Port of San Diego recognizes Ocean Connectors as Anchors of Excellence awardee for the month of July

The National City based nonprofit Ocean Connectors is the Port of San Diego’s Anchors of Excellence awardee for July. The group is honored for its continued service to the public in the areas of sustainability, environmental stewardship, and youth engagement. Port Chair Danielle Moore presented the award at the July 15 Board of Port Commissioners meeting.

“It is an honor to recognize Ocean Connectors with the Port of San Diego’s Anchors of Excellence Award,” said Chair Danielle Moore of the Board of Port Commissioners. “Ocean Connectors has been an outstanding partner in educating the next generation about sustainability and environmental stewardship around San Diego Bay. Through hands-on learning and innovative programming, they inspire local students to connect with our waterfront and take an active role in protecting it for a more sustainable future.”

Ocean Connectors is a non-profit organization based in National City dedicated to environmental education in coastal areas, as well as communities threatened by poverty, pollution, and deficient access to parks and green space. Under contract as part of the Port’s Environmental Education Program, Ocean Connectors works with approximately 2,500 students each year in the National City School District. They deliver ocean STEAM education to students in every grade level for both elementary and middle schools. Their programs come with accompanying hands-on learning activities and public eco tours to cultivate future generations of passionate, globally aware residents dedicated to protecting the health of our oceans.

"Ocean Connectors is honored to receive support from the Port of San Diego to provide access to coastal recreational experiences for students and community members in South Bay,” said Janaira Quigley, Ocean Connectors Executive Director. “To date, we have connected more than 50,000 students with local marine life, restored over 8 acres of coastal ecosystems, and removed over 2000 pounds of trash from protected habitats. Ocean Connectors and the Port of San Diego have worked together for more than 10 years to educate, inspire, and connect community members, fostering a love and stewardship of the San Diego Bay and its natural resources.”

Nominations
Nominations for future Anchors of Excellence awards are welcomed by anyone for any individual, business, or nonprofit that does great work in the region. Nominations are reviewed by an internal Port selection committee, which considers the following:

• Alignment with Port values: Accountability, Courage, Inclusiveness, Fairness, Fun, Innovation, Integrity, Teamwork, and Transparency.
• Geographic diversity to ensure representation from all five Port member cities: Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego.