The port authority works very closely with its key partner, Audubon of Florida, as well as state and federal regulatory conservation agencies in Florida, to provide protection annually for nesting birds and their young in the Hillsborough Bay area. The port authority owns and operates two spoil disposal islands in Hillsborough Bay—islands 2D and 3D. Both islands and the Richard T Paul Alafia Bank Bird Sanctuary, in Hillsborough Bay, have been recognised by BirdLife International for their global significance and importance as bird-nesting areas. Protection of the nesting birds that use these islands has evolved into a shared project. “The Tampa Port Authority has a lead role in the management of one of Florida’s most important sites for beach-nesting birds”, Ann Paul, Audubon of Florida’s regional coordinator, said. “We are impressed with the port authority’s commitment to protect birds that nest on the spoil islands and appreciate the opportunity to work with their staff and contractors to achieve better nesting success for some of Florida’s rarest species.” Islands 2D and 3D and the Alafia Bank Bird Sanctuary are designated as “no trespassing” areas year round, and birds in these areas are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, as well as the Florida Threatened and Endangered Species Act of 1977. Penalties for criminal and civil acts have been established for disturbing or harming migratory birds.

The Tampa Port Authority and Audubon of Florida urge cooperation from the boating public in complying with the law and obeying these “no trespassing” designations, thus allowing nesting migratory bird populations in Tampa Bay to raise their chicks without disturbance. “The Tampa Port Authority is proud of its long-standing commitment to the health and integrity of natural life in Tampa Bay. We are proud to be involved in partnerships that ensure the quality of local waters for future generations,” Richard Wainio, Tampa’s port director and CEO, said. Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Its national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in conservation.

For these vessels only, USCG will perform additional screening prior to entry into a US Port in accordance with current protocols for any radiation detection readings. CBP [Customs and Border Protection] has issued field guidance reiterating its radiation detection operational protocols and directed field personnel to monitor sea traffic from Japan. CBP has not changed standard screening protocols for radiation detection. Out of an abundance of caution, CBP has provided guidance to port directors to meet vessels arriving from Japan at their first port of arrival to conduct additional screening. This will include a radiation assessment of the vessel and pier-side screening of a sample of the cargo as it is off-loaded. When processing cargo from Japan, CBP frontline personnel will follow a longstanding resolution protocols for any radiation detection readings.

When officers receive a standard radiation detection alert, their protocol requires that the cargo be referred for a secondary screening. During this secondary processing, officers work with technical experts who determine if the radiation source is legitimate and at levels that do not pose a health hazard. If it is determined that radiation levels are unsafe in any way, CBP will notify the affected carrier and coordinate an appropriate response. Since the initial development of the event in Japan, no person, baggage, cargo or aircraft entering the United States has received a positive alert for harmful radiation levels as monitored by DHS [Department of Homeland Security]. But CBP made it clear that DHS continues to evaluate the potential risks posed by radiation contamination on inbound cargo and will adjust its detection and response protocols in coordination with its partners, as developments warrant.

“CMA CGM is delighted to be CMIT’s first customer” commented Jean-Charles Tassoni, General Director of CMA CGM Vietnam. “We are confident in the ability of CMIT to meet the growing needs of CMA and congratulate everyone involved in bringing this important new container terminal into operation”.  On her maiden voyage, CMA CGM Columba is in transit from Asia to north Europe and is the first of the newly delivered 11,500 TEU vessels now transitioning onto CMA CGM’s FAL3 service.”Welcoming the maiden call of CMA CGM Columba begins a new era in Vietnamese ports” commented Michael Them Rasmussen, General Director of CMIT. “We look forward to working in partnership with CMA CGM to achieve their performance goals in the Southeast Asia market.” CMIT is a joint venture between APM Terminals, Vietnam National Shipping Lines and Saigon Port and represents four years of port development work by a dedicated project team.