanup. The Cleanup brings hundreds of community volunteers to the waterfront to remove trash and learn about the Port’s Storm Water Program.
The Port of Oakland and the California College of the Arts (CCA) will officially celebrate the new Float Lab Saturday at 1 p.m. at the park (near 4001 7th St.).
“Float Lab is a collaboration between academic and community stakeholders to help us better prepare for the Port’s climate future,” said Port of Oakland Director of Environmental Programs and Planning Richard Sinkoff. “At the same time, students, through a partnership with local schools, will learn about the importance of marine communities and biodiversity.”
Float Lab acts as a reef to reduce shoreline erosion caused by waves. It attracts sub-surface marine animals such as mussels and crustaceans. CCA’s staff will learn how buoyant structures perform in a marine environment and biologists will study the sub-surface environment of the Lab. The regulatory community, including the Bay Conservation and Development Commission, will have an opportunity to find out how pilot structures, designed to study and combat sea-level rise, fit into the regulatory framework.
Saturday’s CA Coastal Cleanup at the seaport is in the morning and precedes the Float Lab celebration. Volunteers will gather near the central shoreline area of Middle Harbor Shoreline Park to begin the Cleanup. There is a second Cleanup site at East Creek Slough. The Port partners with the City of Oakland, the East Bay Regional Park District and Port tenant Matson Terminals for the Cleanup events.
New this year is a friendly rivalry, “Battle for the Bay”, between the mayors of Oakland and San Francisco. The two are competing to have the most participants involved in the citywide Cleanups.
The Port is seeking volunteers for two sites:
- Middle Harbor Shoreline Park (2777 Middle Harbor Rd, Oakland, CA)
- East Creek Slough (Oakport Field, 5737 Oakport Street, Oakland, CA)
Both Cleanups are from 9 a.m. to noon. Those who want to volunteer at East Creek Slough can contact Port Associate Environmental Planner/Scientist Angela Clapp at [email protected] and volunteers for the park can reach out to Port Assistant Management Analyst Ramona Dixon at [email protected].
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland Seaport, Oakland International Airport, and nearly 20 miles of waterfront including Jack London Square. The Port’s 5-year strategic plan – Growth with Care – pairs business expansion with community benefits, envisioning more jobs and economic stimulus as the Port grows. Together with its business partners, the Port supports more than 84,000 jobs. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
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