Billy Marsh

The committee held multiple meetings covering a range of safety and navigational issues. Key topics included discussions on near-miss incidents, such as boat parades, vessel navigational hazards near jetties, and the impact of weather and flooding on the bay. Updates were provided by the USCG regarding marine events, autonomous vessel testing, and tug escort regulations. NOAA and NWS representatives discussed updates to raster and electronic navigation charts and changes to swell forecasting models. OSPR updates included membership renewals, the introduction of new wardens, and addressing pollution issues like grease spills and tar balls. Furthermore, the committee reviewed and approved the annual Harbor Safety Plan and discussed management of derelict vessels, abandoned boats at launch ramps, and potential new anchorages.

The Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Program (SSAP) is a framework proposed by the San Diego Unified Port District to support and facilitate the development of shellfish and seaweed aquaculture in and around San Diego Bay. The program aims to create new maritime opportunities, diversify sustainable ocean-based business lines, and balance existing military, maritime, recreational, and blue economy industries. It identifies specific in-water and landside locations for cultivating native or naturalized shellfish, including mussels, oysters, and scallops, as well as seaweed, such as brown, red, and green varieties. The SSAP is designed to minimize environmental effects, maximize sustainable production, and deliver significant economic, environmental, and social benefits to the region, including improved water quality, habitat enhancement, carbon sequestration, and job creation.

The Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Program (SSAP) is a proposed initiative by the Distrito Portuario Unificado de San Diego to support and facilitate the development of sustainable shellfish and seaweed aquaculture in and around San Diego Bay. This discussion draft outlines policies, procedures, and best practices to guide aquaculture projects, aiming to create new maritime business opportunities, balance marine industries, and ensure sustainable ocean use while enhancing marine ecology. The program's objectives include minimizing environmental impacts, maximizing sustainable production, and fostering regional economic and environmental benefits, listing proposed species such as mussels, oysters, scallops, and various types of seaweed, along with specific in-water and on-land locations.

The Shellfish and Seaweed Aquaculture Program (SSAP) by the San Diego Unified Port District is a framework designed to support and facilitate the development of shellfish and seaweed aquaculture in and around San Diego Bay. The program articulates goals including creating new opportunities to complement existing maritime uses, diversifying the Port's portfolio of sustainable, ocean-based business lines, and balancing blue economy industries with marine ecology enhancement. It also aims to develop transparent permitting processes, promote environmental benefits such as improved water quality and habitat enhancement, foster economic growth and job creation, and advance knowledge through scientific research and community engagement.

The committee meetings covered a range of maritime safety and regulatory topics, including presentations on new projects, buoy placement, and navigational hazard assessments. Discussions were held regarding electronic navigation chart (ENC) updates, derelict boat grants, and various updates from the USCG and NOAA/NWS. Key actions included the endorsement of a 5-knot no-wake zone recommendation for the Midway Museum, approvals related to Harbor Safety Plan conditions, and discussions regarding jet ski rental operations, upcoming maritime events, and staff transitions.