APM Terminals Pier 400 Supports California Least Tern Habitat Protection

APM Terminals Pier 400 is proud to announce its expanded support for California Least Tern habitat protection through a collaborative initiative managed by the Port of Los Angeles and Rincon Consultants. This program is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the nesting habitat of the endangered California Least Tern on Pier 400, leveraging the expertise of biologists to safeguard this critical species.

Established in 1996, the Pier 400 tern nesting site spans 15.7 acres and has been a crucial breeding ground for the Least Terns. Over the years, the site has faced significant challenges from predator activity and human disturbances, leading to decreased nesting and fledgling productivity. In response, APM Terminals has committed additional resources to enhance site conditions for the Least Terns.

“APM Terminals is dedicated to protecting local ecosystems,” said Jon Poelma, Managing Director of APM Terminals Los Angeles. “By supporting habitat protection on Pier 400, we are contributing to broader conservation and biodiversity efforts in the Los Angeles Harbor. Our initiatives reflect our commitment to lifting standards in all that we do – whether that is facilitating global trade or building stronger ties to the local communities where we operate.”

Increased populations

The ongoing management of the Pier 400 site is led by the Port of Los Angeles in partnership with the experts at Rincon Consultants. The team includes experienced biologists and predator management experts who conduct regular surveys and monitoring during the tern nesting season, from April 1 to August 31. Despite recent challenges, regional collective efforts have led to increased Least Tern populations throughout Southern California.
 


Leslie Yen, Senior Biologist at Rincon Consultants, commented, “APM Terminals' support has been instrumental in expanding our efforts to protect the California Least Tern. With additional resources, we can enhance our monitoring and management activities, ensuring a safer and more productive nesting environment for these birds."

Funding

Funding from APM Terminals has enabled the doubling of predator management efforts at Pier 400 during the peak nesting period, which is crucial for maintaining the site as a viable nesting ground. This enhanced effort aims to reverse the recent trend of early site abandonment and low fledgling numbers, in the hopes of fostering a thriving Least Tern population at Pier 400.

Kat Prickett, Supervisor of the Water Group with the Port of Los Angeles Environmental Management Division, added, "We are grateful for APM Terminals' commitment to this important conservation effort. Their partnership demonstrates the positive impact that corporate support can have on environmental initiatives and the preservation of endangered species."

In July, APM Terminals also commenced its year-long sponsorship of the Marine Mammal Care Center (MMCC), underscoring the terminal’s commitment to protecting ocean health and biodiversity along the Los Angeles County coastline.