The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative (JOCI) is hosting a free webinar on September 12, from 2 p.m.-3 p.m. (Eastern) that will focus on emerging ocean issues for ports. JOCI, a bipartisan collaboration of senior leaders representing diverse ocean interests, will discuss its recent recommendations made to the Obama administration and Congress to promote healthy oceans and coasts and support ocean-related industries.  

The webinar will concentrate on recommendations in the Charting the Course: Securing the Future of America’s Oceans report that are of particular interest to AAPA members, including:

• Enhancing coastal resiliency to changing conditions, such as climate change. Rising ocean levels pose significant risks to important port facilities. Being proactive and innovative in developing ways to protect against these threats is necessary; this includes both boosting natural features and improving built infrastructure.  
• Promoting ocean renewable energy. Many members are already involved in handling cargoes for, or installing, alternative energy systems such as wind, solar, wave and liquefied natural gas facilities. As these industries grow, so too will the role ports play in renewable energy development and transportation.
• Addressing Arctic research and management. As the Arctic sea ice melts, it opens up new shipping routes. These opportunities come with challenges that may have significant impacts on some ports.  

To request the webinar link, please email Ms. Whitney Tome, mediator and program manager for the Meridian Institute, at WTome@merid.org. For more information about JOCI, click here.