Hueneme advances ocean sustainability goals

Held on 18 August at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum in Oxnard, California, the event brought together port staff, environmentalists, maritime companies and community organisations for discussions focused on challenges facing the world’s oceans.

“We have an ambitious but achievable goal to reach zero-emissions status at the Port of Hueneme by 2030,” said Oxnard Harbor District Board president Jason Hodge, highlighting the port’s commitment to clean operations and environmental stewardship.

World Oceans Day is observed annually on 8 June and focuses attention on issues including plastic pollution, biodiversity, climate change and wildlife protection. This year’s keynote speaker, Ocean Rainforest regulatory and engagement lead Kaira Wallace, presented ‘Kelp us Farm’, exploring sustainable kelp aquaculture and harvesting for human consumption.

Wallace’s work includes navigating environmental permitting requirements while supporting development of a sustainable seaweed industry. Other sessions examined underwater noise and whale migration, including ‘Below the Bubbles: A Dive into Underwater Noise’ and ‘Whale Routes Revealed: A Youth Conversation on the Deep’.

The summit also provided a platform for the port and NOAA to recognise shipping companies participating in NOAA’s Blue Whales Blue Skies Vessel Speed Reduction Program.

This year’s award recipients included Glovis, K Line, Champion Tankers, MOL ACE, Wallenius Wilhelmsen, Maersk and NYK Line. The programme encourages vessels to reduce speed, helping lower the risk of whale strikes while cutting greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and underwater noise.

“The ocean is central to everything we do at the Port of Hueneme and we all must work together to protect its future,” said Kristin Decas, chief executive and port director.

The port became California’s first Green Marine-certified port in 2017 and achieved its highest-ever scores during its 2025 recertification.