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ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY
Owl Nest Box Program Grows at the Port: E ciency at the Port’s West Complex:
Each year the Port continues improving its successful Attracting diverse business to the Port has been
Owl Nest Box Program and in 2014 technology successful since Rough and Ready Island was
enhancements took it to the next level. During the obtained from the Navy in 2000. Over the past
summer, internal video cameras were upgraded and decade, through a collaborative e ort between the
hard-wired for higher quality pictures and increased Port and the resource agencies, the Port was
reliability. Cameras were equipped with infrared vision successful in obtaining approvals to dredge berths
for night viewing when owls are most active. Older owl on Rough and Ready Island (West Complex) to
boxes were replaced and five new ones were added, restore their historical depths. In 2014, the Port saw
totaling 20 boxes across Port property. Exterior two additional berths (Docks 19 and 20) acquire full
cameras were also added for extended views of life capacity and the remaining three (Docks 16, 17, and 18)
outside the nest boxes. As breeding progresses, will be dredged to allow full berthing capabilities
outside nest activity such as test flights and hunting during 2015. This change will significantly increase
will increase and the external cameras will capture the Port's goods movement e ciency at the West
each element to showcase fascinating insights into Complex. To maintain operations at the Port, seasonal
the world of barn owls. dredging is required to preserve operational depth at
-35 feet MLLW (mean lower low water).
Nest boxes provided 75 owlets and their parents
sanctuary during 2014. This amazing journey was This important dredging project enhances safety
witnessed online by thousands of people of all ages and e ciency allowing deep draft vessels to be
throughout the region. Visitors shared the experience spaced throughout all seven docks. On occasion,
in real-time and, in February alone, more than 40,000 use of unoccupied berths are required to temporarily
viewers saw the owlets hatch. The Port received hold ships due to schedule delays like bad weather
thousands of enthusiastic comments, social media or on-shore events. Adequate berth space availability
messages and shared posts, especially when a allows flexibility in movement, safety and e ciency
mother and father owl brought meals back to the at the Port. Dredging also helps reduce congestion,
nest to be shared. potential vessel conflicts and navigational delays
within the Stockton Deep Water Ship Channel,
Nesting begins in winter and eggs usually start which in turn lowers vessel emissions contributing
hatching in February and March. Barn owls – which to environmental improvements. E ective annual
help protect levees from damage by rodents – mate dredging allows the Port to maintain e cient
for life and return yearly to the same nests to rear their operations, revenues and key shipping relationships
owlets. To watch their return, visit the owl cam button that ends up creating opportunities to focus on job
on the Port’s website. generation, economic vitality and environmental
initiatives benefiting the entire region.
Environmental Stewardship 27
