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Vancouver Fraser Port Authority wins marine environment award
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is honoured to win a 2017 North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) award for its marine environment protection initiatives.
The awards are given out annually and recognize companies, associations, government agencies, academic institutions and individuals whose efforts support NAMEPA’s mission to “Save Our Seas.” The port authority has won in the ports category.
“We are very honoured to receive NAMEPA’s 2017 Port Marine Environment Protection Award,” said Robin Silvester, president and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “We have set ourselves a vision to be the world’s most sustainable port, so this award is a very encouraging endorsement of our progress towards that goal.”
The port authority’s environmental programs include a substantial focus on protecting and preserving the waters and marine life in and around the Port of Vancouver.
Of particular note, the port authority’s Enhancing Cetacean Habitat and Observation (ECHO) Program was developed to better understand the cumulative impacts on at-risk southern resident killer whales throughout the southern coast of British Columbia.
Currently, under the ECHO Program, the port authority is leading a first-of-its-kind study in the Haro Strait to research the relationship between slower vessel speed, vessel noise, and the resultant effect on killer whales. That study concludes October 6.
“This award is a great reinforcement for us as we strive to make our vision a reality. We want to thank our industry, government, academic, First Nation and conservation and environmental group partners who have worked with us to deliver world-leading environmental programs, such as the ECHO Program, to preserve the natural beauty and health of this region,” Silvester said.
The Southport, Connecticut-based North American Marine Environment Protection Association was officially launched in 2007. NAMEPA is a marine industry-led organization of environmental stewards preserving the marine environment by promoting sustainable marine industry best practices and educating seafarers, students and the public about the need and strategies for protecting global ocean, lake and river resources.
About the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is responsible for the stewardship of the federal port lands in and around Vancouver, British Columbia. It is accountable to the federal minister of transport and operates pursuant to the Canada Marine Act. The Port of Vancouver is Canada’s largest, and the third largest in North America by tonnes of cargo, facilitating trade between Canada and more than 170 world economies. Located in a naturally beautiful setting on Canada’s west coast, the port authority and port terminals and tenants are responsible for the efficient and reliable movement of goods and passengers, integrating environmental, social and economic sustainability initiatives into all areas of port operations. Enabling the trade of approximately $200 billion in goods, port activities sustain 115,300 jobs, $7 billion in wages, and $11.9 billion in GDP across Canada.
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