Port of LA Plan World-class Marine Research Center

Los Angeles' community leaders outline a bold vision to transform City Dock No.1, a 100-year-old pier onthe LA Waterfront in San Pedro, into a world-class urban marine research & innovation center.

The intention was announced by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, joined by Port of Los Angeles officials, philanthropic leaders, marine scientists, students and community members.

Officials announced that the 28-acre site will be called 'AltaSea' and will be developed through a public-private partnership between the Port, a non-profit organization, and a host of regional public and private universities. Funding commitments for Phase 1 of the project already tally $57 million, including $32 million in site-related capital investments by the Port of Los Angeles and a $25 million gift by the Annenberg Foundation to get the project underway.  Phase 1 is currently estimated to cost $155 million with a 2018 completion goal.

The facility will feature circulating sea-water labs, offices, classrooms, lecture halls, support facilities, an interpretive center, and an opportunity to develop the world’s largest seawater wave tank for studying tsunamis and rogue waves.  The anchor tenant of Phase 1 will be the Southern California Marine Institute , a strategic alliance of 11 major universities in southern California that have marine science academic and research programs.  The entire project cost is estimated at more than $500 million with completion over a 15- to 20-year timeframe.

“AltaSea will position the City of Los Angeles as the premier location for addressing ocean-related environmental issues that are not only important to Southern California, but to the world,” said Mayor Villaraigosa. “This public-private partnership will create jobs, draw new industries to the City, provide tremendous educational opportunities, and enhance the overall quality of life in Los Angeles.”

 “Our oceans and waterways are among our most precious natural resources,” said Wallis Annenberg. “The Annenberg Foundation is pleased to provide initial funding for the innovative AltaSea marine research campus which will develop global solutions that will benefit generations to come.  We champion collaborative projects such as AltaSea and eagerly anticipate the impact this private-public partnership will have.” 

“At the edge of the largest urban area in the western U.S., the AltaSea research campus is part of a grander vision for the Port of Los Angeles,” said Port Executive Director Geraldine Knatz, Ph.D. “We will continue our growth and expansion as America’s leading trade gateway and at the same time facilitate some of the most innovative and collaborative marine research and solutions possible.”